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Articles by Heather Apse
Tripleseat Ranked #1 in 10 G2 Summer 2026 Reports Original
In Brief: Tripleseat, an event management software provider, has secured the top position in ten categories of the G2 Summer 2026 reports, highlighting its significant influence in the hospitality technology space.
Tripleseat Unveils AI Suite to Transform Event Management
In Brief: Leading event management platform for venues introduces Tripleseat Intelligence built for hospitality teams to manage the event lifecycle and focus on the guest experience; Debuts modernized visual identity designed to reflect the company's evolution and vision Tripleseat, the premier event-sales and management platform serving restaurants, hotels, and unique venues, today announced the launch of its comprehensive AI Platform, Tripleseat Intelligence.
Download the Free Guide: "The 2026 Buyer's Guide to Hotel Management Software" Released By Roommaster
In Brief: roommaster has published a free guide titled "The 2026 Buyer's Guide to Hotel Management Software," providing insights into the future of hotel management technology. Download the Free Guide: "The 2026 Buyer's Guide to Hotel Management Software" Released By Roommaster - Image Credit roommaster roommaster's new e-book helps independent hotel owners and operators cut through the noise and choose the right HMS with confidence.
Unlocking Agility in Hospitality Finance with Driver-Based Budgeting
In Brief: The article discusses how driver-based budgeting can enhance financial agility in the hospitality industry, allowing businesses to adapt more effectively to fluctuating market conditions. Unlocking Agility in Hospitality Finance with Driver-Based Budgeting - Image Credit Unsplash+ he hospitality industry operates on a rhythm of constant change. Seasonal demand shifts, unexpected travel trends, and fluctuating economic conditions are the norm.
Tripleseat Appoints Alex Hails As Chief Product Officer
In Brief: Tripleseat, a provider of event management software, has announced a change in its executive team with the appointment of Alex Hails to the position of Chief Product Officer. Seasoned product leader to guide next phase of innovation in event management solutions Tripleseat, the premier event-sales and management platform serving restaurants, hotels, and unique venues, today announced the appointment of Alex Hails as Chief Product Officer.
Automation in Action: A Deep Dive into Tripleseat’s Lead Management Ecosystem - By Heather Apse Original
In Brief: Heather Apse's article provides an in-depth analysis of how Tripleseat's automated lead management system is transforming operations within the hospitality sector. In the 2026 hospitality landscape, lead response velocity is the single greatest predictor of revenue growth. Research shows that venues providing an instant, professional response are more likely to close the deal. However, manual lead management is often the bottleneck.
Major Events Drive Gains in U.S. Hotel Performance for Week Ending March 21
Major Events Drive Gains in U.S. Hotel Performance for Week Ending March 21 U.S. hotels reported year-over-year increases in occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR for the week ending March 21, 2026, with Denver and St. Louis leading top markets. The U.S. hotel industry recorded positive year-over-year results for the week ending March 21, 2026, according to CoStar data. National occupancy reached 67.7%, a 2.7% increase from the comparable week in 2025.
How to Master the Psychology of Professional Event Planners: What They’re Really Looking for (And How to Close the Deal) - By Heather Apse Original
In Brief: Heather Apse's article provides insights into the mindset of professional event planners, offering strategies for effectively meeting their needs and securing business deals. For a professional corporate planner, a site visit isn’t just a tour—it’s a high-stakes assessment. Recognizing this psychology when choosing your venue will better position it to close more corporate bookings. When a pro chooses your venue, they are betting their career reputation on your team’s ability to execute.
The Verandah Social Club Opens at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida
In Brief: The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida has broadened its amenities with the introduction of The Verandah Social Club, a new venue for socializing and entertainment. Diplomat Beach Resort - Image Credit Hilton The Diplomat Beach Resort has opened The Verandah Social Club, an adults-only oceanfront pool and lounge experience, as part of its ongoing transition to Signia by Hilton.
Why Upskilling Your Event Team is the Ultimate Profit Strategy - By Heather Apse Original
In Brief: Heather Apse's article underscores the correlation between investing in employee skill development, particularly in event teams, and increased profitability in the hospitality industry. Why Upskilling Your Event Team is the Ultimate Profit Strategy - By Heather Apse - Image Credit Tripleseat In the events industry, we often obsess over the “big” things: how’s our venue acoustics, the AV tech stack, or the F&B quality.
