Avendra International - Podcast Details

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Meet in the Lobby From Profitability to Paparazzi (and AI!)Welcome back to Meet in the Lobby, the podcast where hospitality meets innovation!In this "Mailbag Episode 2," hosts Dorian Murphy and Melissa McCormack kick things off with a personal wellness check, sharing their recent focuses on fitness and mindfulness (and wine!).Then, they dive into listener questions, tackling pressing industry topics:Managing Tight Margins: Discover effective supply chain levers for improving property-level profitability without compromising the guest experience, including the critical role of contract renegotiation and leveraging partnerships like Avendra.AI in Hospitality: Explore how hotels can integrate AI to enhance...

2026-03-0519 min

Meet in the Lobby Strategies to Grow RevPOR in 2026 | “Meet in the Lobby” from Avendra InternationalIn this inaugural "Mailbag" episode of Meet in the Lobby, hosts Dorien Murphy and Melissa McCormack dive into the interweb universe to answer your burning questions about the future of hospitality.From the challenges of flat occupancy forecasts to the creative potential of mocktails, this episode is packed with actionable insights for hotel operators and hospitality enthusiasts alike. Dorien and Melissa share personal anecdotes—including a snowstorm battle involving a dustpan—while exploring how small, thoughtful touches can lead to significant revenue growth.Inside this episode, we discuss:Driving Revenue in 2026: Strategies to incr...

2026-02-1719 min

Meet in the Lobby The Chef's Forecast: Culinary Moves that Matter in 2026The Chef's Forecast: Culinary Moves that Matter in 2026In a recent episode of "Meet in the Lobby," hosts Melissa McCormack and Dorien Murphy were joined by Adam Mali, Director of Culinary Operations with Sage Restaurant Concepts, to forecast the culinary trends shaping hotel dining for 2026. The conversation moved beyond fleeting fads to explore the deeper shifts in flavor, technique, and philosophy that are defining the future of hospitality. The consensus is clear: the path forward is paved with simplicity, responsibility, and a creative balance between comfort and innovation.The New Menu: Balancing Comfort with Creative...

2025-12-1025 min

Meet in the Lobby Inside the Luxury Hospitality Boom: Trends, Strategy & InnovationRediscovering LuxuryWelcome to "Meet in the Lobby," a podcast by Avendra International, where we pull back the veil on the mysteries of luxury hospitality. Hosted by Melissa McCormack and Dorien Murphy, this episode teases insights from the recent Avendra Luxury Summit in Dallas, Texas—a hub of secretive innovations and exclusive networking opportunities. What discoveries will influence the future of luxury hospitality?Unlocking the Secrets of LuxuryJoin Melissa and Dorien as they discuss how the essence of luxury hospitality is being redefined to offer more than just a lavish stay. With gu...

2025-11-0525 min

Meet in the Lobby Cybersecurity in Hospitality: What Hotel Operators Must Know in 2025Cybersecurity's Vital Role in HospitalityIn this episode of "Meet in the Lobby," hosts Melissa McCormack and Dorien Murphy discuss the critical importance of cybersecurity in the hospitality industry, featuring insights from special guest Pam Lindemoen, Chief Security Officer at RH-ISAC. Emphasizing that cybersecurity is now a front-and-center concern, the conversation explores how hotels handle sensitive data and the risks posed by increased automation. The episode provides actionable strategies for hotel operators, such as implementing multi-factor authentication, regular system updates, and maintaining account hygiene, to protect against evolving cyber threats. Pam highlights the importance of robust disaster...

2025-10-2223 min

Meet in the Lobby Fall Flavor Trends from Around the World with Paul BloxhamUnlocking Fall Food Trends with Chef Paul BloxhamJoin us as Chef Paul Bloxham, culinary expert and Head at Avendra International Europe, reveals the latest fall food trends across Europe and beyond. Discover how these trends are reshaping menus and enhancing guest experiences.What You'll Learn00:24 — Paul's culinary journey and role at Avendra05:15 — Key fall flavors and their impact13:20 — Crafting hyper-local menus with global consistency20:15 — Memorable stories with Anthony BourdainStaying ahead in the culinary world requires an understanding of evolving trends. Chef Bloxham offers insights...

