Wynn Resorts is also adapting its group offering to meet evolving guest wants and needs by placing growing importance on networking components . “ What I really want to do is create moments where group attendees can connect ,” Gullbrants says , adding that receptions are often replacing sit down dinners and that the hotel is allowing planners to buyout restaurants and clubs .
INCLUSIVE , INCISIVE Internally , four of the nine Wynn Resort board members are now women . This comes more than four years after former chairman Steve Wynn resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations and a recently settled federal defamation lawsuit claiming sexual harassment and retaliation .
“ Now you really have diverse opinions , which is good ,” Gullbrants says . “ Your board and your leadership team need to reflect your customer base .”
The person in charge of food and beverage in Las Vegas is a woman , as is the head of hotel operations , sales and marketing , finance and legal counsel . Wynn also recently promoted women to lead the two resorts in Macau and the Encore in Boston . “ We have very important positions in our company being led by very qualified female professionals , and I am not aware of any other hospitality company doing the same thing ,” Gullbrants says .
In closing , Gullbrants urged his contemporaries to be prepared . “ Don ’ t get caught flat footed ,” he says . “ But also make decisions for your brand that are long term and not short-term knee jerk decisions because those are the kiss of death .”
Gullbrants also believes hoteliers need to think about what more they can do for guests and charge appropriately . “ Don ’ t look at it as ‘ what can we cut ’ and they might not notice ,” he says . “ Think about what else you can give them and charge them extra . How can we improve , give more service and give a better , unique experiences … It ’ s about unique connections and experiences that we need to create as hoteliers … How we make money is by creating those experiences . We can never forget that .”
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