by Steve Short | Mar 13, 2026 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
In a crowded market, strong visuals can make all the difference when it comes to capturing attention and turning interest into bookings.
Cody Harmon, owner and founder of Scratch Media discusses the value of high-quality photography and video for independent lodging properties. Visual storytelling showcases not only properties, but also the surrounding experiences that make a stay memorable. It can also serve as a concierge, giving potential guests a visual preview of their stay.
We are very thankful to Cody for sharing his insights. You can learn more at scratchmedia.co.
by Steve Short | Feb 12, 2026 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
As AI transforms how travelers discover their next stay, innkeepers need new strategies to stay visible and competitive.
In this episode, Kenny Ridgell, Founder of Ridge Media, discusses his upcoming ALP Unlocked 2026 presentation, titled The Zero Click Era: How AI Is Rewriting Travel Discovery (and What to Do About It). Kenny shares actionable tips for how innkeepers can best attract guests searching for their properties in today’s AI-driven world.
We are very thankful to Kenny for sharing his insights. You can learn more at ridgemediallc.com.
by Steve Short | Jan 16, 2026 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
The ALP annual conference has a new name and a new format focused on hands-on learning for ALP members, non-members and aspiring innkeepers. Welcome all to ALP Unlocked.
Sarah Gazi, CEO of ALP, discusses ALP Unlocked 2026, taking place March 2 to 5 in Cleveland, Ohio, the rock and roll capital of the world. This year’s conference will provide tactical and practical insights to help innkeepers grow and sustain their businesses.
She also discusses the ALP Academy, a year-round education platform that extends learning beyond the event itself.
We are very thankful to Sarah for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about the ALP Unlocked 2026 at ALP Lodging,
by Steve Short | Dec 12, 2025 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
For many innkeepers, managing day-to-day operations can be overwhelming, but the right technology can make all the difference.
Gideon Stanley, CEO and Founder of GraceSoft, discusses how his company’s cloud-based tools help streamline property management for hotels, B&Bs, motels, resorts, and more. He also highlights GraceSoft’s new CRM solution, which brings powerful tools like two-way messaging, loyalty tracking, email marketing, and guest profiles into one system connected to the PMS.
We are very thankful to Gideon for sharing his insights. You can learn more at gracesoft.com.
by Steve Short | Nov 7, 2025 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
Even the smallest touches can make a big impact when it comes to guest satisfaction.
Based on their 2025 ALP Conference presentation, Peter MacLaren — owner and operator of West Hill House B&B in Warren, Vermont — and Rachel Paley — general manager at Saratoga Arms Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York — share simple, high-impact ways innkeepers can go above and beyond for their guests.
We are very thankful to Peter and Rachel for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more about West Hill House B&B at westhillbb.com and Saratoga Arms Hotel at saratogaarms.com.