Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Choice hosts 10th MasteryX summit in Scottsdale, AZ

Select projects from the summit may be rolled out company-wide

Choice Hotels MasteryX 2025 Hack-a-Thon competition in Scottsdale

Choice Hotels International opened its 10th MasteryX tech summit in Scottsdale, Arizona, where 650 associates are exploring tech solutions to boost revenue, cut costs and improve efficiency for hotel owners.

Choice Hotels MasteryX 2025: Driving Tech Innovation in Scottsdale

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL kicked off its 10th annual MasteryX tech summit in Scottsdale, Arizona. Around 650 associates are attending the week-long event to explore technologies and address real-world challenges through workshops, competitions and knowledge-sharing sessions focused on helping hotel owners increase revenue, reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Choice technologists will examine how artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other technologies can support business intelligence, cyber security, on-property operations and the scaling of the company’s tools and systems, Choice said in a statement.


“MasteryX is more than a conference — it’s a launchpad for the future of hospitality technology,” said Brian Kirkland, Choice’s chief information officer. “By upskilling our engineers in AI and emerging tech, we’re ensuring Choice Hotels stays at the forefront, delivering smarter, more efficient solutions for franchisees and guests. Mastery is part of our innovation culture, supporting tools that help owners drive strong returns and manage their businesses with the control and flexibility they need.”

At MasteryX, challenges such as Capture the Flag and AWS DeepRacer will test participants’ problem-solving and AI skills, the statement said. During the summit’s Hack-a-Thon competitions, engineers will develop and present software products to support company operations, hotel performance and guest services.

Winning teams will receive cash prizes and selected projects may be deployed across the company.

A winning project from last year’s Mastery automated the process of creating special rates for repeat guests and packages for local businesses, Choice said. This cut processing time from 2.5 weeks to instant execution, increasing hotel revenue and speeding up service. More than 600 hotels have used the program, generating nearly 6,000 rate packages and about 450,000 room nights totaling over $31 million in sales.

In addition to supporting innovation, MasteryX includes a two-hour service event where attendees will assemble care kits and tie-dye items for patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Anna Scozzafava, Choice’s chief strategy officer and senior vice president for technology, said Choice Hotels has a long track record of innovation.

“Mastery is one of the ways we keep the spirit of innovation alive, so we can continue leveraging technology to strengthen our competitive edge by providing tools that make hotel operations easier and allow owners to focus on the guest experience,” she said.

In March, Choice extended its Choice Privileges sponsorship of Trackhouse Racing for a second year, giving members access to the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series.

More for you

IHG Ruby Hotels USA launch
Photo credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG’s Ruby debuts in U.S. market

Summary:

  • IHG launched its 20th global brand, Ruby, in the U.S.
  • The brand offers serves city-centers and urban locations with restrictions.
  • It focuses on major urban markets with new-build, conversion, and adaptive reuse.

IHG HOTELS & RESORTS introduced Ruby Hotels, its 20th global brand, to the U.S. It is designed to fit in city centers and urban locations with entry barriers and space constraints.

Keep ReadingShow less
H-2B visa hospitality impact

Study: H-2B visas boost U.S. jobs and wages

Summary:

  • The H-2B visa program protects U.S. jobs and wages, according to AHLA citing a study.
  • It allows hotels and resorts to meet travelers’ needs while supporting the economy.
  • It provides foreign workers for seasonal jobs when domestic workers are unavailable.

THE H-2B VISA program does not harm U.S. jobs or wages but increases pay and supports the labor force, according to an Edgeworth Economics study. Citing that study, the American Hotel & Lodging Association said the program enables hotels and resorts to meet travelers’ needs while supporting the workforce and economy.

Keep ReadingShow less
HAMA Fall 2025 survey results

Survey: Hotels expect Q4 RevPAR gain

Summary:

  • More than 70 percent expect a RevPAR increase in Q4, according to HAMA survey.
  • Demand is the top concern, cited by 77.8 percent, up from 65 percent in spring.
  • Only 37 percent expect a U.S. recession in 2025, down from 49 percent earlier in the year.

MORE THAN 70 PERCENT of respondents to a Hospitality Asset Managers Association survey expect a 1 to 3 percent RevPAR increase in the fourth quarter. Demand is the top concern, cited by 77.8 percent of respondents, up from 65 percent in the spring survey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Group DST Mansfield Texas

Peachtree adds Mansfield, TX, industrial asset to DST

Summary:

  • Peachtree launched new DST with 131,040‑square foot industrial facility in Mansfield, Texas.
  • The property was acquired at $180 per square foot.
  • Peachtree completed $320M in debt-free transactions across multiple markets since 2022.

PEACHTREE GROUP LAUNCHED its latest Delaware Statutory Trust with the acquisition of a newly built 131,040-square-foot industrial facility in Mansfield, Texas. The company has completed about $320 million in debt-free transactions since launching its DST program in 2022, according to its statement.

Keep ReadingShow less
American Franchise Act announced in U.S. Congress to protect hotel franchising and jobs

House unveils act to boost franchise business

Summary:

  • House introduces AFA to boost franchise model and hotel operations.
  • The act establishes a joint employer standard.
  • AHLA backs the bill, urging swift adoption.

THE HOUSE Of Representatives introduced the American Franchise Act, aimed at supporting the U.S. franchising sector, including 36,000 franchised hotels and 3 million workers nationwide. The American Hotel & Lodging Association, backed the bill, urging swift adoption to boost the franchise model and clarify joint employer standards.

Keep ReadingShow less