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Modern procurement solutions for modern hospitality leaders

In the latest episode of The Modern Hotelier, Walt Sheffler, President of Avendra International – North America, joins podcast hosts Steve Carran and David Millili at The Hospitality Show to discuss the unique advantages of partnering with a global hospitality GPO.

“We work with clients to understand their goals, offering options that align with their brand essence, whether for luxury or economy segments,” Walt explains.

Key discussion points in the episode include:

The distinction between traditional procurement and hospitality procurement
How Avendra provides personalized service to a variety of hotel segments, from economy to ultra-luxury
Avendra’s stand-out customer service model
Creative solutions to the industry’s pressing labor shortage challenges
Sustainability initiatives and ESG measurement in hospitality procurement
Avendra’s international expansion plans and future growth strategies

Learn how Avendra’s team of hospitality veterans brings insider knowledge to procurement services, understanding the day-to-day needs of everyone from executive chefs to front desk staff. Walt also shares valuable insights into how the company is tackling modern challenges, from implementing AI-driven sustainability tracking to helping hotels optimize their labor distribution through strategic supply chain management.

If you’re curious about what makes Avendra a trusted partner for thousands of hospitality properties, this episode is packed with insights into the company’s innovative procurement strategies, industry challenges, and vision for the future.

Check out the latest episode of The Modern Hotelier below:

https://youtu.be/zRcHH0emXts

FAQs

What is the most effective way to reduce labor shortages in hospitality?

The most effective way to reduce labor shortages is to optimize workflows—eliminating unnecessary steps, standardizing processes, and using technology or automation to simplify tasks. This reduces reliance on additional staffing while maintaining service levels.

How can hotels reduce labor costs without impacting guest experience?

Hotels can reduce labor costs by using smart equipment, automating repetitive tasks, and shifting work to off-peak hours. These changes improve efficiency and consistency while allowing staff to focus on guest-facing interactions.

What role does technology play in hospitality labor management?

Technology, especially sensor-based (IoT) solutions, helps monitor operations in real time, prevent equipment failures, optimize cleaning schedules, and reduce manual work. This improves productivity and lowers operational costs.