KABA pARtNERS wIth OpENKEY
Kaba , a dorma + kaba Group brand , signed a letter of intent with Open- Key , creating a Preferred Partnership between the two companies . This strategic partnership will initially focus on integrating Open- Key ’ s mobile entry service with Kaba ’ s new BLE locks .
OpenKey is a mobile app that allows authorized and secure keyless entry to hotel rooms via a guest ’ s personal smartphone . The app is the global industry standard to mobile keyless technology , allowing hotel owners to launch their own keyless room entry system without changing their current infrastructure or mobile services .
Adding OpenKey to Kaba ’ s mobile key platform will make the convenience of mobile access available to guests at properties of any size .
ASSA ABLOY REAchES 100,000th INStALLAtION
ASSA ABLOY Hospitality kicked off 2016 with the 100,000th installation of its digital key access solution . This milestone demonstrates the rapidly growing demand for digital key functionality , and confirms ASSA ABLOY as the leading provider for mobile access services .
Developed specifically for the global market , the keyless entry solution allows guests to use any BLE-compatible smartphone , smartwatch , or tablet as a room key . Hotels can choose from a variety of ways to make the solution available to guests as a secure mobile app , allowing guests to go straight to their room and eliminating the need to wait in line at the front desk for check-in or checkout .
KLAFS wINS IF DESIgN AwARD
The sauna S1 from KLAFS beat out more than 5,000 other entries at the imm cologne this January to take the iF Design Award in the “ product discipline ” category for bathrooms .
This is only one of several honors the S1 has received in recent months . The sauna has been recognized with Plus X Awards in five separate categories , a special mention at the German Design Awards , Sauna Innovation of the Year at the Intergastra Innovationspreis , and Blue Angel certification for environmental efficiency .
The S1 is the world ’ s first mobile sauna to retract at the touch of a button like the zoom lens of a camera . In its fully retracted position , it is only 60 centimeters ( 23.6 inches ) deep , about the same depth as your average closet .
IN BRIEF
Partnerships and mergers
■ ■ AETHOS Consulting Group merged with Greger / Peterson Associates Inc ., creating the largest global hospitality executive search and advisory firm in the world . Greger / Peterson is now working under the AETHOS name .
■ ■ CBRE Group Inc . completed its rebranding and integration of PKF Consulting USA , PKF Hospitality Research and PKF Consulting Inc . into its portfolio of global real estate services .
■ ■ TravelClick has partnered with Sojern , enabling TravelClick ’ s digital media customers to drive more bookings by leveraging Sojern ’ s data-driven marketing optimization engine and premium inventory access .
■ ■ After merging , human capital management firms Assess Systems and Chequed . com have become OutMatch . The new name launched in January .
■ ■ The Rainmaker Group has added the Onyx Hospitality Group to its customer base , strengthening the group ’ s position in the Asia- Pacific marketplace .
■ ■ Sterno Products acquired Northern International Inc ., the leading manufacturer of flameless candles and outdoor lighting products in the retail segment .
■ ■ Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas has partnered with Technogym to provide the first Group Cycle Connect experience in the United States . Group Cycle Connect is powered by the rider ’ s motion and accurately tracks cadence , calories and distance .
■ ■ International design and architecture firm Perkins Eastman opened a new domestic office in Dallas , establishing Perkins Eastman ’ s 15th global location and first in Texas . Leadership changes
■ ■ Erik Nommsen was once again named president of Champion Industries . In 2014 , Nommsen left Champion after six years as president to join Hog Slat Inc .
■ ■ Moffat USA has appointed Kristian Kuh as general manager . Kuh has extensive background in the foodservice industry including work with Prince Castle , Cornelius , Grindmaster and Prime Range .
■ ■ LEO A DALY has hired Lance Kempf , PE , as director of mechanical and electrical engineering for its Minneapolis office . He joins LEO A DALY from LKPB Engineers Inc ., where he was responsible for all aspects of project engineering and construction management on large commercial and educational facilities .
■ ■ MTS Seating , a global leader in hospitality seating solutions , has promoted Ian King to vice president of sales . King brings an extensive background with the company and knowledge of its design , manufacturing and customer service operations .
■ ■ The John Hardy Group has expanded the project management team in its Honolulu office . The office is currently providing development services on five projects representing US $ 700 million in investment value . Launchings
■ ■ Sherrill Manufacturing , under the Liberty Tabletop brand , has launched a special section of its website dedicated strictly to hospitality and food service customers .
www . hotelsmag . com April 2016 HOTELS 55