The Hospitality Industry’s Adoption of New Technology discussed at Cornell University

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Two-dozen industry leaders recently discussed the impact of technology in the hospitality space at Cornell University, where cloud computing, new technology best practices, and digital marketing strategies were amongst the subjects in focus. 

In a session titled ‘Voice of the Crowd on the Cloud,’ the talk’s panel noted that consumers on social media platforms now serve as social and environmental responsibility watchdogs, and as such hold businesses accountable for their actions. 

Larry Hall, president and CEO of Trillium Services Group, said: “The cloud gives the consumer a loud, amplified voice; companies are held to a higher than ever level of morality and accountability as a result.”

Also discussed were the pros and cons of in-house versus outsourced technology systems, noting that while outside contractors may deliver a better, more time efficient solution, hospitality businesses are advised to create an in-house technology team with the purpose of overseeing implementation and delivery of new services. 

One challenge for the industry to overcome in technology implementation is with its conservative outlook, participants said. Jules Sieburgh, of Jules A Sieburgh LLC, said: “Not legacy systems, but legacy thinking is what is holding us behind in the hospitality industry.”

Panelists also agreed on the importance of hospitality businesses not neglecting the personal interactions that define them once new technologies have been implemented.