Connect with us

Tools & Platforms

IIHM Reveals First-Ever Hospitality AI Awards, Hosts Landmark Debate on Tech & Human Touch

Published

on


KOLKATA, India, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), India’s most internationally recognized hospitality education brand, marked World AI Appreciation Day with two pioneering initiatives that have positioned it firmly at the forefront of the global AI-hospitality movement.

On July 16, IIHM announced the world’s first AI Awards dedicated to the hospitality industry and hosted a high-profile roundtable on the theme ‘AI and Human Touch – Redefining the Hospitality Sector.’ Both events underscored IIHM’s vision of harmonizing technology and human empathy to shape the future of global hospitality.

World’s First AI Awards for Hospitality Announced

IIHM Chairman and CEO of the International Hospitality Council (UK), Dr Suborno Bose, unveiled the inaugural AI in Hospitality Awards, a global initiative recognizing innovation at the intersection of AI and hospitality across 10 categories.

These include:

  • AI Champion – General Manager (visionary leadership in AI integration)
  • Tech-Forward Hotelier (Emerging Leader)
  • Hospitality Data Strategist
  • AI Educator / Trainer of the Year
  • Smart Hotel of the Year
  • Customer Experience Innovation
  • Sustainable Tech Implementation
  • HR & Training Tech Leader
  • Destination Marketing (Tourism Boards)
  • Smart Travel Experience Innovator

Describing the awards as a global benchmark for AI-driven excellence in hospitality,” Dr Bose said, “they will inspire a new generation of hoteliers to embrace technology as a tool to enhance—not replace—human service. These awards are not just a recognition; they are a global call to action for the industry to embrace AI responsibly, with empathy at its core,” he added.

The announcement also coincided with the launch of the precursor to his forthcoming book, High-Tech, Higher Touch – The Dr Suborno Bose Way, the second in his series exploring AI’s transformative role in hospitality.

AI and Human Touch: The Landmark Debate

On the same day, IIHM hosted a thought-provoking AI-Hospitality Roundtable, bringing together industry leaders to explore how AI can enhance guest experiences while preserving the emotional core of hospitality.

The panel featured Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels; Shantunu Som, CEO, Somnetics; and Dr Arnab Majumdar, CTO, Entiovi Technologies, moderated by Sujay Gupta, Group Director, Communications & Media, IIHM.

Tech as an Enhancer, Not a Replacement

Opening the discussion, Kush Kapoor stressed that while AI can streamline operations, emotions remain the true differentiator in hospitality. “Emotions that come from the heart can never be copied. AI should only make hospitality warmer and more efficient,” he said.

Kapoor showcased Roseate Hotels’ AI-driven innovations:

  • Contactless check-in journeys (luggage transfer directly from aircraft to rooms).
  • Real-time service alerts that auto-send personalized apology messages for delayed orders.
  • AI-enabled virtual banquet tours and training modules improving staff efficiency.

He warned that hotels failing to adopt flexible, AI-ready property management systems (PMS) risk obsolescence.

Humanizing Technology Through Intuitive Design

Shantunu Som emphasized that the key challenge lies in making AI intuitive for staff and invisible to guests. “AI should remain in the background, enabling service, not overwhelming it. The success of technology will be measured by how natural it feels,” he said.

Som highlighted the move to microservice-based architectures, which make systems future-proof, reduce training requirements, and allow for seamless upgrades.

Proactive, Industry-Specific AI Systems

Dr Arnab Majumdar, a key architect of NamAIste HospitalityGPT, described how AI has evolved from reactive large language models to proactive agent-based systems: “These are like sentient microservices that anticipate guest needs. If your flight is delayed, the system can reschedule your transfer or suggest alternative activities.”

Majumdar stressed the need for industry-specific AI solutions, like NamAIste, over generic platforms. He also urged hospitality education to embed AI literacy so students can seamlessly integrate tech with guest service.

Dr Suborno Bose’s Vision: AI With a Human Heart

In his Vision Address delivered across IIHM campuses, Dr Bose reaffirmed his mantra: “While technology is important, touch is more important. AI may be the new brain of hospitality, but the heart will always remain human.” 

He also announced Phase II of the NamAIste Project, which will develop scalable AI business models for hospitality, solving real-world operational challenges. He explained, “This is not just about AI adoption. It’s about building a purpose-driven, people-first global hospitality ecosystem.”

In a symbolic finale, he introduced TAIGER – the AI Tiger, India’s official mascot for innovation in hospitality tech, representing the blend of tradition and forward-thinking AI.

IIHM’s Global Leadership in AI-Hospitality

With initiatives like NamAIste HospitalityGPT, the AI in Hospitality Awards, and its commitment to future-ready education, IIHM is steering a global movement where technology amplifies human warmth.

“Hospitality students must learn to speak two languages with equal fluency – the language of human emotions and the language of intelligent machines,” Dr. Bose emphasised.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2735026/IIHM_World_AI_Day.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569189/5423440/IIHM_Logo.jpg



Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tools & Platforms

Centralized Vs Decentralized AI: The Shocking Difference You Need To Know – Forbes

Published

on



Centralized Vs Decentralized AI: The Shocking Difference You Need To Know  Forbes



Source link

Continue Reading

Tools & Platforms

Mark Cuban Foundation and Quizlet Bring Free AI Bootcamp to

Published

on


DENVER, Sept. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Time is running out to apply to participate in the Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp hosted by Quizlet in Denver. Applications for the no-cost bootcamp are closing September 30.

