• New Opening/Remodel Purchasing and Consolidation
www.wasserstrom.com/hospitality • Kitchen/Bar/Kiosk Design, Build, and Installation
• Largest inventory selection in the U.S.
Editor-in-Chief: Corey Moriarty
Editorial Director: Lindsay Garbacik
Supplier Relations: Katie Boyle and Inseo Gates
Designers: Amanda Baker and Nick Goodyear
Welcome to the Spring/ Summer Edition of the Avendra Edge Magazine
We’re thrilled to share with you the Spring/Summer edition of Edge Magazine—an issue that marks a meaningful milestone as Avendra International celebrates 25 years of service excellence to the hospitality industry.
Founded in 2001 by leading hospitality brands, Avendra was built by people who understand the realities of operations and the power of collaboration. For 25 years, our clients, associates, suppliers, and partners have shaped who we are—working together to protect supply chains, adapt to change, and support exceptional guest experiences.
This anniversary has given us an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and to celebrate alongside the many people who have been part of our journey. It has also sharpened our focus on the road ahead. The future of hospitality will be shaped by innovation, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to what’s next.
Walt Sheffler President Avendra International – North America
Here’s a look at what’s inside this issue:
Insights and Solutions for What’s Ahead
Our forward-looking focus is reflected throughout this edition. Inside, you’ll find insights from our experts on emerging industry trends, paired with supplier solutions from our global network that help bring those ideas to life. We’re also featuring a special section on sustainability—an area of growing importance for our clients and the industry at large—highlighting how we help organizations make measurable progress through responsible sourcing, advanced data analytics, and practical solutions.
Our Promise
As the hospitality landscape continues to evolve, our approach remains the same: listen closely, stay hands-on, and deliver solutions that create real value. It’s the promise we’ve stood behind for 25 years—We get it, and we can help.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. We’re proud to support your success today and look forward to continuing the journey with you for the next 25 years—and beyond.
Paul Carr VP of Culinary Integration, Global Supply Chain & GPOs
Aramark + Avendra International
Low Cost, High Impact: Menu Strategies That Drive Hotel
In a market where culinary talent is increasingly hard to recruit—and even harder to retain—hotel operators are rethinking how menus are built.
By leveraging high-quality, ready-to-use products and layering in thoughtful flavor upgrades, operators can create menus that feel elevated, perform consistently, and drive revenue without increasing labor or food costs.
Edge Magazine tapped into expertise from Aramark + Avendra International’s Culinary Center of Excellence to highlight low cost, high impact ingredients that deliver versatility, speed, and guest appeal across hotel dining outlets.
Consistency + Creativity = Profit
“Today’s guests expect bold flavors, global influence, and comfort they can trust. At the same time, kitchens need solutions that reduce prep time, expedite training, and ensure consistency across shifts and locations,” says Paul Carr, VP of Culinary Integration, Global Supply Chain & GPOs, Aramark + Avendra International.
The opportunity? Ingredients that are ready to use, flexible across menus, and easy to customize, allowing teams to focus on execution and experience rather than complexity.
Whether you’re managing a hotel restaurant, bar, grab-and-go program, or banquet operation, these strategies help you do more with less while protecting margins.
Low Cost, High Impact Menu Moves
Broth Bowls
Global Comfort without Skilled Labor
Guests continue to gravitate toward broth bowls for their comfort, customization, and international influence. Today’s high-quality, ready-made broths eliminate the need for lengthy cook times or culinary specialization, while delivering consistent flavor.
Popular bases include:
▶ Birria
▶ Pho
▶ Tonkotsu
“These broths allow operators to build signature dishes quickly by layering in cross-utilized proteins and vegetables,” notes Carr.
Try it out:
Create a rotating broth bowl menu using the same core add-ins (proteins, grains, and garnishes) to maximize efficiency.
Menu Inspiration
Birria Ramen Bowl
Slow-simmered birria broth with ramen noodles and shredded beef, finished with a soft-boiled egg, sliced jalapeños, green onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Hummus
A Familiar Base with Built-In Upsell
Hummus has officially moved from trend to staple, making it a reliable foundation for grab-and-go, small plates, and composed entrées. It’s affordable, widely loved, and highly adaptable.
“Guests recognize hummus instantly, but they’re willing to pay more when it feels chef-driven,” says Carr.
High-impact upgrades include:
▶ Blend in harissa to add warmth and global flavor.
▶ Top with spicy roasted garbanzo beans for crunch and visual appeal.
▶ Use a creative plating style to impress guests whose “phone eats first.”
Menu Inspiration
Hummus Flatbread Starter
Try it out:
Position hummus as a mezze plate, bowl base, or protein accompaniment.
Crispy flatbread layered with kalamata olive hummus and topped with fresh spinach, marinated artichokes, and crumbled feta.
Fully Cooked Grains & Pulses
Consistency You Can Count On
Advances in food technology have made fully cooked, shelf-stable grains and pulses dependable, high-quality foundations for modern menus. They offer consistent texture and flavor every time—no soaking, simmering, or guesswork required—ideal for labor-constrained kitchens.
Top performers include:
▶ Tri-color quinoa
▶ Farro
▶ Black lentils
Try it out:
Grains can be incorporated into salads, bowls, sides, and vegetarian entrées, supporting wellness trends and menu flexibility.
Menu Inspiration
Warm Black Lentil Salad over Baby Arugula
Black lentils with caramelized onions and roasted wild mushrooms, served over baby arugula tossed with white truffle oil and balsamic vinegar, finished with toasted pine nuts.
Quick Wins for Your Menu
▶ Cross-utilize ingredients across outlets to reduce SKU count and waste
▶ Lean into global flavors using ready-made bases rather than complex builds
▶ Highlight comfort with a twist— guests crave familiarity with something extra
▶ Price with confidence: Quality ingredients justify premium positioning and repeat visits
Bonus Tip Fresh Cut Protein
For U.S. operators, Avendra’s Fresh Cut Protein Program provides quality, pre-portioned proteins that meet strict quality assurance standards. The result: reduced labor, consistent portioning, and less food waste—without sacrificing flavor or presentation.
“If you’re trying to cut costs by cutting corners, the guest will notice,” says Carr. “Use quality products, keep execution simple, and let the menu do the work.”
Ready to rethink your menu strategy?
Connect with Avendra’s culinary experts at media@avendra.com to explore supplier insights, operatortested solutions, and ingredient strategies designed to drive results.
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For more information: media@avendra.com
3 Smart Service Programs Every Hotel Operator Should Implement to Reduce Spending
William Key Director, Strategic Sourcing & Category Strategy Leader
Aramark + Avendra International
With margins under pressure, the fastest, lowest-risk savings come from smarter service procurement. When competitively sourced and tightly contracted, services deliver significant financial impact, stronger reliability, and reduced liability. Through Avendra International’s $20.5B collective purchasing power, operators gain competitive pricing, favorable terms, and standardized agreements with leading national and regional providers that are scalable for properties of any size.
