Jan. 23, 2026

Innovation in Hospitality Starts With Human Needs - Matthias Huettebraeuker

Innovation in Hospitality Starts With Human Needs - Matthias Huettebraeuker

In this episode, Matthias Huettebraeuker and Josiah Mackenzie unpack what innovation actually means in hospitality, and why most efforts start in the wrong place. This conversation moves past trends to focus on first principles, specifically how designing around human needs creates more resilient, relevant hospitality businesses. Matthias shares a clear framework for rethinking hotels through convergence, fluidity, and versatility, with real-world examples from hospitality and beyond. Listeners will leave with practical ways to apply these ideas immediately, whether they work in sales, marketing, guest services, or operations.

Read Matthias' article in HospitalityNet's Hotel Yearbook: "Can we please not say Hybrid, please"

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If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands