IHI HNN March 2024 Issue

2024 IHI National Hospitality Business Management Game Winners; Atlantic Technological University, Zoe Mitchell, Siobhán Byrne, Genie McDowell, Caoimhe Sweeney, Keevan Gannon.

March 2024

Dear Member,

On Monday, the 4th of March, I had the pleasure of attending the 39th annual National Business Management Game at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone. Participating students from Atlantic Technological University, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Technological University Dublin, Technological University of the Shannon,and Shannon College of Hotel Management prepare for weeks before the two-day competition. The students are truly a credit to their respective colleges.

The teams were given three challenges designed to test their skills in financial planning, human resources, and business development strategies. The Game is a learning experience through which the students enhance their management skills and teamwork. There is no doubt the Game proved to be challenging and exhausting, but I’m sure it was a valuable experience which will inspire the students as they embark on the next journey as young hospitality professionals.

A team of five students from Atlantic Technological University, which included Captain Genie Mc Dowell, Siobhán Byrne, Zoe Mitchell, Caoimhe Sweeney and Keeva Gannon took home the coveted first-place cup.

A very special thanks to the judges who had the most difficult job: Deirdre McDonald MIHI, Frits Potgieter MIHI, Ivan King, MIHI and Veronica Timlin MIHI. Deirdre, who chaired the panel said, “Many interesting insights and new perspectives were shared by the participants showing industry knowledge, creativity and innovation.”

A special mention goes to past IHI President Brian Bowler FIHI, for hosting the table quiz. Thank you as well to our members who came out to support the teams. It was fantastic to see you all there.

The game would not have been possible without the support of Fáilte Ireland, Peter Russell FIH ISHC, Russell Partnership Technology, Irish Hotels Federation, The Talbot Collection, The iNUA Collection, Windward Management Limited, Dalata Hotel Group, Classic Drinks and Booking.com. Thank you.

Wishing you all a safe and happy Easter.

Daragh O'Neill FIHI IHI President

Judging Panel; Frits Potgieter MIHI, Deirdre McDoanld MIHI, Ivan King MIHI and Veronica Timlin MIHI

Participating students from Atlantic Technological University, Dundalk Insititute of Technology, Shannon College of Hotel Management, Technological University Dublin and Technological University of the Shannon

Atlantic Technological University

Shannon Colloege of Hotel Management

Technological University Dublin

Dundalk Institute of Technology

WELCOME to our New Members

Liz Toader Hotel Manager

Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street

Helena Doody College Manager

Shannon College of Hotel Management

Saulius Cepkauskas General Manager

Maldron Hotel Parnell Square

John Ashley Cortez

Executive Housekeeper

Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel

WELCOME to our New Business Partner

Using the latest communication methods and modern designs, Bartech’s automatic minibars and etrays integratebeautifully into hotel bedrooms, and communicate seamlessly with hotels existingPMS system. This ensures that revenue captureis maximised, labour cost is vastlyreduced, guests are not disturbed unnecessarily and allowsthe front desk to have complete confidence in the accuracyof guests bills.

Bartech’s intelligent manual minibar addresses the post-Covid hotel environment with an innovative solution that enhances classic manual minibars with basic functionality. Simple to set up and implement, Minibar+® is a “plug and play” free mobile App’s, easily adding semi-automatic functionality to Bartech’s manual units to give hotel operators the ability to controlkey functions of these deviceswithout having to set foot in the guestroom.

Bartech uses the most efficient cooling systems and smart energy control software to make sure that energy consumption is minimised in our minibars. We use silent refrigeration units to avoidingdisturbing your guest’senjoyment of your hotel’s bedrooms.

As part of a worldwide organisation, Bartech EMEA has a permanent locally based supportteam of engineers on call, ready to keep our European clients’ 150,000 minibars on-line and generating revenue at every opportunity.

We are a boutique manufacturer of minibars, and we can customise any of our minibars to suit your room design and desired product layout – from a miniaturebottle of spiritsto a full bottle of Dom Perignon, we can arrange our minibars to accommodate your product choice. Our e-trays offer further in-room selling opportunities, allowing you to significantly increase turnoverby bringing attractive ambient products into the guest’seyeline.

We work with hoteliers, designers, IT teams and construction companies to fully understand the hotel’s concept and then build minibars to bring that concept to life. Bartechis trusted by many of the world’s foremost hotels to provide efficient, reliable, and profitable minibar networks. We’d love to see if we couldhelp you improveyour in-room margin and guestexperience too.

One of Ireland’s leading workplace services providers, Sodexo develops and manages a suite of services designed to improve the quality of life for clients and their employees, its customers It employs close to 3,000 people on the island of Ireland and is part of the global Sodexo Group, which operates in 45 countries worldwide.

Designed for workplace transformation and enhanced employee experiences, Sodexo’s services include dining and hospitality services, facilities and estate management services and net zero consultancy. The company’s commitment towards improving the workplace and employee experience has been recognised with four wins at the 2024 Facilities Management (FM) Awards: Total FM Service Provider of the Year, Facilities Management CSR Initiative of the Year, Best People Development in Facilities Management and FM Service Professional of the Year

Food and workplace dining services are at the core of its business and Sodexo’s research has shown that they play a pivotal role in contributing to the overall workplace experience Food is one of the top reasons employees give for travelling to the office, supporting its role as a place for connection, creativity and community and helping to increase employee productivity, health and wellbeing

Meeting consumer needs and preferences for more flexible, convenient, personalised and sustainable food services, Sodexo’s digital technologies provides consumers with a seamless dining experience including online ordering and contactless payment, also enabling Sodexo to capture consumer insight data to continuously review and improve services.

Sodexo has been actively reducing its climate impact since 2010, in collaboration with WWF and the Science Based Targets initiative. In 2017 in Ireland, Sodexo was the first food services company to become a member of Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme, that membership continues today. Sodexo also holds the Business in the Community Ireland ‘Business Working Responsibly Mark’ for excellence in sustainability.

As part of its recent social impact commitments, Sodexo Ireland announced its net zero supply chain engagement strategy, that from January 2030, it will only work with suppliers demonstrating tangible net zero progress through published reporting It works with 400 supply partners in Ireland, spending €70 million annually with them Sodexo is providing its supply partners with mentoring and considerable support to help them meet the net zero milestones

Sodexo has a two-year charity partnership with A Lust for Life, the award-winning Irish mental health charity for young people, to support the development of its digital schools’ programme for junior and senior infants A Lust for Life’s Junior and Senior Infants programme will roll out this year and will be accessible to around 142,000 children aged 5-7 years annually, which equates to 26% of the overall number of primary school students in Ireland.

For more information, visit https://ie.sodexo.com

GUESTLINE’S GUESTPAY AWARDED MOST INNOVATIVE PAYMENT SOLUTION AT MERCHANTS PAYMENT ECOSYSTEM AWARDS

Guestline, the leading hospitality technology platform, today announces it has been awarded “Most Innovative Payment Solution” for its GuestPay product, at the Merchant Payment Ecosystem Awards, which took place in Berlin on 13th March 2024.

Guestline, the leading hospitality technology platform, today announces it has been awarded “Most Innovative Payment Solution” for its GuestPay product, at the Merchant Payment Ecosystem Awards, which took place in Berlin on 13th March 2024.

The awards were held as part of the Merchant Payments Ecosystem 17th annual conference, one of the leading events for global payment merchants and professionals.

The Innovative Payment solution award recognises GuestPay as a payment solution that demonstrates true payment innovation and brings real benefits, value and differentiation to merchants and a great payment experience for customers.

Launched in 2020, GuestPay provides a simpler payment solution where hoteliers only have to integrate with one supplier, get their funds quicker and enjoy competitive rates, whilst at the same time providing a secure and reliable payment platform for guests.

It combines the operational and payment systems (payment gateway, merchant acquiring services and chip&pin terminals) into one centralised hub, ensuring a seamless and swift flow between the booking stage and payment into the hotel’s bank. Enabling the guest to settle their invoice or deposit payment pre-stay via a secure ‘Paylink’ that’s sent out from the PMS. Again, another automated, contact-free measure that helps hotels secure revenue and save time that’s also safe and convenient for guests.

