Training Articles (formerly Member Blog)

We have been told that "slow and steady wins the race," but after listening to Dr. Pogue's keynote at the Orlando Hospitality Training Conference, I realized that sometimes slow progress is not enough. While incremental improvements still have their place, there are times when more urgent action is needed, and it is necessary to "kick down the door" to enact true radical transformation.

The Orlando Breakout Session, “Implementing a Framework for Developing Engaging and Effective eLearning,” led by Bob Duprey and Felicia White, was an exploration of the applications and challenges of implementing AI in training programs, as well as in-depth discussions about microlearning and engagement. Here are the key points and takeaways from that session.

We're counting down the top 10 most important items that industry employers should include in their online job ads to attract rock-star candidates. Tune in and enjoy this radio-style list as we count down the chart-topping hits of recruiting! 

Embracing diversity, fostering inclusion, and valuing different perspectives helps create an environment that attracts top talent, delights guests, and drives innovation. Instituting a philosophy of "Culture Add" over "Culture Fit" at the hiring stage offers an approach that can be immensely beneficial to organizations in the hospitality sector.

Many, if not most, of our team members and guests have histories of trauma, and the environment and interpersonal interactions can exacerbate the manifestations of trauma. Here’s how to set the tone and support your workforce in practices that are rooted first in empathy, vulnerability, and compassion, not process and procedure.

Is AI the best thing ever or the beginning of a dystopian nightmare? I was resistant until I learned more about AI applications during the "Whose AI Is It Anyway?" session at CHART Seattle. Since then, I have explored and embraced ChatGPT (affectionately known as Chad), and a few other AI tools. Here are some of the tasks Chad and I have been collaborating on, and what I have learned along the way.

The future of artificial intelligence is exciting, but you don't have to wait for some distant time in the future to put AI to work for you! For trainers seeking immediate solutions, you can start finding them today with ChatGPT. Hotel and restaurant professionals can access a wealth of knowledge, guidance, and support to enhance their employee training programs, improve their workplaces, and, as a result, deliver exceptional guest experiences by using the technology that is available to you NOW.

Communication is the lifeblood of an organization, underpinning every aspect of its operations from employee experience and performance, to customer relations, to your company's ability to adapt and innovate. Implementing communication skills training is more than just a business investment—it's an investment in your people, your culture, and your future. Here are 5 critical reasons to invest in communication skills training for your staff.

Though trainers typically have mastery over communicating while in their comfort zone of routine training, that confidence doesn't always apply to new topics or situations. How can we approach unfamiliar circumstances but still project a level of confidence that will allow us to capture the attention of those listening, convey our authority, and earn their trust? Here are 8 suggestions you can implement to enhance your speaking abilities and project an assured presence.

Executive presence is more than just how you dress and how you communicate. It's about being your authentic self, with all of the character, substance, and style that comes from putting your BEST self forward. This Pride Month, be bold, be authentic, and be true to yourself.

I am a longtime fan of all things Disney. The sense of fun and magic just can't be equaled. So when I uncovered the elements that make Disney vacations so magical, I decided to implement some of the concepts, practices, and strategies into my own training programs and events. Here are 3 ways I’ve drawn inspiration from Disney to add a little magic to my training.

Working at a job fair may seem like it could be a nice break from your normal routine – a sedate time where you can sit down, catch up on emails, and flip through kitten videos on TikTok. But it should be the opposite – you can turn it into a series of dynamic conversations with a diverse set of individuals that can make a sizable difference for your hotel or restaurant. If you adopt the practices outlined in this article, you create the possibility to really stand out from the competition, connect with the most qualified candidates, and build a strong and engaged workforce for the future.