Bench Impact Podcast Series

In this Bench Impact podcast, we speak to Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group about the launch of the new conversion brand Radisson Individuals. Elie outlined what the brand represents and how conversions, in this current time, are so important for the industry.

In this podcast, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, Bench Events spoke to Radisson’s Senior Area VP ME&A, Tim Cordon.  They talk about the current market conditions of Middle East and Africa and how Radisson is innovating to support owners.  On recently announcing the Radisson Hotel Group’s Hybrid Solutions how this will support MICE and events in the future.  

In this podcast, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, Bench Events spoke to Wolfgang Neumann Chairman of Neumann Hospitality advisory.   We discussed the recent launch of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the objectives of the members and the key changes he hopes to influence across the hospitality industry. 

Nirmal Sethia talks about the Sethia Foundation and his love for teas and launching Newby Teas.  He also speaks about fluoride and how too much fluoride found in some teas can be deadly. Newby teas has won 95% of all awards - listen to this podcast to learn why this is and what you should be aware of when drinking teas. Mr. Sethia recently spoke at the GRIF day at AHIC.

Jonathan Worsley speaks to Dr. Khosro Ezaz-Nikpay of Zendegii on creating the world’s first vegan ice cream. Using the spirit of innovation and finding that white space using innovative research techniques. Khosro kicks off the Disruption Day at AHIC on 9th April.

Jonathan Worsley speaks to Raki Phillips, Chief Citizen of Earth Hotels which is a new innovative and eco-friendly brand that is being showcased for the first time at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference. Raki states he can build 30% below typical construction costs and a build time from 6-12 months. Listen to this podcast to learn how Earth Hotels is changing the business model and hear of their growing pipeline.

Jonathan Worsley speaks to the Founder and CEO of HotelSwaps, Preben Vestdam on creating a new product for the hotel industry that epitomizes the sharing economy through the exchange of unused hotel rooms. There are over two billion rooms annually left unsold at independent hotels and small groups. Preben speaks on how his company can capitalise on these rooms and discusses his success to-date.

Jonathan Worsley speaks to the Chief Operating Officer of Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group, Aly Shariff on the current state of the UAE market and price dumping "if we don't value our product, how do you expect our clients to value our product". Aly speaks of his passion for service, experience, and competing against the rapid commoditisation of the industry. He thinks as operators, we have become our own worst enemies.

Maria de la Fuente Corrales Travel Industry Analyst – Google speaks about her background and her love for travel. She also shares her working experience for Airbus and the communication between the aircraft and the airport. Having moved into the hospitality and travel sector with Google, she is looking at integrating the data points along the customer journey and connecting the online world with the offline world