Commenting on the win, Andrew Williams, Product Strategy Director, Guestline said, “This award is an incredible accolade to receive from the payment industry and testament to the innovation and commitment of our team in developing a solution for hoteliers that not only supports their operations but enables them to realise their own ambitions for growth. Across the entire Guestline platform we are focused on ensuring our solutions drive efficiency and revenue for our clients and we look forward to continuing to evolve our platform and payment solutions in the future.”

Net Affinity’s 2024 Revenue Summit

On February 20th 2024, we hosted the second instalment of our annual summit, bringing together some of the leading minds in revenue management from across the hospitality sector.

Exclusively for hoteliers, the event provided delegates with a day of expert insight and networking opportunities, covering topics such as technology integration and industry innovation.

Of those in attendance, 50% were sales and marketing professionals, 29% worked in revenue management, and 10% were hotel managers, owners, or directors.

Revenue Summit: Welcome Address

Our founder and managing director, William Cotter, set the tone for the event with his welcome address. He honed in on the modern guest — often mobile users who value a seamless digital journey.

A key message from his address is that this modern guest is looking for more than simply a stay — they’re looking for a personalised experience suited to their individual preferences, presenting an opportunity for hotels to increase their profitability through direct bookings.

Revenue Summit: Keynote Speeches

Lennert De Jong, our 1rst keynote speaker from Planet Payment, then delivered a talk on the Global Shopping Sentiment Report. He shared that 59% of consumers prefer to use a mobile device to browse online for reservations, with the same percentage of global consumers stating that they prefer selfcheck-in for its efficiency.

The survey findings provided useful consumer insights, helping hoteliers to decide where to invest their efforts to improve guest experience, with suggested options including speedy check-out, Rexible checkin, streamlined technology, currency choice and simple direct booking.

Allan Nelson, our second Keynote speaker from For-Sight, spoke about integrating technology and personalisation for revenue growth. He noted that 71% of consumers expect companies to deliver a personalised service, with 76% feeling frustrated when this doesn't happen.

The key takeaway from Nelson’s talk was for hoteliers to always keep the rule of three in mind when seeking to improve the guest experience online: sharing dynamic content, targeting precise messaging through segmentation, and having guest journey touchpoints - that is, ensuring contact is made at the right time.

Revenue Summit: Discussion Panels

The event included two discussion panels, the 1st moderated by Sharon Power Cowley on tech stack challenges for hoteliers.

The panel saw Darren Kearney, Commercial Director at Carlton Hotel Group, Cian McDonagh, Group Director of Digital Strategy at MHL Collection and Elaine Kelly, Group Projects and Systems Manager at Galgorm Group, explore the complexities of designing an optimal tech stack in an increasingly competitive landscape.

General consensus amongst delegates was that everyone was experiencing similar challenges with fulfilling marketing objectives alongside managing the guest journey, adopting new technology and effectively incorporating artificial intelligence.

The second panel was moderated by our very own Gemma Hynes, discussing how to empower revenue culture throughout a hotel or hotel group.

Andrew Kavanagh, Group Sales and Marketing manager at FBD Hotels & Resorts, Flavia Serrano, Group Commercial Manager at Talbot Collection, Ted Robinson, Managing Director at Barberstown Castle, and Mark Scott-Lennon, Managing Director at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, sat down together to share their insights on this topic.

The panellists emphasised the importance of involving the entire hotel team in conversations about revenue, be they working front of house or in the back office. Everyone internally must understand the journey that guests will go on, as it’s the only way they can thus meaningfully contribute to it.

Revenue Summit: MD’s Reflections

Reflecting on the event, our managing director William said: “We’re thrilled to have hosted another successful RevenueSummit this year.

“Bringing together industry experts is crucial for driving growth and creating a forward-thinking sector.

“We are proud to have facilitated discussions on pressing challenges and emerging opportunities, with a focus on the role of technology in addressing them.”

If our services are something your business could benefit from, get in touch today and we’d be happy to discuss this further.

Alternatively, why not read our recent blog and get to know our digital marketing strategists?

Wellness for your mind, body and bank balance

Midweek bliss: wellness bank balance cuts booking window

New research from Journey reveals spa trends including the cheapest and busiest days for spa breaks and treatments

Spa goers can nd the best value for money by enjoying a treatment or spa break on Thursdays, saving around 13% on peak weekend days, nds research conducted by hospitality technology company, Journey. Saturdays remain the busiest and most expensive day for spa visits.