Consistent Savings. Reduced Risk.
Avendra’s service programs typically deliver 10–20% savings, supported by contractual safeguards such as guaranteed response times, clearly defined scopes, indemnity and insurance requirements, and performance accountability.
“Our contracts reduce spending and improve building reliability while protecting the guest experience,” says William Key, Director, Strategic Sourcing & Category Strategy Leader, Aramark + Avendra International.
We’re highlighting three service programs that can help operators save money while elevating the guest experience.
1. Landscaping that Works Smarter Year-Round
Curb appeal sets expectations before a guest ever walks through the door, influencing perception, brand confidence, and long-term asset value.
“Landscaping is one of those services where guests may not notice perfection, but they absolutely notice inconsistency. Our goal is to help operators deliver a consistently high guest experience while controlling long-term costs,” says Key.
Bundling exterior services simplifies management and locks in value,
especially when programs are established ahead of peak season.
Program benefits include:
Bundled grounds maintenance, design, irrigation, tree care, snow removal
12-month price holds to protect against seasonal volatility
3.5% annual property credits reinvested into landscaping materials and grounds improvements
With rising water costs, labor shortages, and aging infrastructure, operators need smarter tools to protect landscapes and control costs. Davey Tree Expert Company helps organizations reduce water loss, stabilize operating expenses, and build healthier, more resilient landscapes through the strategic implementation of smart irrigation platforms.
Supplier Solution: Davey Tree Expert Company
Clients typically realize 20%+ savings, with some seeing 25–30% reductions through a structured energy strategy.”
2. Energy Management that Reduces Volatility and Risk
Energy remains one of the most unpredictable and difficult costs to forecast. Traditional procurement approaches often expose operators to unnecessary market price swings.
Avendra’s managed-risk energy strategy—powered by Zenith Energy, a Priority Power Company— uses aggregation and active market management to reduce exposure and improve cost predictability.
Program benefits include:
Energy purchasing contracts crafted by industry legal experts
Customized solutions for single properties and portfolios
Unified energy strategy across stakeholders
The process begins with a utility data review, followed by a customized analysis identifying savings opportunities, budget risks, and recommended procurement strategies, all at no cost to the customer. Avendra remains actively involved to ensure alignment across finance, facilities, and supply chain teams.
Web-based dashboards for usage, cost visibility, and risk analytics
Industry-specific legal, engineering, and procurement expertise
On-Site Solar Solutions to Support ESG Goals
Avendra and Zenith also provide on-site solar assessments and consulting, helping operators evaluate feasibility, system design, and financing options so they can invest confidently in renewable energy solutions. These solar services support long-term energy stability while helping properties meet their ESG commitments.
Supplier Solution: Zenith Energy, a Priority CompanyPower
Managing more than $1B in energy spend, Zenith partners with hospitality brands to simplify procurement, stabilize costs, and mitigate market risk across multi-site portfolios— keeping properties powered, efficient, and guest-ready while advancing sustainability goals.
3. Elevator & Escalator Maintenance That Protects People and Budgets
High-risk, high-liability assets demand disciplined contracts. Elevators and escalators are mission-critical touchpoints—when they work flawlessly, guests feel safe, confident, and cared for.
“Few services impact guest safety and confidence as directly as elevator maintenance. Strong contracts and accountability help ensure reliability without exposing operators to unnecessary risk,” says Key.
Supplier Solutions: KONE, SchindlerOtis,and TKE
Avendra is partnered with the four leading elevator providers to ensure competitive options and reliable coverage.
Avendra’s turnkey program manages surveys, data, pricing, negotiations, and oversight— delivering 15–20% savings and reducing exposure with built-in indemnity and liability protections.
Program highlights:
24/7 emergency response for passenger and equipment issues with dedicated Avendra support
All-inclusive maintenance scopes, which cover maintenance and repair services, component replacements, and inspection and testing
Predictable pricing, volumebased advantages, and smooth conversion from existing contracts
more than cost control; it’s asset protection, risk mitigation, and operational stability.
“The best service programs protect the guest experience quietly— through reliability, accountability, and predictable costs. That’s where smart sourcing delivers its greatest value,” says Key.
With Avendra’s programs, operators gain confidence that costs are controlled, contracts are enforceable, and service performance aligns with business goals.
We get it, and we can help. Reach out to media@avendra.com today to begin leveraging Avendra’s service programs.
FREE WEBINAR
SOLVING THE LABOR EQUATION:
Smarter Ways to Reduce Strain Now
Live Virtual Event May 5, 2026 | 1:00–1:45 PM ET
Labor continues to be one of the most unpredictable and challenging cost pressures for hospitality operators.
Join us for a focused, insight-led session exploring practical ways to reduce labor strain—without compromising service. We’ll break down current labor trends, share real-world operator experiences, and highlight solutions that are already delivering measurable time savings across properties.
Developed for operators and procurement leaders, this live virtual event will help you identify opportunities and put them into action.
Brought to you by The Avendra Edge, Avendra International’s series of expert insights, industry news and trends, and inspiring client stories — everything you need to optimize operations, reduce costs and drive growth.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
▶ Where labor pressure is hitting operations hardest in 2026
▶ Practical solutions operators are deploying today
▶ Real-world insights and best practices
▶ How to implement labor solutions
Reserve your spot to discover proven, real-world strategies for reducing labor strain and reclaiming time—without sacrificing service.
EXPERT SPEAKERS:
Eleanor Waddell
VP, Strategic Growth & Business Development
Avendra International
Molly Preston SVP, Procurement
Pyramid Global Hospitality
Matthew Judge Sr. Director, Facilities
Program Development
Aramark Facility Services
Brady Young
Sr. Manager, Facilities Program Development
Aramark Facility Services
PLANNING LIKE A PRO:
Essential Spending Strategies for Clubs
A great season starts long before the first tee time. When operators plan intentionally—rather than reactively—we see stronger conditions, better experiences, and far healthier budgets.
Cory Dellinger VP of Avendra Clubs
Avendra International
Strategic Spending Starts with a Plan
Operational excellence in peak season is built on thoughtful planning, data-driven purchasing, and trusted supplier partners. This playbook helps clubs make smart, well-timed decisions across course furnishings, equipment, and agronomy so every dollar works harder.
#1
Plan the Property Experience
Members notice the details they experience every round. Invest in course elements that both look great and hold up under heavy, outdoor, year-round use.
SUPPLIER SOLUTIONS:
Prestwick’s HDPE and hardwood furnishings— featured at 86 of America’s 100 Greatest Courses and 46 PGA TOUR venues— deliver visual consistency and long service life, minimizing mid-season replacements.
