Choice Hotels Launches MasteryX, its 10th Annual Tech Innovation Summit

• Choice Hotels International commences MasteryX, their 10th annual technology summit.
• The week-long event will explore the latest technological advancements and their applications in the hospitality industry, including artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.

Choice Hotels International, Inc., has kicked off its 10th annual tech summit, “MasteryX.” The event, attended by over 650 associates, will investigate the latest technologies and their solutions for real-world challenges via hands-on workshops, competitions, and knowledge-sharing sessions. Its goal is to assist hotel owners in increasing revenue, reducing costs, and streamlining operations.

“MasteryX is more than just a conference; it’s a launchpad for the future of hospitality technology,” said Brian Kirkland, Chief Information Officer, Choice Hotels International. The summit will explore the potential of AI, quantum computing, and other technologies to enhance business intelligence, cyber security, on-property operations, and Choice’s proprietary systems.

MasteryX will host interactive challenges such as “Capture the Flag” with a data-hacking twist and AWS DeepRacer, a machine-learning-powered racing competition. The summit will also feature Hack-a-Thon competitions where engineers develop and present new software products to improve company and hotel operations and guest experiences.

A winning project from last year’s event automated the process of creating special rates and promotions for repeat guests and local businesses. This innovation reduced the processing time from 2.5 weeks to instant, driving hotel revenue and providing faster service to guests.

“Mastery is one of the ways we keep the spirit of innovation alive,” stated Anna Scozzafava, chief strategy officer and senior vice president of technology, Choice Hotels International. The company has a history of introducing industry-first technologies. These include the first hotel website with real-time rate and availability information, the first cloud-based property management system, and the first mobile-friendly rate management tool for operators.

In addition to fostering innovation, MasteryX will host a two-hour service event during which attendees will assemble care kits for patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.