HR technology has been evolving at an exponential rate, with recent breakthrough solutions based on the management and optimization of hospitality’s greatest challenge, resource, and opportunity: people.

These new and emerging solutions also provide a level of customization that is transforming HR decision making and problem solving. In this session, Luke and Dave will share what they have learned in their work to integrate the most advanced and real-time HR solutions that are needed to support the growth at CAVA, one of the fastest-growing quick casual restaurant concepts in the U.S.

One of the most salient changes in the nature of work over the past decade has been an increased emphasis on flexibility. In particular, the gig economy and virtual work assignments have introduced new options that require a very different approach to employee staffing, development, and retention. This session will focus on the key challenges and most effective strategies for managing these new work arrangements.

Many hospitality companies have complex brands that are influenced by a wide array of sometimes competing factors – from the owner’s priorities, to the competitive conditions that are specific to a particular location. However, while trainers have dutifully attempted to account for the subtle yet important distinctions among the competing interests, most efforts fall short in developing the requisite knowledge and skills. In this session, Melissa and Finley will share their experiences in designing and implementing brand-focused training programs that help new and experienced employees alike become more brand savvy and thus, more effective.

Diversity goes beyond what we can see about an individual from the outside – it includes an individual’s “hidden diversity”. In this session, Denise and Holly will present an overview of their collaboration to create a “full inclusion culture” at The Breakers. They will address a number of specific programs and initiatives – such as gender change benefits and robust education for those who suffer from depression, mental disorders, anxiety, and stress – and discuss the respective implications for ensuring program success, including the foundations for facilitating a high-trust work environment that directly affects a company’s business success.

Finding sustainable sources of talent and making effective selection decisions remains one of the most critical HR tasks, and those who are seeking employment opportunities have a very strong upper hand. In this session, Greg and Jim will discuss data-driven methods that level the playing field and create innovative and robust solutions for finding and hiring the best employees.

This is a special opportunity to spend time with one of the most inspirational and insightful HR executives in the hospitality industry. Debbie Brown will reflect on her three and a half decades of HR leadership experience with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (and other notable hospitality companies), and share her passion and experiences from working with tens of thousands of employees throughout her storied career.