Evolve Golf provides custom tees, divot tools, ball markers, and tournament gifts used at 1,600+ facilities, adding polish and event-day continuity when planned in advance.
STRATEGIC GUIDANCE
Prioritize high-visibility zones— bag drops, tee markers, range stations, hydration points.
“Members can’t always define good design, but they feel it,” says Dellinger. “Intentional details signal quality—and loyalty follows.”
Tyson Red Label® brand delivers chicken in a variety of forms and sought-after flavors that have been consumer-tested and proven.* So you can be confident you’re giving customers the best-in-class eating experience they deserve.
Build a Maintenance Fleet Strategy
Fleet and turf equipment are among a club’s largest capital expenditures. A cycle-based plan protects budgets and course quality.
SUPPLIER SOLUTIONS:
EZGO delivers reliable golf cars and utility vehicles that help optimize guest flow and maintenance logistics.
TORO equips operators with mowers, aerators, utility vehicles, and irrigation solutions, while Intelli360™ streamlines equipment monitoring and irrigation control for measurable efficiency gains.
John Deere delivers greens and fairway mowers, aerators, and Gator™ vehicles, all supported by Operations Center™ PRO Golf for data-driven decision-making.”
STRATEGIC GUIDANCE
Budget by replacement cycles, leverage bundled purchases, and use tech data to justify spend.
“Boards respond to evidence. Telematics and performance data turn requests into investments.”
Strengthen Agronomy through Multi-Supplier Planning
Agronomy yields the biggest operational payoff. Diversifying inputs reduces risk and stabilizes performance.
SUPPLIER SOLUTIONS:
SiteOne provides fertilizers, turf protection, and irrigation supplies that support year-round planning and reliability.
Helena’s Rx360 program connects nutrition, bioscience, plant protection, and water management to deliver more predictable turf outcomes.
BONUS TIP Master EOP (Early Order Programs)
EOPs deliver lower unit prices, deferred terms, credits, and availability—the difference between proactive and reactive turf management.
STRATEGIC GUIDANCE
Coordinate GM, superintendent, and finance to maximize credits and terms.
“EOPs are the smartest spend of the year,” says Dellinger. “They protect
Harrell’s POLYON® controlledrelease fertilizer reduces application frequency and supports labor efficiency.
STRATEGIC GUIDANCE
Lock early-year commitments, use advisory support, and align budgets to data tools.
“The best agronomy plans are diversified, documented, and locked early,” Dellinger notes. “That’s how you beat market volatility.”
cash flow and ensure product shows up when you need it most.”
Stronger Plans. Stronger Seasons.
Thoughtful budgeting, diversified sourcing, and early commitments help clubs maintain exceptional conditions and elevate member experience.
We get it, and we can help.
Connect with Avendra Clubs at media@avendra.com to build a strategic purchasing plan tailored to your property.
PERFORMANCE
AND MUCH MORE
UniMac washer-extractors and tumble dryers are installed in the back of the house, but the quality finished results they deliver for guest linens are very much front of house. Add in our machines’ industry-exclusive features, touchscreen controls, and new laundry management system, and you’ve got a recipe for long-term success.
And for success in the guest laundry, the Speed Queen brand (also part of our national accounts program) has got you covered.
TO LEARN HOW OUR NATIONAL ACCOUNTS TEAM CAN TAILOR A LAUNDRY SOLUTION INCLUDING GUEST LAUNDRY FOR YOUR PROPERTY.
Contact: media@avendra.com
UniMac® and Speed Queen® by Alliance Laundry Systems
WELLNESS REVENUE HIDING IN YOUR EXISTING GUEST JOURNEY:
Three Touchpoints Hotels Miss
Leah Crump Luxury Wellness Advisor
Leah Crump Consulting leahcrump.com
Hotels are being intentional with spend right now, looking for creative low-lift revenue solutions. Wellness offers that opportunity. The revenue lives in moments that already exist between arrival and departure.
These three touchpoints work whether you have a full spa or not.
Pre-Arrival Communication
Guests spend the 48 hours before arrival in a particular state of mind. They’re wondering if they’ll sleep well, thinking about jet lag, mentally mapping their days. A luxury property I advised shifted what they included in their “prepare for your stay” email. Added enticing descriptions of their
signature spa service and a wellness activity with direct booking links. Pre-arrival bookings increased 34% over 30 days, according to my on-site research.
This works the same way hotels offer guests the option to add daily breakfast to their reservation. The nightly aromatherapy turndown
became an easy yes because it arrived while guests were already planning. Price these between $45-$95 depending on the elements included.
Check-In
Front desk has a few minutes with each guest. A well-designed card does most of the work here.
A guest mentions a long flight. Hand them a card featuring the restorative massage or sleep enhancement package with a QR code for effortless booking. The card is also available digitally. Someone’s here for a conference. Same card, different verbal framing about express treatments available between sessions. Traveling with family means highlighting the stocked in-room wellness amenities that don’t require anyone to leave.
In-Room
The honor bar stocks vodka and cashews at markup. One property added magnesium drink mixes, adaptogen sachets, and premium sleep supplements to the same setup.
A card on the pillow arrives with a small lavender pillow mist:
“For restful sleep, use this mist and scan for our signature sleep meditation, available exclusively to our guests.” Work with a vendor partner to create the meditation content.
For guests seeking more, the inroom dining system already handles orders. Stock and list wellness products the way you list champagne and caviar: enhanced aromatherapy turndown service, weighted eye mask set, sleep tea ritual kit, tensionrelief bath soak. Start with one touchpoint. What you measure will tell you where to go next.
We get it, and we can help. Explore more wellness insights from Avendra’s network of hospitality experts by contacting media@avendra.com.
INSIDE LOOK: The Emerging Segment of Vacation Residences
The traditional boundaries between hotels, rental homes, and resorts are rapidly dissolving.
Driven by shifting traveler expectations and evolving capital strategies, vacation residences have emerged as a distinct hospitality segment— one that blends residential space with professional operations and curated experiences, to unlock new value for guests, owners, and developers alike. The result is a fast-growing category that sits squarely between hotels and homes—and is redefining the vacation experience.
Vacation Village at Parkway, Vacatia
Avendra International clients Vacatia and Rentyl Resorts represent two complementary models within this evolving landscape. To explore what’s fueling this segment's momentum, Edge Magazine convened an executive roundtable with Michael Ridgewell of Vacatia and Nick Falcone of Rentyl Resorts, leaders at the forefront of vacation residence growth and innovation.
Q: Vacation residences continue to grow globally. From your perspective, what market forces are driving that momentum?