The report also revealed consumers are booking closer to their spa breaks than the previous year, suggesting that while people are watching their spending, when they have funds available they remain eager to prioritise health and wellbeing

Journey studied data from over 73,000 bookings at almost 120 luxury spa hotels in the UK and Ireland to identify trends that can help spas optimise their business and consumers bag a bargain Revenue from wellness tipped to grow by 52% from 2024 to 2027 (according to the Global Wellness Summit 2024) and with 26 million wellness trips in the UK each year, and each person spending around £462 (according to the Global Wellness Institute, 2022), wellness is increasingly important to today’s urban population.

For consumers seeking a bargain spa day, Thursdays and Tuesdays represent the best value for money, with Tuesdays and Sundays the quietest days for bookings Saturdays and Sundays are the most expensive, while Saturdays and Thursdays are the busiest days for those enjoying a relaxing spa day

For individual spa treatments, Wednesdays and Thursdays offer the best value, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays receiving the fewest bookings. Saturdays were both the most expensive and busiest day for spa treatments, followed by Fridays (for number of bookings)and Sundays (for cost).

Laura Meeson, Director of Spa at Journey, said: “The research indicates consumers who want the best value should consider booking their Spa Days on a Thursday or Tuesday, as these days represent a saving of around 13% over peak weekend prices Budget conscious spa goers should avoid Saturdays - it’s the busiest and most expensive day for both spa days and individual treatments

“We’ve also seen a shift in how soon people are booking spa breaks – down from 31 days in 2022 to 26 days in 2023 – as consumers are seemingly keeping a closer watch on their personal spending. If the date of your visit is key, we recommend guests book a minimum of ve weeks in advance to secure their preferred date.”

The digitalisation of spa booking processes is a response to changing consumer behaviours, driven by today’s digital-rst society and a ng amidst the cost-of-living crisis.

Dive into the world of hospitality technology with the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series! Join Denis Ahern (CEO) and Helena O'Brien (Business Development Manager) as they explore the latest trends and innovations shaping the industry. The goal? To empower decision-makers like you with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the tech landscape confidently. Watch the series now!

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

Expedia Group and Netflix Announce First Global Advertising Partnership, Delivering Local Advertisements to Audiences

Following the launch of Netflix’s ad-supported plan and extensive transformation at Expedia Group, the partnership aims to accelerate traveler growth in many of the streamer’s ad-supported markets

Expedia Group and Netflix announced today that Expedia will be the first global advertising partner to activate a multi-market campaign on Netflix’s ad-supported plan throughout 2024. The first-of-its-kind partnership marks a significant step in Expedia Group’s ambition to further accelerate global expansion while reinforcing Netflix’s multi-country advertising offering to advertisers and members, now reaching more than 23 million global monthly active users.

The collaboration kicks off in Japan this month as Expedia re-establishes its position with a significant national campaign. Additional markets in the advertising partnership include the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia and Brazil. Expedia Group and Netflix also announced that Expedia Group are alpha measurement partners in the United Kingdom and Brazil and together are committed to driving product innovation, striving to evolve and improve viewer ad experiences and success measurement.

Expedia’s brand platform delivers a consistent global position, “Made to Travel,” with thoughtfully crafted executions, developed by an in-house creative team for each market. Netflix will air Expedia’s localized creative in each of the respective countries, with several launching through February. First up is Japan and “Two Step,” a brand new creative specifically produced for the Japanese traveler. “Two Step” tells the story of a group of friends traveling to the USA for their passion, line dancing. The global brand platform is localized to Japanese culture as “Expedia. Step out. Everyday.” The work will be delivered on Netflix via predominantly :60 second anthemic spots, featuring Expedia’s package price tracking tools. The film was directed by award-winning director Hiro Murai and produced in-house.

“With years of brand and technology transformation behind us, we’re now leveraging new capabilities to go on the offense globally: winning AI based products, reinvented brands, and a loyalty construct in One Key that offers customers one travel ecosystem for all their needs,” said Jon Gieselman, president, Expedia Group. “As global consumer habits rapidly evolve, we are always looking for innovative opportunities to showcase our brands and story-tell locally. Netflix’s product allows us to reach a rapidly growing audience. We aren’t afraid to be first and I look at this partnership as just the beginning.”

