Woman’s Innovation Council

The hospitality industry is at a critical crossroads, grappling with labor shortages, rising operational costs, and rapidly shifting guest expectations. Yet, amidst these challenges, a new wave of transformation is being led by initiatives like the Women’s Innovation Council at Visual Matrix. This council, inspired by leaders like Georgina Snediaki, is more than a think tank—it’s a launchpad for disruptive ideas and technological adoption in a traditionally slow-moving sector.

Hospitality, often a decade behind in tech compared to other industries, is finally being nudged toward AI-driven automation and smarter guest experiences. From predictive maintenance in hotel rooms to personalized check-ins via voice-activated devices, the changes are no longer optional—they’re urgent. As hotel operators seek to cut labor costs and boost margins, smart technology is becoming the difference between thriving and surviving.

But innovation isn’t just about gadgets; it’s about listening, inclusion, and building partnerships that speak the same technological language. The real game-changer will be integration—connecting systems and people to work seamlessly in service of the guest. In three years, those who haven’t adapted may find themselves irrelevant in a world that refuses to wait.

Recent Episodes

The hospitality industry has weathered enormous shifts in the last five years, from pandemic‑era shutdowns to evolving guest expectations. Although hotels are projected to add over 14,000 employees in 2025, staffing levels are still well below pre‑pandemic (2019) figures. For hotel professionals, visibility and adaptability are critical, not only in operations but in how they…

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The hospitality industry is under mounting pressure to modernize to meet guest expectations for seamless, tech-driven experiences and also develop leaders who can drive that transformation. According to Rackspace Technology, only 28% of travel and hospitality companies qualify as “AI leaders”— those aligning strategy, compliance, and training with real-world deployment. Another 28% remain in…