STARWOOD NAMES DIRECTV ITS PREFERRED VIDEO PROVIDER
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and AT & T designated DIRECTV as Starwood ’ s preferred US video and audio provider . The agreement provides Starwood ’ s guests with access to DIRECTV ’ s NFL Sunday Ticket , programming for the four major sports leagues and nearly 100 HD channels . Sheraton is using the partnership to upgrade its HDTV experiences and to bring new channels to its US hotels . These efforts are part of Sheraton 2020 , Starwood ’ s plan to make Sheraton the global hotel brand of choice , the company says .
SAMSUNG AND ACCORHOTELS PARTNER
Samsung Electronics announced a rollout of its SMART Hospitality Display technology across AccorHotels Group ’ s properties in 92 countries . As the preferred display provider for AccorHotels , Samsung ’ s UHD displays will be available in guest rooms and common areas , including lobbies , bars and restaurants . The partnership enables AccorHotels ’ properties to access Samsung ’ s LYNK Hospitality Management technology and will facilitate the implementation of a cloud-based wireless printing solution , as well as digital content including video-on-demand and streaming platforms .
HOST2015 HAD RECORD INTERNATIONAL ATTENDANCE
Held in Milan , Italy , in October 2015 , Host2015 grew its professional visitors 13.5 % to roughly 150,000 , 40 % of whom came from abroad . According to show organizers , more than 60,000 visitors came from 172 countries , representing 17 % growth in international presence . Hosting the show in Milan added to the show ’ s value , organizers say , citing international attendees who say that Italian style is sought after in their markets . The show featured more than 400 events , including seminars , workshops , competitions , cooking shows and tastings .
IN BRIEF
■ Schoenwald ’ s ALLURE Collection received a special mention at the German Design Awards 2016 .
■ Küppersbusch Großküchentechnik GmbH & Co launched its new website , www . kueppersbusch . com .
■ Electrolux Professional ’ s HACCP
International Certification has been extended globally .
■ Girbau appointed Guillem Clofent general manager .
■ ITB Berlin , a travel trade show , will celebrate its 50th anniversary at its show March 9 to 13 , 2016 , in Berlin , Germany .
■ Bocuse d ’ Or organizers and Villeroy & Boch ’ s Hotel & Restaurant Division met at Villeroy & Boch ’ s headquarters for a Bocuse d ’ Or 2016 / 2017 kickoff meeting .
■ Bartech implemented its manual minibar management solution , BarTouch , at the W South Beach in Miami .
■ Villeroy & Boch provided white porcelain plates from its Modern Grace collection for the World Chocolate Masters 2015 competition held in Paris , France .
■ GFL Cosmetics announced that it is launching in the U . S . market .
■ Signature Building Systems built an 81-bedroom La Quinta Inn & Suites in Hershey , Pennsylvania .
■ DHISCO named Greg Berman chief operating officer , Noreen Henry chief revenue officer , Jennifer Mays vice president of product design and Ann Cole vice president of content .
■ The Service Companies appointed Kurt Wong chief operating officer , Keith Gaines vice president of operations , Martin Duane regional vice president - eastern
Berman region and Andrew Aldrich vice president - planning and strategy .
■ Melissa Figas joined Tomlinson Industries as marketing and advertising manager .
■ Gregory Daiker joined LEO A DALY as design director for hospitality interiors . Ryan Martin , AIA NCARB , joined the firm as design director for hospitality
Figas architecture .
■ Wyndham Vacation Ownership contributed $ 1 million to the Step Up For Students program , which will fund more than 171 scholarships for Florida ’ s low-income children to attend their choice of K-12 schools .
■ TravelClick appointed Barrett Boston president , Americas , Scott Falconer is new executive vice president / general manager , media solutions , and Rebecca Bursky is now senior vice president of human resources .
■ Toga Far East Hotels partnered with Guvera , a music streaming service .
■ Groupe GM and Nuxe launched the Prestige Collection of amenities .
■ DHISCO partnered with Inspirato to give members an online connection for booking negotiated rates within Inspirato ’ s collection of hotels .
■ Interfin selected SmarTV Company LLC to provide its guest entertainment platform at the Hotel Granduca in Austin , Texas .
www . hotelsmag . com January / February 2016 HOTELS 59