Michael Ridgewell: “We’re at a true inflection point in traveler mindset. Vacatia’s brand promise is simple: the space of a home, plus the services of a hotel. Post-pandemic, that equation has become non-negotiable—guests want space, community, and sustained value over transactional stays. We see this across nearly 60 resorts and more than half a million owners. Independent resorts, in particular,
Nick
Falcone CEO
Rentyl Resorts (NDM Hospitality)
deliver authentic character, strong owner loyalty, and a sense of place that large brands don’t always replicate. That’s why vacation ownership—done right—continues to gain traction.”
Nick Falcone: “Several forces are driving this growth: a redefinition of ‘home’ post-pandemic, the normalization of remote and hybrid work, and institutional capital’s growing conviction in brand-aligned residences as a lower-volatility asset class. Buyers now demand lifestyle, liquidity, and performance in one product. At Rentyl Resorts,
operating at the intersection of resort operations, residential hospitality, and short-term rental infrastructure gives us real-time insight into how these assets are used and valued—and that convergence is what’s accelerating the segment.
Q: As demand accelerates, what’s driving your growth— and how are you evolving your service offerings?
NF: “Co-branding has been a major accelerator. We delivered the world’s first Embassy Suites–branded
condo hotel and saw roughly a 40% lift in price per square foot versus traditional condos. We’re also leaning into group demand—corporate and SMERF (Social, Military, Educational, Religious and Fraternal) groups can be 15–40% of the mix when experiences are curated thoughtfully. These guests value privacy, shared space, and amenities traditional hotels can’t deliver.”
MR: “Our growth comes from solving long-standing pain points for independent timeshare resorts. We started as a rental platform in 2013, expanded into resort
management in 2019, and at the beginning of 2025, acquired a major independent developer to strengthen sales capabilities— critical for growing owner bases and reducing delinquency. The throughline is listening first: we ask boards what’s broken and build practical solutions around those needs to drive modernization and organic growth.”
Q: What defines the most successful developments— and where do operators underestimate complexity?
MR: “Successful properties share strong board governance, an empowered GM, an engaged owner base, and a clear financial strategy. Where operators stumble is underestimating the operational backbone—HOA accounting, insurance, procurement, compliance, and tech. Trying to manage everything in-house often leads to reactivity. Revenue
modernization is another miss; professionalizing rentals and ancillary revenue can be a lifeline, particularly for aging assets.”
NF: “Location still matters—beach, mountain, or a demand engine like Orlando—but people matter just as much. Your GM will make or break the asset. Two common missteps we see are owner education and disconnected tech stacks. Many owners aren’t buying purely for usage; they’re buying for appreciation and returns, which makes transparency around hospitality economics essential. And if PMS, CRM, channel management, and finance systems don’t integrate, you can’t optimize revenue or the guest experience.”
We get it, and we can help. To level up your procurement strategy with the support of our hospitality experts, contact media@avendra.com.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Rentyl Resorts
EMPOWERING TOMORROW’S HOTELIERS:
How AAHOA’s HYPE Conference Develops the Industry’s Next Leaders
Rahul Patel Chairman AAHOA
The hospitality industry has long been built on relationships, resilience, and generational knowledge. As hotel ownership continues to evolve, one priority has become increasingly clear: preparing the next generation of leaders to successfully operate—and grow— hotel businesses in a more complex environment.
With a significant share of U.S. hotels continuing to struggle with workforce capacity —65% reporting ongoing staffing shortages and 71% unable to fill existing job vacancies, according to a 2025 report from Hireology and the American Hotel & Lodging Association—nurturing the next generation of hotel operators is key.
AAHOA’s HYPE Conference (Helping Young Professionals Evolve) was created with that goal
in mind. Designed specifically for young professionals and emerging hotel operators, the conference brings together rising leaders with experienced owners, brand executives, and industry partners for focused conversations on capital access, technology, leadership, and long-term growth strategies.
“The program reflects AAHOA’s broader commitment to strengthening the future of
HYPE is more than just a conference; it’s a launchpad for young professionals to build their networks, gain critical industry insights, and take their careers to the next level.”
hotel ownership through education, mentorship, and community,” says Rahul Patel, Chairman, AAHOA.
HYPE is designed to be practical. Sessions are built around real operational challenges—such as navigating financing, evaluating opportunities, and adapting to changing guest expectations— while creating meaningful connections between generations of hoteliers. For owners with family-run or multi-generational portfolios, that exchange of experience is especially valuable.
“When experienced hoteliers invest in the next generation, it strengthens businesses, preserves institutional knowledge, and raises the overall standard of operations across the industry.”
For hotel operators, the value of programs like HYPE extends well beyond professional development. They help build leadership benches, retain future owners and executives, and ensure that proven operational practices continue to evolve with each generation.
Strengthening the next generation of hoteliers requires knowledge-sharing and dependable operational support. As owners navigate evolving guest expectations, labor challenges, and expanding portfolios, having trusted partners becomes essential.
At Avendra International, our team becomes an extension of your team, enabling you to focus on what matters most: growing and managing your business.
We get it, and we can help. To learn more about Avendra International’s industry support, contact media@avendra.com.
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Supporting Sustainability Strategies
76% of travel buyers are bringing sustainability into the RFP process, according to the Global Business Travel Association.
Sustainability requirements are increasingly required for hospitality organizations. It can be hard to figure out where to start. Our experts are here to help.
In this special feature, you’ll find real stories from a few clients who are leading the charge in implementing sustainable practices in their operations, as well as a spotlight on Avendra’s Responsible Sourcing team and their consultative approach.
SUSTAINING PARADISE:
The Procurement Strategy Powering OUTRIGGER’s Environmental Leadership
Hospitality Group SUPPORTING
Karen Kurosawa Director of Sustainability
OUTRIGGER
Hospitality Group
Mark Wornson
Corporate Director of Procurement & Vendor Management
OUTRIGGER
For nearly 80 years, Hawai’i’s hospitality landscape has been shaped by OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group. Across its Hawai’i portfolio on O’ahu, Maui, Hawai’i Island, and Kaua’i, one core value powers the organization’s ethos—care; Care for its people, its guests, and the natural environment that defines every OUTRIGGER destination.
As a premier beach resort brand, OUTRIGGER’s connection to the environment is unbreakable. While tourism fuels Hawai’i’s economy, it also places pressure on water resources, waste systems, energy use, and fragile local ecosystems. Striking the balance between environmental responsibility and world-class guest experiences has become essential.
“The health of our coastlines directly shapes the vitality of the destinations our guests travel to experience,” says Karen Kurosawa, Director of Sustainability, OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group.
In 2014, OUTRIGGER launched the OUTRIGGER Zone, a global conservation initiative supporting coral reef health and ocean resiliency. Through scientific partnerships, preservation projects, and immersive guest programs, OUTRIGGER continues
to demonstrate how destination stewardship can strengthen business performance.
