August 7, 2016 NEWS Benchmark, Gemstone merge portfolios, expertise NEWS Starwood opens first U.S. hotel in Cuba NEWS Alfa Development makes lodging foray with HGU New York NEWS Disrupting the great disrupter: Capturing the Airbnb market VIEWPOINT A few words from Jay Schultz EVENTS & ASSOCIATIONS HB ON THE SCENE: Will book-direct campaigns drive down acquisition costs? SUPPLY SIDE: CASEGOODS Steel cabinetry offers alternative to traditional design INDUSTRY INSIDER Q&A with Janis Cannon, Choice Hotels International FRANCHISE REPORT Industry issues, successes, M&A pepper franchise talk TOP BRANDS Brands from A-Z FRANCHISE FEES Brands fees A-Z SEGMENT REPORT: EXTENDED-STAY Positive signs ahead for this growing segment of the industry TECHNOLOGY: PMS Harbor Winds Hotel looks for ease, personalization in PMS MARKET WATCH A booming Downtown Miami is drawing developers AMENITIES: IN-ROOM BEVERAGES When it comes to drinks, ‘do it yourself’ at Acme Hotel SUSTAINABILITY: GREEN PRACTICES Hilton Cleveland Downtown strives for Silver LEED status BRANDING: SOCIAL MEDIA Holiday Inn recognizes small businesses with 2016 campaign TREND WATCH San Francisco’s beekeeping has become quite the buzz OPERATIONS Viceroy Hotel Group implements platform to share ideas BEYOND THE BOARDROOM Hotels lend a helping hand
