Texting May Cause Sore Thumbs and Inebriation

Since my move to Las Vegas for the summer, I have experienced some of the craziest culture in America and been exposed to a whole new world of knowledge. Being in the industry here has exposed me to some very cool ideas, including one from a restaurant in a large casino hotel. This outlet which may or may not remain nameless by the end of this post, is working hard to bring more people in during these slow summer months and deteriorating economy. Their most recent marketing idea involves using text messages to entice customers. For example, at events in the coming weeks, signage will be posted that instructs guests to text a code to a number in order to receive an exclusive promotional offer. Each unique text can then be brought to the outlet to receive such things as "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" specials or free drinks with the purchase of any menu item. Considering the high volume nature of casino hotels, even if less than 1% of the people moving through the casino on an event day participate it could have a great impact on business. Restaurants could easily see a 50% increase in covers in a night if these text message promotions are utilized.
I will be monitoring the success of one campaign this coming Saturday and hope to see close to 200 covers who came in with the text message in hand.
I know that Las Vegas is not the norm in the hospitality business but these types of campaigns could be very useful in any other market. Since the messaging service can be subscribed to, restaurants could easily do text message blasts to recent guests in an attempt to bring them back for repeat business. There is a fairly low cost associated with the service and can reach people at all times and locations in order to allow for dynamic promotion scheduling.
If I as a GM experience the beginning of a slow night and really want to try and salvage the evening, why not send out a text to few hundred loyal guests announcing a drink special or other promotion. It could eventually be used in order to manage yields effectively and proactively.

The item being offered this week is a free Square One Organic Martini with the purchase of any menu item and proof of text message. It's a very good deal, but be careful because you might wake up with case of carpel tunnel syndrome and a nasty hangover.

Back Soon

Well this spring has spring has been truly crazy and I'm glad to say that school is finally out. I'll be moving to Las Vegas on Monday to start an amazing internship. I will be getting this blog back up and running and hope to have some new material up once I get settled in. If anyone has any suggestions for life in Vegas let me know in the comments. Thanks.

-Max

Starbucks and AT&T: Up and Runing

AT&T is now officially rolling out wi-fi in Starbucks. The coffee giant is switching over from T-Mobile. Wi-fi in Starbucks is an integral part of the success of the company. Although the service is not free hardcore caffeine/internet addicts seem to have no problem dishing out the cash.
I wrote a research paper on Wi-Fi connectivity in the restaurant industry. Although research suggested the majority of consumers demand free wi-fi Starbucks has been able to compete quite well. The main reason I believe that customers are willing to pay for wi-fi in Starbucks is because once they have an account with AT&T they can connect at many other locations such as airports and various businesses.
I fully expect Starbucks to subsidize the costs or offer free wi-fi to guests within the next five years. With web enabled phones and more ubiquitous wireless coverage becoming more prevalent I expect that the company will have trouble keeping customers in the store because they'll be to access the web from a much more scenic location than the local Starbucks with its hipster baristas.

Minibars Going Green on the Inside

I wrote a while back about new eco-friendly minibars that used less energy and improved both the bottom line and the environment. The Hotel Hostsheet has an interesting post today about minibars stocked with "green" items that are locally grown or organic. Also all of the containers are recyclable. Check it out and voice your opinion on what you think is more important, the offerings within a minibar or the actual "green" minibar system?

Via Hotel Hostsheet

In-Flight Technology Update: European Commission Approves In-Flight Calling

Well the powers that be are moving quickly to keep air travelers happy. The ultimate technology blog, Engadget, is reporting some good news for European air travel. The European Commission has given its blessing to in-flight calling. Air France has tested in flight text and data messaging and will now begin testing in flight calling. For more details head on over to Engadget to get the whole scoop!

Thank You

Just wanted to take the time to thank Kitty Bean Yancey over at USA Today's Hotel Hotsheet for the mention of my blog about a week ago. Hopefully getting my name out through great publications like Hotel Hotsheet will help to improve readership here. Thanks again!

Technology Finally Hits The Sky

For years you heard the announcements telling you to turn off all electronic devices during take off and landing . It is something that has always bothered me because how the heck does a boring little CD player interfere with my captain's ability to land the plane. In today's environment, many business travelers want to do a little more than just listen to their music on a long plane ride. Many "need" to get work done and need the internet to help with e-mail, SMS, web browsing or research. The internet is practically a necessity for many people's daily lives. Google Docs is a great example of how the internet really allows people to do work from anywhere. All of these services that store your data off-site are utilizing what is called cloud computing. These types of services are perfect for the frequent traveler who doesn't want to lug a laptop but needs to get work done on the road or in the air. That is where the real advancement is now. Airlines can create a real competitive advantage if they are able to cater to the traveler who demands technology. Lately there has been a lot of news surrounding airlines who are looking to increase the connectivity they offer in flight. We will finally begin to see technology solutions in more than just those fancy club rooms before take-off . Just yesterday a company by the name of Aircell got FAA approval for in flight internet via Wi-Fi. This company has already made deals with Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines to bring the technology to the air. So far only certain planes, like the Boeing 767-200, are approved but more approvals are expected to come. Other companies like Australia's Qantas airlines already have international approval for cell phone use in the air but only for data transmission and not voice. I expect from the news that is floating around that within the year almost all cellphone and internet related services will be available in some plane somewhere. If the FAA approves more planes and airlines I'm sure that in-flight technology will become a major selling point and battleground for the airline industry. The early adopters will most likely gain a competitive advantage but overtime I'm sure this will become a must have amenity.
I'm interested in hearing what professionals in the industry think as well as anyone who flies domestically or abroad. Do you think this is long overdue, and which technology are you most likely to use? Or will it become an annoyance like a crying baby if people are allowed to talk on the flight all the way to Tokyo? Leave any comments you wish and if you're interested in finding out more please contact me.