Since 2018, OUTRIGGER has collaborated with Avendra International to enhance procurement efficiency and operational performance. With on-island fieldsupport teams, a vetted supplier network experienced in island logistics, and competitive contract terms, Avendra helps OUTRIGGER scale its sustainability vision with confidence.
Through sustainability supplier tagging, consultative guidance, and actionable data insights, Avendra complements
OUTRIGGER’s bold sustainability agenda—enabling measurable impact across the portfolio.
Embedding Sustainability into Daily Operations
To reduce natural resource consumption across its portfolio, OUTRIGGER has implemented:
▶ Energy-efficient lighting
▶ Low-flow fixtures
▶ Renewable energy initiatives, tracked via Schneider Electric’s Resources Advisor
To reduce waste and eliminate unnecessary plastics, OUTRIGGER has:
▶ Removed in-room plastic water bottles, replacing them with metal refillable bottles and hydration stations
▶ Transitioned from conventional plastics in dry amenities to alternative materials
▶ Limited single-use plastics and packaging by expanding bulk amenity programs
“A lot of the products we moved to actually came with cost savings versus the plastic alternatives,” says Mark Wornson, Corporate Director of Procurement & Vendor Management, OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group. “It became a win-win.”
OUTRIGGER tracks KPIs such as energy and water use per occupied room, waste diversion, renewable energy adoption, and supplier sustainability performance. All eight Hawai‘i properties have earned high-level Green Key Global certifications, and internationally, OUTRIGGER is the first brand to achieve Green Key certifications in Fiji. These milestones highlight the brand’s commitment to rigorous
third-party verification and ongoing environmental improvement.
Procurement as a Strategic Sustainability Lever
Avendra enhances OUTRIGGER’s responsible sourcing strategy through the Avendra for Good program—a comprehensive framework that embeds sustainability and inclusive sourcing across multiple layers of the supply chain. Through supplier sustainability evaluations, OUTRIGGER can more easily identify partners whose practices align with its environmental goals and long-term strategy.
Powered by Avendra’s Mosaic AI Supply Chain and its MaetaData integration, the program also delivers item-level transparency into key sustainability attributes— such as higher-welfare certifications, no-deforestation commitments, and improved packaging profiles. These insights help OUTRIGGER advance its category-level sourcing targets with confidence.
By combining supplier-level and product-level visibility, Avendra empowers OUTRIGGER to make informed, values-aligned purchasing
Procurement is one of the most powerful operational levers we have. With strong data visibility, we align environmental stewardship with financial performance.”
decisions—strengthening sustainability performance while maintaining a resilient, reliable supply chain.
Long-Term Thinking in a Cost-Constrained Environment
Like hotel operators globally, OUTRIGGER faces the challenge of balancing capital priorities with sustainability goals.
“There are many impactful initiatives available; the discipline lies in selecting those that deliver the strongest environmental and financial return,” explains Wornson.
Projects are evaluated with a twoto three-year ROI lens, supported by aggressive pursuit of rebates and incentives to reduce upfront costs. This approach is especially critical for island-based resorts navigating logistical complexity, longer lead times, and fluctuating supply-chain conditions.
It also positions OUTRIGGER ahead of regulatory shifts such as single-use plastic restrictions and bulk amenity requirements.
Looking Ahead
With care at the heart of OUTRIGGER’s mission, thoughtful procurement strategies and sustainability initiatives strengthen guest satisfaction while protecting the environment.
“Guests increasingly want to contribute positively to the destinations they visit. Stewardship and accountability will stand alongside service excellence as defining markers of leadership,” says Kurosawa.
We get it, and we can help. Start the conversation with our sustainability experts at media@avendra.com
While OUTRIGGER sets the sustainability direction, Avendra International provides the scale, structure, and standards that help bring that vision to life—especially across complex island and resort operations.
1 Clear Visibility Into More Sustainable Suppliers & Products
Through Mosaic AI Supply Chain, Avendra provides OUTRIGGER with transparent, standards-aligned insights— helping the brand make informed, sustainability-driven purchasing decisions.
2 Targeted Support From Sustainability Experts
Avendra’s Responsible Sourcing team identifies high-impact opportunities across key spend areas, translating OUTRIGGER’s goals into actionable procurement improvements.
3 On-Island Expertise for Hawai‘i’s Logistics
With local representation, Avendra helps OUTRIGGER navigate unique island constraints—ensuring reliable availability and reducing waste across resort operations.
4 Access to Vetted More Sustainable Alternatives
Avendra connects OUTRIGGER with suppliers for bulk amenities, more sustainable materials, and reduced-packaging solutions, supporting regulatory compliance and guest-facing sustainability.
5 Cost-Efficient Procurement
Leveraging vetted contracts, Avendra helps OUTRIGGER secure competitive pricing for projects large and small.
Your Responsible Sourcing Journey with Avendra
No matter where you are on your journey, Avendra can help.
Analyze & Set Goals
Establish Your Baseline
Research Your Options
Implement Changes
Continuously Improve
Through supply chain analyses, we identify focus areas and define goals to help you develop a strategy. Already have goals? Move to baseline!
Understand your current purchasing and uncover opportunities for improvement powered through our proprietary AI-driven technology, Maeta›data. How about starting with two key categories?
Explore smarter, more sustainable alternatives across key categories supported by Avendra advice. What products are you currently using? How can we move the needle?
Put your strategy into action with guided decisions to achieve your sustainability goals. You’ve got the plan! Now you can purchase towards your goals!
Track progress, refine your approach, and evolve over time with Avendra’s ongoing strategy review. Congrats, you’re making progress! We’re here for you every the step of the way!
Let’s build a smarter supply chain—together. Scan the QR code to learn how Avendra can support your sustainability journey—including guidance with your Green Key Global certification application.
ROOTED IN PLACE:
How Sage Hospitality Turns Locality into a Guest Experience Advantage
For more than 40 years, Sage Hospitality has operated with a clear mission: to enrich lives, one experience at a time. Today, that purpose is increasingly expressed through a deep commitment to locality—bringing the character, culture, and community of each destination directly into the guest experience.
Jan Lucas Vice President, Strategic Sourcing & Partnerships
Sage Hospitality
Neil Colclough Vice President, Risk, Compliance, and Audit
Sage Hospitality
Asbury Ocean Club Hotel, Sage Hospitality
Across its U.S. portfolio, Sage designs properties to be immersive introductions to the cities and neighborhoods they inhabit. Through inclusive sourcing, sustainability programs, and community partnerships, Sage creates hotels that feel meaningfully connected to place.
For two decades, Avendra International has helped scale that vision. Strategic sourcing expertise, data transparency, and robust support enable Sage to maintain local flexibility while operating with enterprise-level consistency.
“Enriching lives means being thoughtful stewards of the places where we operate,” says Jan Lucas, Vice President, Strategic Sourcing & Partnerships. “Local sourcing and responsible practices help us create experiences that feel truly rooted in the community.”