2025-09-1720 min

2025-09-1715 min

Meet in the Lobby Innovation & Automation in Hotel Retail MarketsLooking for seamless retail solutions in hospitality? Discover how AI-powered automation is revolutionizing hotel guest experiences, thanks to Swyft's groundbreaking solutions!During our latest "Meet in the Lobby" podcast, Rick Cusick, Chief Revenue Officer of Swyft, shared insights on how their cutting-edge technology connects the dots between right brand, product, and time—dramatically enhancing guest satisfaction and hotel revenues. These automated retail solutions, including smart vending and robotic cabinets, offer 24/7 access to premium products, reducing operational burdens for hoteliers.Dive into this captivating podcast episode featuring Rick Cusick and hear how these transformative solutions are se...

2025-09-1115 min

2025-09-1015 min

Meet in the Lobby The Outdoor Advantage: Enhancing Guest Experience Through DesignOutdoor spaces are no longer just an amenity—they’re a strategic asset. In this episode, industry expert Michelle McGuire-Keckler of JANUS et Cie shares how innovative outdoor furniture trends are redefining guest experiences and driving long-term value for hotels and resorts.Hosted by Avendra’s Melissa McCormack, Senior Director of Global Opportunities, and Dorien Murphy, Director of Luxury Accounts, this episode dives into the design strategies that are making outdoor areas more flexible, functional, and profitable.What You'll Learn:02:16 — Michelle talks about her journey to becoming the brand manager at JANUS et Cie and...

2025-07-0923 min

Meet in the Lobby The Outdoor Advantage: Enhancing Guest Experience Through Design, Flexibility, and FunctionalityAs guests increasingly prioritize wellness, sustainability, and immersive experiences, hotels are transforming their outdoor environments into multifunctional retreats that blend comfort with connection to nature. A 2024 research study found that 58% of travelers preferred hotels embracing sustainability practices—such as reducing plastic and promoting eco-friendly amenities, highlighting the growing importance of intentional, guest-focused outdoor design. Meeting these evolving expectations requires more than just beautiful spaces—it demands thoughtful planning, durable investments, and flexible design solutions.So, how can hospitality leaders select the right furniture, plan for seasonal needs, and ensure their outdoor investments stand the test of time—and th...

2025-07-0923 min

Meet in the Lobby Meet the HostsIn this introductory episode of "Meet in the Lobby," hosts Melissa McCormack and Dorien Murphy set the stage for what listeners can expect from this hospitality-centric podcast, sponsored by Avendra International, North America's leading provider of hospitality procurement services.Get to Know Your HostsInitially, both hosts share their journeys in the hospitality industry. Dorien, the Director of Luxury Accounts with Avendra International, once sought a career as a chef and has held senior roles in luxury hotel brands. Now, he assists brands with their procurement strategy, integrating it with their operational strategy and ESG...

2025-06-0218 min

Meet in the Lobby Day in the Life of an AHLA LobbyistIn this episode, our guest is Chirag Shah, the EVP of Federal Affairs at the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA). We discuss the legislative advocacy that offers much-needed support to the hospitality industry. With an in-depth look at AHLA's initiative towards combatting human trafficking, involvement in workforce and taxation policy, and facilitating regular interaction with policymakers, this episode is brimming with insights. Tune in as we explore how AHLA serves as the voice for the industry, understanding and representing the challenges faced by hotel owners, operators, and employees. Irrespective of where you stand in the hospitality vertical, there...

2025-06-0222 min

Meet in the Lobby Sleep Tech to Enhance the Guest ExperienceIn the latest podcast episode of "Meet in the Lobby" from Avendra International, Dorien and Melissa explore how quality sleep plays an integral role in the overall wellness experience, especially in the hospitality industry.Guest Introduction: Luke KellyThe hosts welcome guest speaker Luke Kelly, CEO of Bryte, a company that's revolutionizing the guest sleep experience through cutting-edge technology. Luke's innovative approach to sleep wellness and proactive solutions offers fascinating insights into a largely untapped sphere within hospitality. Luke discusses Bryte's principles, their quest to surpass traditional foam and spring mattresses, and their commitment to...

