#United States #AI Technology #Scottsdale #Choice Hotels #Hospitality Innovation

Choice Hotels International Begins 11th Mastery Tech Summit

Choice Hotels International, one of the biggest names in the lodging industry, has kickstarted its 11th Mastery Tech Summit in Scottsdale, Arizona. This annual event is an essential gathering for the company, designed to fuel innovation by allowing teams to explore artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies through hands-on experimentation. This year, over 800 associates from various departments are coming together, not just engineers, to take part in a week-long program focused on real-world applications of technology in the hospitality sector.

Throughout the event, attendees will engage in various activities aimed at tackling significant challenges faced by franchisees, with a strong emphasis on AI solutions, cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Participants will dive deep into how these technologies can not only streamline operations but also enhance security and optimize on-site management at hotels.

Interactive sessions will include competitions like “Capture the Flag,” a cybersecurity challenge, and the AWS AI League, where teams will race against time to develop viable AI-based solutions using Amazon Web Services tools. The summit also features Make-a-Thon competitions where engineers will create and pitch software products intended to improve operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Cash prizes await the winning teams, with the top ideas being evaluated for potential implementation company-wide.

Brian Kirkland, Choice Hotels' Chief Information Officer, emphasized the core mission of Mastery: to design technological capabilities that would reshape the future of hospitality. He noted, “By engaging associates across the organization—not just engineers—we're unlocking new opportunities to apply AI and emerging technologies to real business challenges.