Sustainability as Part of the Guest Experience
For Sage, sustainability has evolved from an internal initiative to a visible and valued part of the guest journey.
Energy-efficient systems—LED lighting, low-flow fixtures, smart HVAC—are now foundational. But Sage goes further by integrating programs that let guests see sustainability in action.
One standout example is the use of food-waste digesters, which convert food waste into organic, nutrient-rich fertilizer without using water. That fertilizer nourishes onsite gardens— often rooftop installations—where herbs, greens, and produce are grown for hotel restaurants.
“It’s a full-circle approach—waste becomes fertilizer, and that fertilizer
Perry Lane, Sage Hospitality
grows the ingredients we serve guests,” Lucas explains.
Culinary teams reinforce this ethos through:
▶ Whole-ingredient utilization
▶ Locally sourced produce
▶ Vegetarian recipe variants
▶ Menu items inspired by regional flavors
“More travelers—especially younger generations—want a smaller carbon footprint when they travel,” notes Neil Colclough, Vice President, Risk, Compliance, and Audit, Sage Hospitality. “They seek hotels that align with their values.”
A Framework for CompanyWide ESG Excellence
Sage’s sustainability platform is supported by a mix of enterprise standards and property-level ownership.
Key initiatives include:
▶ ESG committees at each property, guided by a corporate steering group
▶ Green Key Global certification, targeted across the portfolio
▶ Clean the World partnership for hygiene-product recycling
▶ Hotels for Trees, linking opted-out housekeeping to tree-planting
▶ A 7,000-hour Procure Impact goal, supporting suppliers employing people overcoming barriers to work
Sage is strengthening measurement, too. Utility usage is tracked per occupied room, waste-diversion analytics, and a centralized repository will soon streamline ESG reporting.
“We have an incredible story to tell,” Colclough says. “The data allows us to tell it with credibility and clarity.”
Where Avendra International Makes the Difference
Supporting local individuality within a diverse portfolio requires both flexibility and structure— capabilities Avendra brings through its at-property and above-property service model. In-market field support and customer relations managers visit properties regularly, advising on best practices and connecting teams to Avendra’s extensive supplier network. Executive-level account managers provide enterprise procurement strategy and operational guidance.
Procurement Scale with a Local Touch
Avendra’s national and regional suppliers give Sage the scale benefits it needs while still enabling local customization, including:
▶ Consistent pricing
▶ Quality assurance
▶ Access to local and inclusive suppliers
Risk Mitigation Through Supply Chain Stability
From tariff shifts to supply disruptions, Sage’s risk team credits Avendra with helping the portfolio navigate volatility. “If we weren’t partnered with Avendra, who knows what we would have faced over the last year,” Colclough says. “They’ve insulated us.”
Data That Drives Sustainable Choices
Avendra takes a consultative, data-driven approach, pairing deep sourcing expertise with advanced analytics to help Sage translate ESG goals into informed purchasing decisions. Through Avendra’s reporting tools and the Mosaic AI Supply Chain platform, powered by integrated MaetaData, Sage gains
clear, actionable insight into how products and suppliers align with priority sustainability outcomes.
Through the Avendra for Good framework, Sage is supported by Avendra’s subject-matter experts in evaluating supplier practices and assessing item-level sustainability attributes—such as animal-welfare certifications, deforestation-free commitments, and packaging profiles—enabling confident choices that advance sustainability goals while maintaining operational flexibility and brand integrity.
“Avendra collects an incredible amount of data,” Lucas notes. “With ESG committees at each property, we can now put that information to work.”
Together, Sage and Avendra continue to strengthen sustainable growth—without compromising the guest experience.
“We want guests to feel like insiders, not tourists,” Lucas says. “Sustainability storytelling is part of making that possible.”
We get it, and we can help. Ready to drive sustainability innovations at your property?
Contact media@avendra.com.
The support is incredible. If a property wants something unique—like a specific fish or even caviar—Avendra helps us find it.”
Urban Farmer Denver, Sage Hospitality
SUPPORTING SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES
MEET THE TEAM
Natily Santos
Avendra Edge Magazine sat down with Natily Santos, Vice President of Responsible Sourcing for Aramark + Avendra International, to discuss her career journey, the evolution of Avendra for Good, and how technology and supplier partnerships are shaping the future of responsible sourcing across hospitality.
Q: How did you get started in the hospitality industry and with Aramark + Avendra International?
Natily Santos: I’ve always been drawn to the hospitality industry because at its core, it’s about people, service, and community. While I never planned a career in supply chain or sustainability, hospitality introduced me to both.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in International Business with a focus on Hotel & Tourism
Management from Johnson & Wales University, followed by an MBA from Temple University’s Fox School of Business. Along the way, I realized the influence procurement has, not just on business performance, but on environmental impact, social equity, and local economies. That insight shaped my career and ultimately led me to leading responsible sourcing at Aramark + Avendra International, for nearly seven years.”
Q: Tell us about the Avendra for Good program and its impact.
NS: “Avendra for Good is our overarching responsible sourcing platform—it brings together inclusive sourcing, local and farmer engagement, and sustainability initiatives that create positive outcomes for people and the planet.
Rather than a single initiative, Avendra for Good represents an
ongoing commitment. We track progress annually, expand initiatives year over year, and continually identify new opportunities for improvement. Our work consistently focuses on high-impact categories including: animal proteins, textiles and uniforms, plastic and paper products, agricultural crops, and sustainable seafood. Through enhanced reporting, category-level issue analysis, and supplier engagement, Avendra for Good equips hospitality leaders with the insights needed to make informed sourcing decisions and demonstrate progress toward sustainability and inclusion goals.
This year, we’ve placed a strong emphasis on growing the Avendra for Good brand through increased supplier recognition, broader communications, and enhanced marketing efforts, making it easier for clients and suppliers alike to understand and engage with our sustainability goals.”
Through Aramark partnerships, our inclusive sourcing efforts have generated more than $1.6 billion in economic impact, strengthening local economies while expanding supplier choice.”
Q: How does Avendra International support small and underrepresented suppliers?
NS: “Supporting small, local, and underrepresented suppliers is a core part of how we build resilient hospitality supply chains. Through Avendra and Aramark, we invest in supplier development programs that help businesses scale sustainably, while meeting the quality, consistency, and service expectations our hospitality clients demand.
Programs like Level UP! and PIPE (Progress, Insight & Performance Education) provide hands-on education in areas such as distribution readiness, procurement systems, and responding to RFPs, while partnerships with Mastermind My Company help suppliers navigate third-party certification and unlock new market opportunities. We complement these efforts with mentorship, educational webinars, and access-to-capital initiatives designed to remove common growth barriers.
