Download the ULTIMATE Guide to Creating Profitable Partnerships!

#076: Louisville Awaits: A Sneak Peek at the ​​​​​​​2025 ALP Conference with Sarah Gazi, CEO

#076: Louisville Awaits: A Sneak Peek at the ​​​​​​​2025 ALP Conference with Sarah Gazi, CEO

What do the Kentucky Derby, hand-crafted bourbon, southern charm, a vibrant culture of arts, cuisine, and independent lodging all have in common?

Louisville, Kentucky — the host city of the 2025 ALP Conference & Marketplace taking place March 24–27. Sarah Gazi, ALP CEO, provides a preview of what to expect at this year’s conference, which will host 50 educational sessions plus lots of southern-themed networking and fun.

We are very thankful to Sarah for sharing her insights with us.

You can learn more about the 2025 ALP Conference & Marketplace at alplodging.org/conference-marketplace.

#075: Peeling Back the Layers for Better Marketing Decisions with Matt Cooke, CEO of Data Bing

#075: Peeling Back the Layers for Better Marketing Decisions with Matt Cooke, CEO of Data Bing

Centralized online marketing tools are increasingly essential for independent lodging professionals, allowing innkeepers to focus more on their daily operations.

Data Bing consolidates all marketing efforts and provides robust insights to make better decisions that drive more bookings. Matt Cooke, CEO of Data Bing, shares how this solution can optimize your online marketing.

We are very thankful to Matt for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Data Bing at databingsolutions.com.

#074: Protecting Transactions: Essential Payment and Cybersecurity Practices for Credit Card Processing with Wynn Salisch of Casablanca Payments

#074: Protecting Transactions: Essential Payment and Cybersecurity Practices for Credit Card Processing with Wynn Salisch of Casablanca Payments

Data breaches and cyberattacks are growing challenges for the independent lodging sector, highlighting the need for property owners to safeguard their data.

The right payment processing solutions can help lodging providers save money, streamline operations, and protect sensitive information. Wynn Salisch, Founder of Casablanca Payments, shares insights on payment processing and cyber hygiene.

We are very thankful to Wynn for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Casablanca Payments at mpiprocessing.com/wynn-salisch-casablanca-payments.

#073: Coming to Iowa: MWInns 2024 Conference & Trade Show Preview with Kerri Thiel and Randy Bangs

#073: Coming to Iowa: MWInns 2024 Conference & Trade Show Preview with Kerri Thiel and Randy Bangs

As the newly rebranded Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) continues to expand in the region and provide marketing value for its members, the organization is about to kick off its annual conference.

Taking place December 3rd to 5th in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the Midwest Association of Independent Inns Conference & Trade Show will gather industry experts, vendor partners, and other innkeepers to explore issues, challenges, and opportunities to enhance the guest experience.

We are very thankful to Kerri Thiel, Executive Director of MWInns; and Randy Bangs, who is the Board VP Marketing Chair of MWInns, for sharing their insights about the conference with us.

You can learn more about the MWInns at mwinns.com. You can also register to attend the conference at mwinns.com/mwinns-conference-trade-show.

#072: Perseverance in Action: From Navigating Cease-and-Desist Orders to a Successful Urban Property with Julie McAferty, Greenlake Guest House

#072: Perseverance in Action: From Navigating Cease-and-Desist Orders to a Successful Urban Property with Julie McAferty, Greenlake Guest House

In 2004, when Julie McAferty and her husband Blayne purchased a 1920s-era home in Seattle, WA they did not anticipate the obstacles that they would encounter. From facing cease-and-desist orders to navigating changes in local laws, their perseverance and advocacy for the lodging industry were key to their triumphs.

Overcoming these obstacles early on, helped them master a strategic approach to running their business. As urban lodging owners, it soon became apparent that providing guests with personalized recommendations to local attractions was essential for creating memorable guest experiences.

Their story serves as an inspiring example of how perseverance, local expertise, and advocacy can drive success in the ever-changing world of hospitality.

You can learn more about the Greenlake Guest House at greenlakeguesthouse.com.