Meagan rejoins Cody for a timely and future-focused conversation on one of the most transformative forces in hospitality: Artificial Intelligence. As guest expectations rise and teams remain lean, AI is quickly becoming a must-have—not a nice-to-have—for properties heading into 2026.

In this episode, Cody and Meagan break down how hoteliers can realistically use AI today—without needing a tech background or massive budget.

🔹 Segment 1: Why AI Matters in Hospitality in 2026
Cody and Meagan discuss why AI adoption is accelerating and how properties that ignore it risk falling behind.

🔹 Segment 2: Using AI in Daily Hotel Operations
From guest communication and content creation to internal workflows, they share practical ways AI can save time, reduce errors, and improve consistency.

🔹 Segment 3: AI-Powered Marketing in 2026
Cody shares exciting insights into how AI can:

• Improve website conversions
• Personalize marketing messages
• Enhance email and paid ad performance
• Help properties compete with larger brands

🔹 Segment 4: Getting Started Without Overwhelm
They close with advice on how to adopt AI thoughtfully—starting small, staying human, and using AI to enhance (not replace) hospitality.

Whether you’re AI-curious or already experimenting, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for using AI to operate smarter and market better in 2026.

Follow us on Instagram -
@thevibrantteam
@virtualgmpodcast

Checkout our website -
www.thevibrantteam.com

In this episode, Cody welcomes Audrey Yates, Vice President of Hotel Partnerships at Stash Hotel Rewards, to break down what truly makes loyalty programs work for independent hotels—without sacrificing brand identity or guest experience.

Cody and Audrey dive into how Stash empowers independent properties to compete with big brands by offering meaningful loyalty benefits, driving repeat stays, and increasing direct bookings—while still letting hotels stay true to their unique story.

🔹 Segment 1: What Makes Stash Hotel Rewards Different
Audrey explains how Stash was built specifically for independent hotels, focusing on quality, experience, and alignment—not cookie-cutter points systems.

🔹 Segment 2: Why Loyalty Matters More Than Ever
With rising acquisition costs and increased OTA competition, Cody and Audrey discuss how loyalty programs like Stash help hotels retain guests and strengthen long-term relationships.

🔹 Segment 3: Best Practices for Independent Properties Using Loyalty
From positioning loyalty at check-in to weaving it into digital touchpoints, this segment covers how to maximize Stash’s impact.

🔹 Segment 4: Top 5 Independent Hospitality Events You Should Attend
Cody and Audrey wrap up by sharing their top events for networking, education, and growth in independent hospitality:

1. Independent Lodging Congress – https://ilcongress.com/
   
   
2. Independent Hotel Show – https://independenthotelshow.us/
   
   
3. AHLA Events – https://www.ahla.com/events
   
   
4. HITEC – https://www.hitec.org/
   
   
5. Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) – https://blla.org/
   
   

Whether you’re running a boutique hotel, independent resort, or lifestyle property, this episode is packed with insight on loyalty, community, and where to show up in the industry.

Learn more about Stash Hotel Rewards: https://www.stashrewards.com/

Follow us on Instagram -
@thevibrantteam
@virtualgmpodcast

Checkout our website -
www.thevibrantteam.com

In this episode, Cody sits down with special guest J. Viola, Chief Operating Officer at Hotel Interactive, to pull back the curtain on one of the most impactful event series in hospitality: BITAC.

Cody and J. dive into what truly sets BITAC events apart from traditional conferences—from the highly curated format to the quality of relationships built in the room. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or underwhelmed by large trade shows, this episode explains why BITAC continues to stand out year after year.

🔹 Segment 1: What Makes BITAC Different
J. shares how BITAC’s invitation-only structure, balanced buyer-to-supplier ratio, and intentional networking create meaningful conversations—not badge scanning chaos.

🔹 Segment 2: Why Hospitality Leaders Keep Coming Back
With 88.5% of attendees being first-time participants last year, BITAC continues to attract fresh perspectives while maintaining a high-caliber audience of decision-makers.

🔹 Segment 3: Cody’s Role as Master of Ceremonies
Cody announces his exciting role as Master of Ceremonies for six BITAC events this year:

• BITAC Luxury
• BITAC Operations 2026
• BITAC Casino Resorts 2026
• BITAC Purchasing & Design Summer 2026
• BITAC Purchasing & Design Fall 2026
• BITAC Owners Fall 2026

🔹 Segment 4: Why These Events Matter for Your Career & Business
From owners and operators to vendors and brand leaders, Cody and J. explain why BITAC is one of the most efficient ways to build relationships, source solutions, and stay ahead of industry trends.

If you’re serious about growing in hospitality and attending events that actually move the needle, this episode is a must-listen.

Learn more about BITAC events here: https://www.bitac.net/

Follow us on Instagram -
@thevibrantteam
@virtualgmpodcast

Checkout our website -
www.thevibrantteam.com