The result is a measurable impact at scale. Through Aramark partnerships, our inclusive sourcing efforts have generated more than $1.6 billion in economic impact, strengthening local economies while expanding supplier choice and flexibility for our hospitality clients. This work has earned national recognition, including Supplier.io’s Small Business Impact Champion designation and the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s Corporation of the Year honor–affirming that the future of hospitality sourcing is inclusive by design, and the strongest supply chains are built with intention.
Q: How does AI support responsible sourcing reporting and transparency?
NS: “AI is critical to managing the growing complexity of sustainability reporting. The acquisition of our longtime partner MaetaData has significantly strengthened our analytics, improving ingredient and source transparency while enhancing visibility for local, diverse, and small suppliers. This data foundation helps inform ESG commitments and guide more strategic sourcing decisions to help our clients meet their goals.
MaetaData is now integrating with Mosaic, our AI-powered procurement platform within Aramark’s Hospitality IQ ecosystem. This proprietary AI procurement engine supports decision-making for nearly $20 billion in annual purchases, delivering customized insights from across Aramark’s global supply chain databases to ensure consistency, value, and quality at every client location. Together, these tools harmonize purchasing data and provide real-time, actionable intelligence that improves efficiency and advances responsible sourcing.”
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?
NS: “The people—and the ability to create meaningful, positive impact. Responsible sourcing allows us to strengthen communities, support suppliers, and make sustainability actionable across hospitality. That’s what makes this work so rewarding.”
A combined 100+ years of hospitality experience in one team
Natily Santos 23+ years
Hamzah Abu-Ragheb 15+ years
Emilia Hill 10+ years
Uthum Fuard 10+ years (trained chef!)
Chris Schilling 35+ years
Mercedes Rodriguez 25+ years 10+ years (trained baker!)
Kira Austin 15+ years
Hear from Natily on how we're building a more sustainable supply chain. »
Jonathan Sterling 5+ years
Heather Bloemker
SUPPORTING SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES
THE
POWER-SAVING KITCHEN:
Equipment Choices That Slash Energy Use
Carol Riesett Senior Manager, Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment
Avendra International
Rising energy costs and new Building Performance Standards are raising the stakes for hotel kitchens. Operators that delay upgrading energy-efficient equipment face higher utility spend, compliance risk, and potential reputational impact, according
to the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2026 “State of the Industry” report. Investing now helps control long-term costs, meet regulatory requirements, and simplify multi-year capital planning in an increasingly regulated environment.
Let's review three energy-saving kitchen equipment solutions from Avendra’s FF&E Services designed to deliver measurable efficiency gains without sacrificing performance.
1.
Ventless Efficiency, Smarter Power Use: Blodgett ImVection® Ventless Oven
The ImVection Ventless Oven is engineered to minimize energy loss while maintaining precise, consistent cooking. Its ventless design reduces infrastructure requirements and supports more flexible kitchen layouts.
KEY BENEFITS
Energy used only where needed: Independent chambers and adaptive power management prevent unnecessary energy consumption.
No external exhaust required: Built-in catalytic filtration reduces heat loss, infrastructure costs, and overall energy demand.
Improved heat retention: Insulated construction and low-emissivity door coatings maintain consistent temperatures with less power.
2. Dishwasher with
Purpose
Ventless Flight Dishwasher
The ENERGY STAR®‑certified DH6000T-VHR, from Champion, a trusted leader in commercial warewashing, is designed for high-volume hotel operations looking to reduce energy, water use, and HVAC demands without compromising sanitation or throughput.
KEY BENEFITS
Lower energy and HVAC costs: Ventless cold-water heat-recovery captures and reuses wash-cycle heat, eliminating external ventilation and reducing kitchen heat load.
Significant water savings: Uses just 0.73 gallons per rack at up to 40 racks per hour, cutting both water consumption and the energy required to heat it.
Smarter, compliant operation: ENERGY STAR® certification, programmable sleep mode, and intelligent heaters ensure energy is used only when needed.
Convotherm builds energy efficiency directly into its cooking platforms. Its ENERGY STAR®-certified combi ovens leverage a sealed Natural Smart Climate™ system to retain heat and moisture, reducing energy and water consumption throughout daily kitchen operations.
KEY BENEFITS
Lower energy and water consumption: Uses up to 28.23% less energy and up to 19.05% less water during cleaning cycles compared with equivalent modes.
Higher output with less energy: 11% faster heating and up to 18% shorter baking times reduce energy per cycle while maintaining consistent performance.
Smarter low-utilization performance: Built-in Power-Save sleep mode cuts idle consumption by about 10%, supporting more efficient overnight and low-demand periods.
We get it, and we can help.
To explore energy-efficient, compliance-ready kitchen solutions, contact Avendra’s FF&E Services team at media@avendra.com.
The Next Chapter of Plant-Based Food
WHAT CHEFS & FOODSERVICE OPERATORS NEED TO KNOW FOR 2026.
Not long ago, plant-based menus were defined by what they removed. Today, they’re defined by what they add — flavor, creativity, comfort, and choice.
Paul Bloxham Head of Culinary Avendra International Europe
Across the kitchens and teams I work with throughout the UK, Ireland, and Continental Europe, plant-based eating has quietly shifted from niche to normal.
Vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, and reducetarian diets are no longer separate lanes, they’re blending into a shared appetite for food that feels good and tastes great.
The plantbased shift
This shift to plant-based eating is also reflected in the numbers. The global plant-based food market was valued at $14.2B in 2025 and is forecast to reach $44.2B by 2035, growing at around 12% a year. But what matters most isn’t the growth itself - it’s how operators and chefs respond to it in practical, creative ways.
Plant-based food today isn’t just about replacing meatit’s about reimagining what’s possible on the plate. Chefs, catering teams and foodservice operators are putting vegetables, grains, pulses, sea ingredients, and fermentation at the center of menus, creating dishes that are flavourful, visually exciting, and genuinely craveable.
That thinking sits behind our Culinary Guide: Plant-Based Food Trends 2026. The full guide explores ten trends in depth - and here’s a glimpse at five of these shifts we’re seeing take hold.
#1 Crafting tradition #2 Comfort re-loaded
There’s a renewed appreciation for traditional cuisines, particularly Mediterranean cooking, where vegetables have always played a central role.
Regional ingredients, small plates, and historic recipes are being reinterpreted with modern techniques, proving that plantforward food doesn’t need to feel new to feel exciting.
Comfort food is also making a return - but with a clear evolution.
Familiar dishes are being elevated through premium ingredients, global influences, and thoughtful plant-based creativity. The result is food that feels indulgent and reassuring, while still aligning with today’s expectations around health and sustainability.
#3 Wellness beyond protein #4 Sustainability as standard practice
Wellness continues to influence menu development, though the focus has widened beyond protein alone.
Fiber, gut health, mental wellbeing, and balanced nutrition are increasingly shaping plantforward menus. Functional mushrooms, fermented foods, adaptogens, and sea vegetables are moving from niche applications into everyday dishes.
Sustainability now underpins many menu and procurement decisions.
Root-to-stem cooking, waste reduction, and regenerative sourcing are no longer seen as optional. They’re practical responses to cost pressures, supply challenges, and the growing expectation for transparency across the food chain.
#5 Technology shaping what comes next
Alongside these shifts, technology, particularly AI, is quietly influencing how plantbased food develops.
From recipe innovation to personalized nutrition and faster product development, it’s helping chefs and brands reduce trial-and-error and move more confidently from concept to plate.
Recipe Shanghai Hot & Sour Claypot
with Sticky Jasmin Rice & Holy Basil
Ingredients
1 lb smoked tofu
Ⓥ Vegan
3 large eggplant, ¾-inch cubes
3 large zucchinit, ¾-inch cubes
400g large chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced
2 onions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
100g piece root ginger, grated
50ml sunflower oil
150g red Thai curry paste Ⓥ
3 limes, juice and zest
100ml hoi sin paste
75g brown sugar
100ml ketchup Manis soy sauce
100ml black bean sauce
1 bunch fresh Thai basil leaf
1 bunch green onions, shredded
1kg cooked jasmin or glutenous rice to serve
Method
1. Heat oil in wok or large frying pan, add onion, garlic ginger, cook for 1 minute.
2. Stir in curry paste, cook for 1 minute.
3. Add tofu, eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms, cook until lightly golden.
4. Add lime juice, hoi sin paste, soy and black bean sauces and 3 cups water, bring to boil.
5. Simmer until the vegetables and tofu are tender and sauce reduced in consistency, thick and syrupy.
6. Stir in half the basil, place in a bowl alongside some steamed rice.
7. Zest the lime over the hotpot and remaining basil leaves and green onions, then serve.
5 Ways to Personalize Luxury to Drive Guest Loyalty
In today’s luxury landscape—where every social feed flaunts infinity pools, curated dinners, and “exclusive” moments—true ultra-luxury isn’t about spectacle. It’s about how effortless a stay feels: seamless transitions, tailored itineraries, and intuitive service that anticipates needs without asking.
As demand shifts toward fewer, higher-value trips, McKinsey projects luxury tourism will grow from $239B in 2023 to nearly $400B by 2028— making loyalty and repeat stays the most valuable outcomes of all.
Dorien Murphy Director of Luxury Accounts
Avendra International
“Intentionality is the quiet superpower of luxury. When a guest feels understood without having to ask, every touchpoint becomes a ‘you thought of me’ moment—and that’s what turns a great stay into a lasting memory.”
With costs rising and margins tightening, investing in personalization that scales with intention is a valuable strategy.
1 PRE-ARRIVAL
Curate the Experience Before They Arrive
Start the story early. Research them before arrival to get a picture of their typical life. In the welcome email, ask for purpose of travel (leisure, business, celebration, exploration), preferred forms of address, and milestones. Then quietly build the stay around what matters to them so arrival feels natural—not staged.
“Luxury starts before the lobby. When we capture intent up front, the rest is thoughtful followthrough,” says Murphy.
OPERATOR OPPORTUNITY
Integrate payment, CRM, and guest-profile systems to eliminate data silos— so preferences captured pre-arrival are actionable at every touchpoint.
2
ARRIVAL & FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Set the
Emotional Tone
The first 30 seconds set the stay. Greet by name and title, mirror the purpose of the trip, and make check-in disappear. The message: We were ready for you. “Trust forms fast. If a guest can exhale at the door, loyalty just got easier,” says Murphy.
OPERATOR OPPORTUNITY
Run a daily “show me you know me” huddle to align teams on top arrivals and preferences.
3
IN-ROOM PERSONALIZATION
Private, Sensory, and Memorable
Let the room prove they were expected: a personalized key sleeve, a chilled favorite beverage, a regionally inspired keepsake for a child or milestone. These tangible moments become the stories they take home—and the reason they return.
“Details are the new souvenirs. When a touch is unmistakably theirs, it transforms into a memory—and loyalty,” says Murphy.
“I’ve seen properties gift guests a bottle of locally crafted whiskey, engraved with their names and milestone dates. It delivers a true taste of place and becomes a personalized keepsake they carry home, along with the story of how it made them feel.”
SUPPLIER SOLUTION
Jupiter & Company crafts engravable keepsakes that turn details into memories.
4
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Personalize Without Decision Fatigue
Ease is the ultimate luxury. Let preferences move with the guest: the server remembers their no-proof nightcap; dietary notes carry across outlets; pacing feels intuitive. When logistics fall away, hospitality shines, and spend follows. Strategic procurement is key to bringing luxury experiences to life.
“Intuitive service feels like care, not data. That’s when revenue and loyalty rise together,” says Murphy.
SUPPLIER SOLUTION
PromoShop Inc. provides elevated cocktail kits, premium barware, and curated programs for guest-specific moments.
WELLNESS WITHOUT WALLS
Bring Renewal to the Room
Wellness is no longer confined to the spa. Offer sleep rituals, recovery tools, and curated wellness minibars so guests restore on their terms— then invite them deeper into the spa journey.
“Rest is a revenue driver. When wellness meets the guest where they are, the entire stay improves,” says Murphy.
SUPPLIER SOLUTION
UMM Skincare delivers clean, sensory-rich products that extend the spa into the guestroom.
THE SMALL GESTURE THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
A handwritten note wishing luck on a big meeting—or joy on an anniversary—costs little and means everything. Intentionality turns moments into memories.
SUPPLIER SOLUTION
Vanderlyn Hospitality provides beautifully branded stationery that makes heartfelt communication effortless and on-brand.
We get it, and we can help. Avendra International connects properties with vetted, highquality suppliers so your team can deliver seamless, ultra-luxury personalization—beautifully and consistently. Contact media@avendra.com for tailored strategies and supplier solutions.
MAKE IT HAPPEN:
Actionable Tips for Creating a Personalized Guest Experience
TIP: Tear out and duplicate this list for employee distribution or recurring team meetings.
Start early
Use pre-arrival emails to learn guests’ purpose of travel and key preferences.
Capture what matters
Tag occasions, preferred forms of address, and personal details in your systems.
Align your team
Review notable arrivals and guest insights in daily briefings.
Address guests with intention
Use their preferred names, titles, and pronouns.
Acknowledge their journey
Warmly recognize the reason for travel—celebration, business, or rest.
Perfect the arrival
Keep check-ins calm, coordinated, and efficient.
Elevate wellness
Offer spa-curated items in-room and use thoughtful touchpoints to inspire bookings.