We’re excited to be working with Expedia, our first global advertising partner,” said Amy Reinhard, President of Advertising at Netflix. “This first-of-its-kind partnership will offer our engaged ad-supported members contextually relevant ads creatives, making the viewing experience even more enjoyable, while also making Netflix a global destination for our advertising partners.”

Four Wins for Sodexo Ireland at 2024 Facilities Management Awards

775-Michael Galkin, account manager, Marian Cronin, business development director, David Fox, managing director, Lynn Carson, account manager and Billy Perkins, divisional director, Sodexo Ireland with the four award plaques presented at the 2024 Facilities Management Awards.

Workplace services provider Sodexo Ireland has won four awards at the 2024 Facilities Management (FM) Awards, winning Total FM Service Provider of the Year, Facilities Management CSR Initiative of the Year, Best People Development in Facilities Management and account manager Michael Galkin winning FM Service Professional of the Year.

Taking place in Dublin on 13 March, Sodexo was the big winner on the night as the only company to win four awards. According to the judges, as Total FM Service Provider of the Year, the company was lauded for its ability to retain employees and clients while showcasing a progressive and innovative approach, highlighting its strategic effectiveness in the FM industry.

Its CSR initiative, which focuses on the mental health of young people through a partnership with A Lust for Life, demonstrates a profound and tangible impact and showcases a remarkable effort to educate children on emotional resilience, literacy and awareness and address mental health proactively. Sodexo’s ‘Promote from Within’ strategy won it the Best People Development in Facilities Management Award while Michael Galkin won FM Service Professional of the Year for his keen insight into future FM trends and sustainability.

Launched in 2014, the Facilities Management Awards is the premier awards programme in recognising the excellent work carried out by Ireland’s facility and property management teams and companies. They recognise the extraordinary contribution and commitment that companies now make towards growing a future in Irish business today. An independent panel of expert judges, drawn from academia, business and broader related sectors, determined each winner on the night.

David Fox, managing director, Sodexo Ireland, said “I want to thank all of my colleagues for this tremendous achievement – these awards are testament to their outstanding dedication, passion and contribution.

“To take home four awards is an incredible result, this industry recognition clearly demonstrates our ambition to represent best in class facilities management in terms of technology, digital connectivity and social value enabling commercial models to meet the market needs today and, in the future.

“We are continuing to win exciting new contracts and growing our business in Ireland with purpose. I look forward to continuing to deliver a broad range of sustainable FM services in partnership with our valued clients and suppliers – all the time guided by our mission to improve the quality of life for our colleagues, our clients and the communities in which we operate.”

Sodexo Ireland is part of the global Sodexo Group, a world leader in delivering services that improve the quality of life to clients in business and industry, education, financial, pharma and healthcare. These include food services, infrastructure build, facilities and estate management, optimising the workplace experience, wellness experiences, personal and homecare services.

https://ie.sodexo.com/netzero

Setting the Stage for Success, A Memorable Induction and Training Program

by Otmar Wullich

Do you recall your first induction?

After years in hospitality, across various countries and establishments, I distinctly remember the best and worst experiences. They truly leave a lasting impression, don't they?

Now, let's envision this important day through the eyes of your newest team member and explore ways to make it stand out.

How can we enhance this experience?

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, where guest satisfaction is paramount, and service standards are non-negotiable, successful employee induction or onboarding is crucial.

Induction training plays a fundamental role in introducing a new staff member to the future place of work and inspiring a service-oriented mindset in new hires.

From hotels to restaurants, spas to event venues, a comprehensive and well-planned induction program lays the groundwork for future success, of the new starter. Ensuring that employees are well integrated and equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional service from day one. What is the difference between induction and training?

In short, induction gives you the initial information and knowledge, ensuring your compliance and safety on how everything functions around the new workplace.

Inductions should be precise and shorter in time than training. Training on the other hand, is to improve your daily job performance giving you role specific skills, and the associated knowledge.

To be effective, they must be both equally well planned and executed. While many establishments have fine-tuned their induction programs, others may still be in the process of defining theirs.