2025-06-0226 min

Meet in the Lobby Infusing Health & Wellness into the Guest ExperienceIn this episode, Leah shares her journey from a budding communications and media student to a respected figure in the luxury hospitality space, emphasizing wellness. Her experiences and insights pave the way for a rich discussion on how hotels can integrate wellness into their offerings, catering to the evolving needs of travelers who prioritize health and wellness.Insights from Leah CrumpLeah discusses the current trends in wellness in the hospitality sector, emphasizing the necessity for hotels to adapt to these trends to enhance guest experiences. She highlights practical strategies for hotels to incorporate wellness...

2025-06-0232 min

Mark This!Avendra InternationalAramark’s Avendra International is a leading partner in strategic procurement and supply chain management, serving a diverse array of organizations including hotels, hospitality and leisure resorts, healthcare, and educational institutions worldwide. 

2025-02-0421 min

The Modern Hotelier #112: Procurement & Supply Chain Management for Hotels | with Walt ShefflerJoin hosts Steve Carran and David Millili on the trade show floor for an insightful conversation with Walt Sheffler, CEO of Avendra, a leading professional procurement services company in the hospitality industry.In this episode, Walt shares his journey from Penn State accounting major to hospitality industry leader, revealing how a shortage of accounting jobs led him to a career-defining role as a Marriott management trainee. With decades of experience under his belt, Walt discusses what makes the hospitality industry uniquely rewarding and explains why working with people in an upbeat environment continues to drive his passion.

2024-11-1209 min

UCDM cap29 EL DESPERTAR I. La clausura de la brechaEl cuerpo no podría separar tu mente de la mente de tu hermano a menos que quisieses que fuese la causa de vuestra separación y distanciamiento. Por consiguiente, le atribuyes un poder que no posee. Esto es lo que hace que tenga poder sobre ti. Pues ahora piensas que el cuerpo determina cuándo debéis reuniros, y que limita a vuestra capacidad de estar en comunión con la mente del otro. Y así, te dice adónde ir y cómo llegar hasta allí, lo que te es factible emprender y lo que no puedes hacer. Te dice t...

2022-08-1707 min

Kogod in the Know A Comprehensive Approach to SustainabilityHamzah Abu-Ragheb—sustainable sourcing manager at Aramark and Avendra Group—discusses combining the sustainable aspects of policy, science, and business into a focused approach, driving sustainable practices within a traditional company, and his key to balancing an extremely demanding schedule.

2021-09-0719 min $NCA\'s COVID19 Legislative Club Update$

NCA's COVID19 Legislative Club Update How could a second wave impact your club's supply chains? Q&A with Avendra supply chain expertsCory Dellinger, Senior Director of Operational Consulting, Avendra Consulting Services and Chip McIntyre, Senior Vice President, Strategic Sourcing, Avendra, give their answers to your supply chain questions to reopening.

2020-06-1009 min

Checking In with Rosanna Caira E8. Supply Chain Dynamics: The Hotel SideIn this episode of Checking In, Rosanna Caira, editor and publisher of Hotelier magazine, speaks with company executives from Avendra, one of Canada’s leading procurement chains that supplies Canada’s hotel industry with food, equipment and services to discuss how COVID-19 has impacted the supply chain dynamic and how the supply chain might look post the pandemic.

2020-05-1252 min

Get Yourself the Job Brian WeedJennifer Hill talks to CEO of Avenica, Brian Weed, about how recent college graduates can find their passion and follow their dreams. Brian discusses the tools Avenica offers to help match recent graduates with their ideal positions. He also offers strategies for companies who are looking to hire and retain recent college graduates. avenica.com Brian Weed is CEO of Avenica, a national career matchmaking firm specializing in placing recent college graduates into entry-level, career-track positions with Avenica clients. Brian is an experienced business leader with nearly 30 years of experience helping companies of all sizes improve processes, boost revenue and...

2018-04-1055 min