On Air With Russell Of Hotels

Join me for today's show as I interview Mr. Doug Caldwell, Regional Director of National Accounts for Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, Nevada. We discuss his unique transition into the hotel side of the Hospitality Industry as well as why Reno is sometimes a hard sell but has the best value for meetings.

Today's Guest is Mr. Victor Simmons, Director of Diversity & Inclusion with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Victor discusses his path to the Corporate Office for Wyndham Hotels and explains exactly what Diversity & Inclusion mean and what is role is. We also talk about what career accomplishment is he most proud of. Email: victor.simmons@wyndham.com wyndhamhotels.com

Today' s guest Mariles Krok, CMP ironically began her career at the same Marriott hotel that I began my career, however, about 8 years apart! We discuss her career progression from beginning as a front desk clerk to her 1st opportunity in Sales with Marriott Hotels. She then transition to Los Angeles Tourism Board and now she is a Director of Meeting Sales with Visit Anaheim a Destination Marketing Organization. Mariles is also a past President of Meeting Professionals International Southern California Chapter. Contact Mariles Krok, CMP Senior Director Meeting Sales Email: mkrok@visitanahein.org Direct: 714-765-2870 visitanaheim.org

On today's show, our Host Russell Edmond will discuss his attendance at last weeks DestinationCA Conference & TradeShow. He also highlights activities within the Downtown Los Angeles area, which include 2 Breweries and a must see Boutique Hotel which has been revitalized. Website: russellofhotels.com Email: Russell@russellofhotels.com

My Guest, Ms. Jeanette Ceja is a Travel Journalist, Travel Expert & Award Winning Bilingual TV Host. We will discuss how she began her career as a Travel Journalist and why she considers herself a “Thought Leader” and not a Travel Influencer. We will also talk about her travels to over 50 Countries. Contact Info: Twitter: @JeaneatteCeja Instagram: jetsetwithjeanette jetsetwithjeanette.com

Today I interviewed Ms. Kalhari Atapattu, Director of the Runway Restaurant which is located inside the Hilton Woodland Hills. In the interview we discussed how the Hilton in Woodland Hills was her 1st job ever and how doors continued to open for Her despite not knowing what she really wanted to do. We also talked about Runway’s concept and the importance of Sustainability and using local farmers & bakers. Runway - “ Where beauty meets flavor” dineatrunway.com woodlandhils.hilton.com Email: kalhari.atapattu@hiltonwh.com

Join Russell of Hotels as he discusses in detail "Who Owns The Guest" and what Hoteliers can do improve their direct bookings. Also, new trends in Marketing, have you heard of Wifi Marketing or GEO Fencing?

On today's show, your Host, Russell Edmond takes on random Hospitality Topics like, Working with Influencers, Influencer Marketing, Sales Agreements, Your Brand & OTA’s just to name a few.

My guest today is Jason Will, CEO of Zipkick which is an Influencer Marketing company. In this interview we discuss the very humble beginnings of Zipkick and how it began as a Travel related App to being in a marketing force in 6 continents. Not to mention the over 150,000 likes & comments on Instagram. Email: jason@zipkick.com Website: Zipkick.com

Todays Guest is Ms. Cheryl Rogers, Meeting Professional. Cheryl plans Corporate Meetings & Events but that’s only part of her journey. How did she get started? What’s her background? What’s Smart Meetings Rising STAR? Tune in and find out.

Today’s guest is Ms. Lesley Butler, Professor, Educator and Lecturer at the Collins College of Hospitality Management, which is located on the campus of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona). Ms. Butler will discuss the History of the Collins College and her transition from the Restaurant Industry into Education. We will also discuss new Food Trends and how the Collins College of Hospitality Management is preparing students for careers in Hospitality Management.

Today's guest is Mr. Joe Titizian who is the General Manager of the Hilton Pasadena. Joe has over 30 years of hotel experience, beginning his career at the Hilton Warner Center back in the early 90’s. Joe and I discuss his career in detail including his rise to becoming a General Manager, the importance of providing great guest service and what separates his hotel from his competition. Email: joe.titizian@hilton.com Hotel Website: www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/hilton-pasadena-PASPHHF/index.html

Today's guest is Ms. Rhanee Palma who is the Vice President of Sales & Service for Visit Oakland. Visit Oakland is responsible for increasing tourism’s economic impact to Oakland through destination development and brand management. Rhanee and I discuss how and why to use a Destination Management organization like Visit Oakland as well as experiences & career within the hospitality field. Email: rhanee@visitoakland.com VisitOakland.com

Interview with Travel Influencer Kat Von D, also known as the Traveling Greek who specializes in the Luxury Travel space. Kat Von B who has visited over 50 countries, discusses how she became an Influencer after being a Travel Agent for many years. Kat also discusses the importance of Hotels & Tourism organizations of embracing Social Media in this digital age of Marketing & Branding. travelingGreek.com Twitter: @travelingGreek Instagram: travelinggreek

Interview with Nathalie Fintzi, Director of Sales & Marketing at the soon to open Godfrey Hotel in Hollywood, CA. Conversation about opening the Godfrey Hotel and her experiences in the hotel Industry working mainly with Independent & Boutique Hotels. Website for Godfrey Hotel Hollywood. GodfreyHotelHollywood.com Email Nathalie at Nathalie.Fintzi@godfreyhotelhollywood.com