Throughout my career, I've compiled valuable notes gathered from my experiences in national and international properties, I had the privilege to work in.

Here, I share key essential tips for crafting a memorable and successful induction.

General Induction and Welcome

Induction activities often include welcome sessions, - this phase aims to make newcomers feel valued, comfortable, and integrated into the team from the outset.

The Orientation to the Organisation

A detailed induction involves introducing new employees to the organisational culture and core values. It provides them with an overview of the company's history, mission, and vision, fostering a sense of belonging and affiliation with the organisational objectives. It also allows familiarisation with the physical environment of the new workplace.

By emphasising the significance of personalised service and attention to details, induction training empowers employees to deliver memorable experiences that keep guests coming back.

Ensuring Compliance, Safety and Administrative Procedures

This section, will cover essential administrative tasks such as completing paperwork, understanding HR policies, procedures, benefits enrolment, and compliance training (e.g., health and safety regulations, diversity training).

Clarification of Expectations

By giving transparency within their role, employees learn about their responsibilities, and performance expectations. This clarity prevents vagueness, enabling individuals to comprehend their contributions within the organisational structure. Clear communication regarding job duties, performance metrics, and behavioural standards helps set the foundation for success and reduces uncertainty.

Training on the job or the departmental induction should include:

Introduction to the Department

The introduction to the relevant department has an ultimate impact on job performance and job retention. Without proper guidance during the departmental onboarding process, employees may also feel overwhelmed or underprepared to handle their daily tasks. This can very quickly result in frustration and decreased job satisfaction. What our new starter just learned about values and general policies, needs to be mirrored in the department.

Skill and Role Specific Training

Here the head of department, can clearly define performance expectations, responsibilities, and behavioural standards. Different roles within the hospitality industry require training, that is tailored to the demands of the position. For example, job-related technical skills and competencies necessary for delivering exceptional service and attention to details.

For instance, front-of-house staff may receive soft skill training in guest interaction, customer service, communication, conflict resolution and problem solving or hard skills such as (e.g., operating point-ofsale systems, preparing drinks, serving food). Meanwhile kitchen staff may undergo culinary training and food safety certification, relevant to their roles.

Culture of Development and Continuous Learning

Training is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process aimed at continuously improving employee performance and adapting to changing industry trends and guest expectations. Regular training sessions or workshops, keep employees updated and engaged. Staff development involves preparing the employees to take on more responsibility and new challenges in the workforce.

Feedback and Evaluation

Effective training programs incorporate mechanisms for feedback and evaluation to assess employee progress. Identifying areas for improvement and providing tailored guidance with constructive feedback, enables employees to refine their skills and strive for excellence.

Conclusion:

By understanding and implementing effective induction and departmental training, you are laying the groundwork for employee success. You also foster a culture of excellent service, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and driving business success.

If the job reality varies significantly from what was advertised and promised during the recruitment and induction process, employees may become disengaged and develop a negative impression of the business / organisation.

Hospitality employers who have set up and invested in a comprehensive, engaging, and supportive induction process, have a higher chance of commitment and loyalty from the new employee. This will increase engagement, job satisfaction, and long-term retention.

I'm certain that some of you may already be employing a similar or perhaps identical procedure. However, for those who aren't, I hope these tips will be beneficial for your upcoming induction and training sessions.

Feel free to let me know how you're progressing. If you require further details about my services, you can visit https://www.otmarwullich.com/ or reach out to me directly by phone.

Otmar Wullich, Hospitality Training & Consultancy Services, endeavours to transform businesses in the hospitality industry by encouraging passion, accountability, and excellence in their teams. With a career spanning over 35 years in hospitality, tourism, training, education, consultancy, and the supplier industries, Otmar brings a wealth of expertise and practical knowledge to his clients.

His services are designed to:

·Cultivate passion and accountability within teams.

·Provide comprehensive training to enhance customer service.

·Provide specialized training for mastering technical skills essential in restaurant operations.

·Streamline operational standards and efficiency.

·Guide businesses towards sustainability and cost-effectiveness

·Offer practical, fact-based advice to achieve consistency and efficiency in operations.