The Mark Cuban Foundation, in partnership with Quizlet, is bringing the only artificial intelligence (AI) camp of its kind, free of charge, to high school students in Denver. With a custom and highly-relevant curriculum focused on teaching students about the latest developments in the world of AI and Generative AI, the camp will provide the tools to make these technologies work for them and promises to educate, inspire and fuel the next generation of AI professionals.

The program aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence and its applications to future careers. Students can select from six tracks: healthcare, arts and entertainment, business and entrepreneurship, computer science, sports science, or education and career readiness. Driven by the belief that fostering interest in AI at a young age is crucial for preparing the next generation for their future, the AI Bootcamps are introductory and accessible to students in 9-12 grade with an interest in technology. Students do not need any familiarity with computer science or programming to attend.

This free AI Bootcamp is hosted for underserved high school students with a transparent focus on recruiting girls, students of color, first generation college students, and those from low to moderate income households. The AI Bootcamp Program provides students with lunch and a snack, transportation assistance, and technology equipment during bootcamp.

“As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, it’s crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it,” said Mark Cuban, founder. “While technology expands and becomes more advanced, it becomes more critical that we ensure our students are prepared when they apply for schools or jobs in the future. Thanks to our work with Quizlet, the bootcamp will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student, no matter their means.”

This year’s bootcamp, taking place in Denver on November 1st, 8th, and 15th is hosted and staffed by Quizlet, an online learning platform and mobile app that helps students study more effectively through interactive tools like digital flashcards, adaptive quizzes, and collaborative games.

Quizlet is one of more than 25 host companies selected to host camps across the U.S.

“Quizlet is dedicated to advancing and reshaping education through AI innovation. By partnering with the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp, we are helping foster a foundational understanding of AI among students—a skill we believe will be critical for future success,” said Sowmya Subramanian, Chief Technology Officer at Quizlet. “Through our AI-powered study tools and this partnership, we aim to make AI learning accessible and engaging, and are eager to see how participants apply their new knowledge both in school and beyond.” 

There are just 6 weeks left until the September 30 deadline. Do not miss your chance—submit your application now, as spaces are limited.

Apply for the bootcamp at: markcubanai.org.

Watch Mark Cuban’s message about Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI bootcamps and access the full media kit here.

To learn more, visit markcubanai.org.

This bootcamp is facilitated with support from Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp
Program’s media partner, Notified, a globally trusted technology partner for investor relations, public relations and marketing professionals.

About Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI Bootcamp Initiative
The Mark Cuban Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit led by entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban. The AI Bootcamps Program at MCF seeks to inspire young people with emerging technology so that they can create more equitable futures for themselves and their communities. Over 3 consecutive Saturdays underserved 9th – 12th grade students learn what AI is and isn’t, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Learn more about the no-cost AI Bootcamp program at markcubanai.org.

About Quizlet

Quizlet is a global learning platform that provides engaging study tools to help people practice and master whatever they are learning. Over 60 million students, teachers, and lifelong learners use Quizlet to study any subject imaginable for school, work, or as part of their personal interests — including 2 in 3 high school students and 1 in 2 college students in the US. Combining cognitive science and artificial intelligence, Quizlet guides students through adaptive study activities to confidently reach their learning goals. The company offers a combination of free and paid subscriptions for both students and teachers that enable further customization. Quizlet is headquartered in San Francisco, California and is backed by General Atlantic, Union Square Ventures, Altos Ventures, Icon Ventures, Owl Ventures, and Costanoa Ventures. For more information, please visit www.quizlet.com.

            



Source link

Continue Reading

Tools & Platforms

Vanderbilt Law Announces Inaugural AI Governance Symposium -Vanderbilt Law School

Published

on


Vanderbilt Law School is pleased to announce the inaugural Vanderbilt AI Governance Symposium, to be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, on campus at Vanderbilt Law School.

Hosted by the Vanderbilt AI Law Lab (VAILL), this landmark event will bring together a stellar lineup of experts from industry, academia, government, and beyond to explore issues of AI accountability, transparency, and governance.

“Whether you work in the tech sector, academia, government, or legal practice, this is an essential event for anyone operating at the intersection of AI and society,” said Mark Williams, VAILL Co-Director and Professor of the Practice of Law.

Panels featuring policymakers, practitioners, and academics will discuss governance frameworks, AI’s environmental impacts, developments in AI policy, teaching AI subject matter, and more. The event concludes with a networking reception.

The symposium was organized by Williams; Sean Perryman, Adjunct Professor of Law; and Asad Ramzanali, Director of Artificial Intelligence & Technology Policy at the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator.

There are multiple lodging options around Vanderbilt’s campus. Nearby accommodations include the Aertson Midtown, Graduate Hotel, Loews Vanderbilt, Marriott Vanderbilt, Hotel Fraye, Virgin Nashville, and Courtyard Vanderbilt/West End.

To register for the symposium, please visit the registration section of the event page.

For additional details, schedule, logistics, and updates, please refer to the main event page.





Source link

Continue Reading

Trending