HVS Report Spain - Formentera Market Pulse - Premium Demand Within a Supply-Constrained Island - By Gelina Kordoni, Aneu Castellarnau and Ezio Poinelli
Formentera Market Pulse - Premium Demand Within a Supply-Constrained Island Small in scale, strong in pricing power. Formentera blends resilient international demand, constrained supply, and Spain-leading revenue performance. In this scarcity-driven market, growth is captured through rate leadership and premium positioning rather than expansion.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group Appoints New Executives to Leadership Team
In Brief: Pan Pacific Hotels Group has announced changes to its executive team, with new appointments aimed at bolstering the company's operational effectiveness and strategic direction.
How Hotels Win Group Sales with High-Value Amenities and Seamless Booking - By Heather Apse
In Brief: Heather Apse's article explores how hotels are boosting group sales by offering high-value amenities and simplifying the booking process, thus improving overall guest satisfaction and loyalty. How Hotels Win Group Sales with High-Value Amenities and Seamless Booking - Image Credit Tripleseat For years, hotel “amenities” were treated as line items on a budget—costs to be managed rather than assets to be leveraged.
NH Collection Pemba Island Resort Announced for Tanzania’s Pemba Island
NH Collection Pemba Island Resort Announced for Tanzania’s Pemba Island - Image Credit Minor Hotels Minor Hotels has signed an agreement for the NH Collection Pemba Island Resort in Tanzania, with an opening planned for February 2030. The property will be developed in partnership with Infinity Developments, the owner of Anantara Zanzibar Resort & Residences, which is currently under construction.
7 Event Lead Generation Strategies to Build a Stronger Venue Pipeline in 2026 Original
Private events aren’t “extra revenue” anymore. For many venues, they are the highest-margin, most controllable revenue streams in the business. But here’s the reality: Too many event managers are still relying on passive inquiries, seasonal spikes, and word of mouth to fill their calendars. That approach creates unpredictable pipeline, revenue gaps, and last-minute scrambling.
World of Hyatt to Add Redemption Levels, Digital Points Sharing in May
World of Hyatt to Add Redemption Levels, Digital Points Sharing in May - Image Credit Hyatt World of Hyatt announced updates to its award chart and new program enhancements, including expanded redemption levels and digital points sharing, effective May. World of Hyatt will update its award chart in May, expanding from three to five redemption levels within each of its eight existing categories.
How to Maximize the Potential of Hotel Function Spaces
Beyond the Guesswork: The 4 Rules for Venue Growth in 2026 - Image Credit Tripleseat Is your most expensive real estate sitting dark 60% of the week? If your ballrooms only buzz on Saturday nights, you’re leaving six figures on the table. Innovative hoteliers are looking past the guest rooms to a goldmine that often sits underutilized: hotel function spaces.
Raising the Bar: Tripleseat Product and Feature Enhancements of 2025 Original
Beyond the Guesswork: The 4 Rules for Venue Growth in 2026 - Image Credit Tripleseat As we step into a new year, it’s worth celebrating everything 2025 brought to Tripleseat and to the event professionals creating unforgettable experiences every day! In a fast-moving events landscape, managers need more than a digital calendar; they need a co-pilot they can trust. That’s where Tripleseat comes in.
Tripleseat Appoints Rick Russo As Chief Financial Officer
Rick Russo - Image Credit Tripleseat Tripleseat has appointed strategic finance veteran Rick Russo as Chief Financial Officer to spearhead the company's next phase of growth and operational modernization. With over 30 years of experience scaling top-tier SaaS organizations, Russo joins the executive team to strengthen Tripleseat's position as the premier event-management platform for the hospitality industry.
10 Things the Super Bowl LX Teaches Us About Winning Hotel Group Sales - By Mike Pavicich
10 Things the Super Bowl LX Teaches Us About Winning Hotel Group Sale - Image Credit SalesAndCatering.com I’ll be honest, I’m genuinely bummed that my beloved Denver Broncos aren’t taking the field in Super Bowl LX, especially after such an incredible season. They gave fans a lot to believe in, came up just short, and reminded us how thin the margin is between a great year and a championship moment. That’s exactly why this Patriots vs. Seahawks matchup is such a powerful lesson.
The End of the Enquire-and-Wait Model: Proactive Sales for UK Venues in 2026 - By John Karemy Original
The End of the Enquire-and-Wait Model: Proactive Sales for UK Venues in 2026 - By John Karemy - Image Credit Tripleseat The UK hospitality landscape in 2026 is defined by a “new pragmatism.” Between the continued pressure of the National Living Wage and more discerning corporate spenders, the era of “winging it” is officially over. For UK venues, staying profitable isn’t just about filling the diary—it’s about yield optimisation.
ALIS 2026 Takeaways: A Hotel Investment Landscape Defined By Liquidity, Caution, and a Race for Differentiation - By Rod Clough Original
Ruby Hotels to Open First U.S. Location in Downtown Chicago - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts The 2026 ALIS Conference made one thing clear: the hotel industry is navigating an unusual moment where capital is plentiful, deal flow is scarce, and the operating landscape is rapidly and constantly shifting. Optimism was evident but grounded, marking a clear move beyond post‑pandemic enthusiasm toward more practical, disciplined thinking.
Nammos to Launch 110-Room Resort with Private Residences in Saudi Arabia at AMAALA in Spring 2026
Nammos plans to open its first resort in the Middle East at AMAALA’s Triple Bay in spring 2026, featuring 110 guest rooms and suites, pool bungalows, villas, and 20 private residences. Nammos has announced plans to open its first resort in the Middle East at AMAALA’s Triple Bay in spring 2026. The development will include 110 guest rooms and suites, pool bungalows, villas, and 20 private residences.
Beyond the Guesswork: The 4 Rules for Venue Growth in 2026 - By Heather Apse Original
Beyond the Guesswork: The 4 Rules for Venue Growth in 2026 - Image Credit Tripleseat In 2026, the hospitality industry is hitting a fork in the road. With labor costs rising and margins tightening, the old reactive sales model is being replaced by proactive, data-led strategies. To stay “Fully Booked” rather than “Just Getting By,” high-growth venues are shifting how they view their calendar and their pricing. Here are three ways to ensure your venue is on the right side of the gap: 1.
HVS Market Report - Minneapolis-St. Paul Hotel Recovery Remains Tepid - By Tanya J. Pierson Original
Minneapolis–St. Paul Hotel Recovery Remains Tepid Hard hit by a multitude of factors during the pandemic, the Twin Cities hotel market has experienced significant fluctuations in supply, demand, and operating performance. Signs of resilience are evident in the year-to-date trends, as the hotel market adjusts to supply changes and a different demand mix. The Twin Cities hotel market has shown steady recovery, yet the pace of the rebound continues to lag national performance.
Global Air Cargo Demand Achieved Record Volume in 2025
Global Air Cargo Demand Achieved Record Volume in 2025 The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for full year 2025 and December 2025 global air cargo market performance showing: Full-year demand for 2025, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased 3.4% compared to 2024 (4.2% for international operations). Full-year capacity in 2025, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 3.7% compared to 2024 (5.1% for international operations).
Tripadvisor Report Highlights Shift Toward Experience-Driven Travel in 2026
Tripadvisor Report Highlights Shift Toward Experience-Driven Travel in 2026 Tripadvisor’s 2026 Trendcast report, based on over one billion user reviews and contributions, identifies a significant shift in travel planning, with travelers increasingly prioritizing meaningful experiences, adventure, and pet-friendly options over traditional destination-focused trips. Tripadvisor has released its second annual Trendcast report, analyzing global travel trends for 2026.
Strong 2025 Global Airline Passenger Demand Masks Ongoing Capacity Constraints
Strong 2025 Global Airline Passenger Demand Masks Ongoing Capacity Constraints The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released 2025 full-year and December 2025 passenger market performance showing record high demand. Total full-year demand in 2025 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 5.3% compared to 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 5.2% in 2025.
Hotel Pricing for Buyouts: The Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Revenue - By Heather Apse
Hotel Pricing for Buyouts: The Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Revenue - By Heather Apse - Image Credit Tripleseat In today’s hospitality landscape, the “buyout” has shifted from a rare luxury to a strategic powerhouse. As corporate groups seek “bleisure” retreats and families prioritize privacy, boutique hotels have a golden opportunity to lock in massive, guaranteed revenue. However, pricing a buyout isn’t as simple as multiplying your rack rate by your room count.
ITB Berlin 2026 Launches ITB Navigator for Matchmaking and Event Planning
ITB Berlin 2026 Launches ITB Navigator for Matchmaking and Event Planning - Image Credit ITB Berlin ITB Berlin has launched the ITB Navigator, a digital platform designed to support matchmaking, appointment scheduling, and event preparation for participants of ITB Berlin 2026, which will take place from 3 to 5 March 2026.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Hotel Prices: Data Analysis of the Post-draw Surge and Game Day Spikes - By Jonathan Gough
FIFA World Cup 2026 Hotel Prices: Data Analysis of the Post-draw Surge and Game Day Spikes - By Jonathan Gough - Image Credit Lighthouse The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be a monumental event, with 104 matches, including 72 in the group Stage and 32 in the knockouts, spanning 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Minor Hotels Names Sonia Sammut General Manager of Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort
Sonia Sammut - Image Credit Minor Hotels Minor Hotels has announced the promotion of Sonia Sammut to General Manager of Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort, effective 1 January 2026. Minor Hotels has promoted Sonia Sammut to the position of General Manager at Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort, effective 1 January 2026. Sammut most recently served as Resort Manager at the same property, overseeing the operations of 70 villas and leading a team responsible for guest services.
The Amazon-ification of Events: Why Frictionless Event Booking is the New Luxury - By Heather Apse Original
The Amazon-ification of Events: Why Frictionless Event Booking is the New Luxury - Image Credit Tripleseat In the world of e-commerce, Amazon’s “Buy Now” button wasn’t just a feature; it was a psychological shift. It collapsed the distance between desire and ownership. Today, that same expectation has permeated every industry, yet hospitality—an industry built on service—remains stubbornly high-friction. We are witnessing the “Amazon-ification” of Events.
Unveiling 2026 Wedding Trends: Immersive Tech, Radical Personalization, and Intentional Luxury - By Heather Apse Original
Unveiling 2026 Wedding Trends: Immersive Tech, Radical Personalization, and Intentional Luxury - Image Credit Tripleseat As we start to move through 2026, the wedding landscape has shifted from traditional “cookie-cutter” ceremonies to highly curated, multi-sensory experiences.
Is Your Hotel Visible in ChatGPT Search? A Quick Guide to Help You Compete With OTAs for AI Planned Trips - By Jonathan Gough
Is Your Hotel Visible in ChatGPT Search? A Quick Guide to Help You Compete With OTAs for AI Planned Trips - By Jonathan Gough - Image Credit Lighthouse For over two decades, the battleground for hotel bookings has been defined by a struggle for control, with hotels on one side and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) on the other.
Moving Past ROAS As Marketing KPI - By Stephanie Smith
Moving Past ROAS As Marketing KPI - By Stephanie Smith - Image Credit Unsplash+ For years, Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) has been treated as the gold standard for evaluating hotel marketing performance. But as traveler behavior evolves and the planning journey becomes longer and more complex, it’s clear that ROAS no longer tells the full story. A more strategic, full-funnel approach is needed. One that aligns marketing, revenue management, and sales around shared goals and long-term growth.
Money Making Cocktails for Events: Which Drinks Help With Restaurant Profit Margins? Original
In the world of events, your bar shouldn’t just be a service point—it should be a profit engine. Unlike a standard nightly shift, events offer the advantage of predictable volume, allowing you to strategically curate a drink menu that maximizes margins while keeping service fast and seamless. Why Margins Matter for Event Success In a high-volume event setting, every second behind the bar and every cent in the bottle counts.
Indian Hotel Sector: 2025 in Review - By Mandeep S Lamba and Dipti Mohan
Indian Hotel Sector: 2025 in Review - Image Credit Unsplash 2025 was a year of steady progress for India’s hotel sector, marked by strong domestic demand and the ability to absorb disruption without losing momentum. Here’s a closer look at what shaped the year. Every journey has its detours, and 2025 had more than a few. The year began with confident strides for India’s hotel sector, riding the momentum of a country that was increasingly visible, self-assured, and influential on the global stage.
Choice Hotels to Expand Ascend Collection in Québec with Six New Properties
Hotel Brossard - Image Credit Hotel Brossard Choice Hotels International plans to open six new Ascend Collection properties in Québec by early 2026, as part of a multi-unit agreement. Choice Hotels International has announced a multi-unit agreement to expand its Ascend Collection brand in Canada with six new properties in Québec. The new hotels are scheduled to open by early 2026, marking a significant step in the company's growth strategy following the consolidation of Choice Hotels Canada.
Tips to Easily Increase Banquet Sales: A Guide for Event Managers - By Heather Apse Original
Tips to Easily Increase Banquet Sales: A Guide for Event Managers - Image Credit Tripleseat Whether you’re a restaurant owner or an event manager at a boutique hotel, your banquet business is the “heavy lifter” of your revenue. But in a world where planners are increasingly looking for speed, transparency, and “Instagrammable” moments, the old way of selling just won’t cut it. At Tripleseat, we’ve helped thousands of venues streamline their operations.