Otmar's expertise covers a broad spectrum of the hospitality sector. Ranging from cozy family-owned guesthouses to prestigious Michelinstarred restaurants. Moreover, his extensive background encompasses the hotel sector, including exclusive guesthouses and luxurious 5star properties throughout Ireland, the UK, and Continental Europe. Otmar’s services are tailored to empower businesses to excel in the competitive hospitality industry by fostering excellence, sustainability, and efficiency in their operations.

Graduating Class 2019-2024

We were delighted to welcome the Aaron Mansworth (Patron and Managing Director of Trigon Hotels) Graduating class on campus on March 7th to celebrate their incredible achievements.

We are proud to see them enter the world of Hospitality management as well as become members of the IHI and Shannon Alumni. We look forward to seeing them achieve their greatest aspirations as they embark on their next journeys around the Globe!

Shannon College of Hotel Management CPD Course

We are delighted to offer this 1-day Revenue Management module again on campus here in Shannon College of Hotel Management on Tuesday 9th April.

This course is designed to deliver actionable insights for your hospitality business in the Revenue & Distribution Management space. The course will direct you as to some key actions that you can implement in your property to support your revenue optimisation.

Course content will include the following.

Context & Macro Environment

Concept & Metrics of Revenue Management

Pricing

Collaboration – where does Rev. Mgmt sit within your property

The use of Technology in Revenue Management

Industry & Traveller Trends

Course Fee €450

Email - fiona duggan@universityofgalway ie for further information

Upcoming Events

Virtual Information Session. 25th April 9:30am and 4pm GMT. We will host a panel discussion where students from Ireland and around the World are welcomed to jpin and discover more about what we offer in Shannon College of Hotel Management Click here to register.

Virtual Q&A Session. 30th April 6:30pm GMT. We invite all current Shannon College applicants to join us on this call to ask any questions they have in advance of becoming a student of Shannon College of Hotel Management

Click here to register

Hospitality Skills Development Course. 11th May 9:30am to 5pm

We will welcome students who are interested in pursuing a degree or career in the industry. This one day course will allow you to explore our campus and gain skills in areas such as Food & Beverage, Culinary Arts, and Rooms Division. This course is €75 per person and students will receive lunch as well as a certificate of completion.

Click here to learn more.

IHI Fellow Aaron Mansworth

as President of Cork Business Association

Cork Business Association held its 67th Annual General Meeting last night at the Metropole Hotel Cork. The event marked the election of Mr Aaron Mansworth of the Trigon Hotel Group as their new President. Aaron’s term will last until March 2025.

Aaron is taking over the reins from Kevin Herlihy, who had a successful two-year term as President in what was a challenging time for businesses in Cork City. He will continue to play an active role with the Cork Business Association and will support Aaron in his new role.

Aaron Mansworth, a well-known and well-liked Cork businessman, is Managing Director of Trigon Hotel Group, responsible for the Metropole Hotel, Cork International Hotel, and Cork Airport Hotel. In addition to his voluntary role with Cork Business Association including serving as Vice-President over the past year, Aaron is on the board of Visit Cork and is on the national management and council of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).

His journey to the position of President of the CBA has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to the hospitality industry, spanning from Cork to Switzerland and New York. But also as a product of a family business—a background that he says has instilled in him the values of hard work, dedication, and community spirit.

Addressing assembled members at the AGM, Mr. Mansworth said, “It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors, some exceptional business leaders, who have been serving this dynamic and vibrant business community for 67 years.

“Our new 5-year strategy paves the way for exciting changes, including the division of our organization into five dynamic working groups. These groups will play a crucial role in enhancing our structure and effectiveness, ensuring that we are better equipped to meet the evolving needs of our members and the wider community.

elected

“As I step into this role, I am mindful of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and I am committed to ensuring Cork Business Association plays a pivotal role in our city’s growth and progress.

Aaron went on to identify a number of priorities that he will concentrate on during his term in office.

“We will continue to advocate for the much-needed events centre, for more housing in the city, and for initiatives that bring more tourists and business to our city. Additionally we will keep the pressure on for more supports to help alleviate the ever increasing financial burdens on businesses so we see growth in the future and no further closures. And collaborating closely with Cork City Council, we will actively contribute to advancing our city's goals, from achieving climate neutrality and becoming a smart city by 2030, to embracing the 15-minute city concept.”