Flavor Forward: Exploring the Top Event Menu Trends of 2026 - By Venice Sacco
Flavor Forward: Exploring the Top Menu Trends of 2025 Are you ready to elevate your event planning? As we look toward 2026, the secret to a successful gala, wedding, or corporate retreat isn’t just about what is on the plate—it’s about the story the plate tells. In the world of events, menu innovation is meeting high guest expectations for transparency, inclusivity, and entertainment.
10 Marketing Strategies That Work for Independent Hoteliers - By Laure Cremers
10 Marketing Strategies That Work for Independent Hoteliers - By Laure Cremers - Image Credit Lighthouse For independent hotel owners and general managers (GMs), standing out in a crowded market is a massive challenge. Without the deep pockets and brand recognition of major chains, independents face uphill battles with their online presence, branding and distribution.
Flavor Forward: Exploring the Top Event Menu Trends of 2026 - By Venice Sacco
Flavor Forward: Exploring the Top Menu Trends of 2025 Are you ready to elevate your event planning? As we look toward 2026, the secret to a successful gala, wedding, or corporate retreat isn’t just about what is on the plate—it’s about the story the plate tells. In the world of events, menu innovation is meeting high guest expectations for transparency, inclusivity, and entertainment.
How to Optimize OTA Listings So Your Hotel Ranks Higher and Gets More Bookings - By Femke Nollet
How to Optimize OTA Listings so Your Hotel Ranks Higher and Gets More Bookings - Image Credit Unsplash If your property is listed on Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, or similar platforms, your ranking on those sites matters more than almost anything else. The higher you appear in search results, the more visibility you get. More visibility leads to more clicks, and more clicks ultimately lead to more bookings.
Moving Past ROAS As Marketing KPI - Stephanie Sparks Smith
Moving Past ROAS as Marketing KPI - Image Credit Unsplash+ For years, Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) has been treated as the gold standard for evaluating hotel marketing performance. But as traveler behavior evolves and the planning journey becomes longer and more complex, it’s clear that ROAS no longer tells the full story. A more strategic, full-funnel approach is needed. One that aligns marketing, revenue management, and sales around shared goals and long-term growth.
The Signals Beneath the Headlines - Three Non-Obbvious Lodging Bellwethers to Consider As We Head Into 2026 - By Bryan Younge
The Signals Beneath the Headlines - Image Credit Unsplash The final work week of the year has a distinct rhythm. Calendars thin out, inboxes slow just enough to create breathing room, and the urgency that defined much of the year gives way to reflection. It is one of the few moments when the lodging industry can step back from daily execution, absorb what has actually unfolded, and consider what the approach of a new year may hold.
The Vizergy Interview Series: From Project to Measurable Results With Michael Olberding
The Vizergy Interview Series: From Project to Measurable Results With Michael Olberding - Image Credit Vizergy Behind every successful Vizergy project is a team aligned around one goal: helping hotels achieve measurable, long-term digital performance. In this episode of The Vizergy Interview Series, Account Executive Michael Olberding shares his perspective on communication, collaboration, and how early alignment between teams creates stronger outcomes for hospitality brands. 1.
Sustainable Hotel Event Planning: A Checklist for Eco-Friendly Meetings - By Heather Apse
The “Post-Event” Impact Report - Image Credit Tripleseat Let’s face it: the events industry has a massive footprint, making a Sustainable Hotel Event Planning Checklist essential for any venue looking to reduce waste. From single-use plastics and food waste to energy-heavy AV setups, even one conference can leave a big impact. But the tide is turning — fast. Corporate planners today are increasingly bound by strict .
Strategic Partnerships That Help Your Independent Hotel Stand out from the Competition - By Femke Nollet
Strategic Partnerships That Help Your Independent Hotel Stand out from the Competition - By Femke Nollet - Image Credit Lighthouse Most independent hoteliers feel like they’re always juggling 10 different tasks at once. This leaves little time for optimizing the guest experience, marketing and online visibility. But you don’t have to do all of this on your own. There are various ways to collaborate with the right hotel partners and make your daily workload a bit lighter.
2026 FIFA World Cup Host City Power Ranking - Which Destinations Will See the Biggest Demand Impact? - By Daniel Foreman
2026 FIFA World Cup Host City Power Ranking - Which Destinations Will See the Biggest Demand Impact? - By Daniel Foreman - Image Credit Lighthouse The groups are set. The matchups are locked. Now the question every hotelier wants answered: which cities came out on top? We ranked all sixteen host cities by expected demand impact: factoring in team strength, day-of-week scheduling, travel convenience (both international and domestic), stadium size and more.
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