“Together, we have the power to shape the future, to foster an environment where businesses, both big and small, can flourish. Collaboration will be key as we navigate through ever-evolving economic landscapes, technological advancements, and societal changes.

“Through previous presidents, we have built relationships with key stakeholders in the city such as Ministers, Cork City Council, The Gardai, Tourism bodies such as Failte Ireland, Retail Forums and infrastructure bodies to name but a few. My aim will be to keep and indeed harness these relationships further to create a more vibrant, safer, and welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Over the coming months, I look forward to engaging with businesses in the city, listening to their insights, and working together. Together, with collective effort, we have the power to shape the future of our city and create a legacy that will endure for years to come.

Chair of the Cork Business Association board, Lawrence Owens said, “Aaron is an astute businessman and I am confident he will bring new progressive and dynamic thinking to the organisation. Under his guidance and direction, CBA will no doubt continue to grow and evolve and make a positive impact for businesses in Cork City.”

Cork Business Association is a voluntary, not-for-profit, organisation for Cork Business by Cork Business. The local voluntary collective of businesspeople provide a support network for members and personal one-to-one advice. They champion a vibrant, safe, clean, welcoming, sustainable and living Cork City. By working together, the organisation believes that businesses in the city will have a stronger voice when dealing with local and national issues. For more see corkbusiness.ie.

Mentors Matter

THE 5 BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A MENTOR

If you don’t have a mentor, now is the perfect time to find one.

Almost every well-known name who has achieved business success credits a mentor (or several mentors). Think Richard Branson who was mentored by Sir Freddie Laker,Mark Zuckerberg who was mentored by Steve Jobs and Bill Gates who was mentored by Warren Buffet. What we see is the refined version of a person who has had a long journey to their success. What we often don’t realise is that these people weren’t born like this – they will have had a number of helping hands along the way which helped pull them to success.

A mentor is someone who has experienced success in an area or areas related to whatever challenges you are facing. They will have reflected upon their experience – their successes and failures – in such a way that they will have developed the wisdom that comes from perspective.

This enables the mentor to ask pertinent questions based on their experience that will make you think more deeply about what you are doing. They may tell you how to do some things, but mostly they will ask questions and be a valuable set of experienced eyes helping you to avoid pitfalls and maximise your potential.

"The key to being a good mentor is to help people become more of who they already are – not to make them more like you," – Suze Orman

A mentor’s questions should make you think more deeply about what you are doing and what you really want from your business or career. When you are working hard on the day to day activities of your career it is very easy to get submersed in this and to lose sight of the bigger picture. A mentor helps you see the whole; they help you understand the wider business context of what you are doing. They help you think about it so you can better develop and work towards achieving your vision.

A mentor helps you maintain a healthy perspective.

A mentor will help you zoom out to see the big-picture view of your business dreams, goals and strategic plans; and they will assist with the close-up view of the problems and roadblocks that need specific attention as well. The power of the mentor is that they are not working in the business, so they are able to see both views to enable perspective and wisdom. All too often we become too engaged with the operational details to maintain that clear view all the time.

A mentor provides a safe place for you to be real.

It is often difficult to be fully open with someone within your organisation. A mentor who has no authority or aspirations within your company can provide a safe place for you to be open about your fears and struggles. They will help you think about you. Many business people can function well but are not emotionally healthy. A good mentor will get past any façade you put on for your team and help you with your inner challenges. Those things that play on your mind and disturb your sleep.

A mentor will help you grow your capacity.

A mentor who can see your potential can help you to become a better version of yourself. They will help you see your potential and believe in yourself. They are less emotionally involved in the business, and therefore less affected by the ups and downs. They will encourage you and help you to be better and release your potential.

A mentor keeps you accountable.

The best mentors are people who will challenge you to think deeply, make tough decisions, and have difficult conversations. They will help you be more confident that you are on the right track or have thought through the implications in difficult times. They will tell you when you are being unrealistic. This level of accountability is hard to handle at times but is always a good thing for those looking to reach their full potential.

The more invested you are in the mentoring relationship the more likely you are to benefit from it.

Source: PLD

To register your interest in the IHI Mentors Matter Programme, please email mentors@ihi.ie