The Hospitality Show, taking place Oct. 26-28 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, will bring together 5,000 attendees and promises to drive profitability for owners, operators and hospitality innovators through dedicated content, extensive networking and 400+ operations and technology vendors.
In this installment of The Hospitality Show Speaker Q&A, we catch up with Dasha Chayka, general manager of the TownePlace Suites Naples by Marriott. Chayka is part of the panel, Resilient Hotels Begin with Resilient Teams: A General Manager’s Guide to Purposeful Leadership, on Oct. 28.
What’s one shift you’re excited to see gaining momentum in hospitality right now?
One of the most powerful and inspiring shifts I’ve witnessed in hospitality lately is the growing focus on purposeful leadership and the well-being of our teams. For so long, our industry has been driven by numbers: occupancy, RevPAR, guest satisfaction scores. And while those metrics still matter, we’re finally recognizing something even more important—the people behind the numbers.
At TownePlace Suites Naples by Marriott, I’ve seen how transformational it is when we lead with heart. When we invest in our associates—not just in their training, but in their growth, their wellness, their sense of belonging—it changes everything. You can feel it in the energy of the lobby, in the way guests are greeted, in the pride our team takes in every detail. When people feel seen, supported, and empowered, they don’t just show up—they shine.
This isn’t just a hotel trend. It’s part of a larger movement. Today’s workforce, especially the next generation, is looking for more than a paycheck. They want purpose. They want to be part of something meaningful. And I believe hospitality is uniquely positioned to offer that—if we’re willing to lead with intention, empathy, and courage.
I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team—and an industry—that’s embracing this evolution. Because at the end of the day, resilient hotels are built by resilient teams. And resilient teams are built by leaders who understand that hospitality starts with how we treat each other.
This isn’t a passing phase. It’s a new era. And I’m excited to be walking into it, side by side with the people who make this work so meaningful.
What’s one overlooked trend or innovation you believe deserves more traction in the year ahead?
One of the most exciting opportunities I see in hospitality right now is how we can use AI to support our teams behind the scenes. So much of the conversation around AI focuses on guest-facing tech: chatbots, smart rooms, voice assistants. And while those are great, I believe the real magic happens when we use AI to uplift our people.
Imagine a new associate walking through our doors and being welcomed not just with a smile, but with a personalized onboarding journey—one that adapts to how they learn best, helps them feel confident faster, and sets them up for long-term success. Or think about a system that helps us anticipate staffing needs before we even feel the pinch, using data from past trends, weather, and local events. These aren’t far-off dreams—they’re tools we can use today.
AI can also be a powerful partner in decision-making. It can help us understand guest feedback more deeply, optimize our resources, and even reduce our environmental footprint. But here’s the key: AI should never replace the human touch that defines hospitality. Instead, it should free us up to focus more on what matters most—our people and our guests.
I’d love to see more hotels embracing AI in ways that feel intuitive, thoughtful, and human-centered. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about creating workplaces where our teams feel seen, supported, and empowered. Where technology works for people—not the other way around.
This is our moment to reimagine what’s possible. And I truly believe that when we pair innovation with humanity, we don’t just improve operations—we elevate the entire experience of hospitality.
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for hospitality businesses in the year ahead?
The biggest opportunity for hospitality businesses in the coming year is in reimagining the digital guest journey. Today’s travelers expect more than just convenience—they seek seamless, personalized, and emotionally resonant experiences. Technology gives us the tools to meet those expectations, but it’s up to us to use them thoughtfully.
From mobile check-ins and digital room keys to real-time messaging and curated local recommendations, the digital touchpoints we offer can either elevate or diminish the guest experience. The opportunity presents itself in using these tools not just for efficiency, but to create moments of connection. For example, a personalized welcome message or a tailored itinerary based on guest preferences can turn a routine stay into a memorable one.
But the digital journey doesn’t start at check-in—it begins the moment a guest starts researching their trip. Hotels that invest in intuitive websites, engaging social media, and transparent booking platforms will build trust and loyalty before the guest even arrives. And once they’re on property, integrating digital tools with human service allows us to deliver the best of both worlds.
At TownePlace Suites Naples, we’ve seen how small digital enhancements can make a big impact. These tools help us stay connected with guests in meaningful ways, even after they’ve checked out.
Ultimately, the opportunity is to use technology not to replace hospitality, but to amplify it. The hotels that strike this balance will not only meet guest expectations—they’ll exceed them.
What advice would you give to emerging leaders in hospitality as they navigate the future of the industry?
To the next generation of hospitality leaders: as you step into this dynamic and ever-evolving industry, my greatest advice is to lead with integrity and heart. Start by getting clear on your core values—those non-negotiable principles that define who you are. Let them guide your decisions, especially when the path ahead feels uncertain. They’ll be your compass, keeping you grounded and authentic.
Let love—both for yourself and for others—be the force behind everything you do. In this people-first business, kindness, empathy, and doing the right thing (even when no one is watching) will always set you apart. Remember, respect and trust aren’t given—they’re earned. No one owes us anything, but we owe it to ourselves and our teams to show up every day as our best, most committed selves.
Surround yourself with people you trust and admire. Build a circle of mentors, coaches, and colleagues who challenge you, support you, and remind you of your worth when things get tough. Learn from their experiences—and when you stumble, take responsibility, reflect, and grow. Mistakes are inevitable but repeating them is optional.
Never fall into the trap of a victim mindset. Your thoughts about yourself will shape your future more than any external circumstance ever could. Choose to believe in your potential. Compete with who you were yesterday, not with those around you. Strive to learn something new every day and never settle for the bare minimum.
Keep your word. Follow through. Finish what you start. And when in doubt, ask questions—never assume. Let courage, not fear, guide your decisions. Fear will try to hold you back from your purpose, but your faith, your resilience, and your belief in what’s possible will carry you forward.
And finally, take care of yourself. Rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Stay positive, even when it’s hard. There is always something good to be found, even in the most challenging moments. Stay strong, never give up, and trust that you are exactly where you need to be. Believe that God is good, that He loves you, and that He is always ready to guide you—just ask.
This industry needs your heart, your vision, and your courage. The future is bright, and it’s yours to shape.
What are you most looking forward to at The Hospitality Show this year — whether it’s on the show floor, on stage, or behind the scenes?
I’m excited for what The Hospitality Show brings—not just the sessions or the speakers, but the energy, the connection, and the sense of shared purpose. There’s something special about being surrounded by people who care deeply about this industry—who are not just thinking about what hospitality is today but dreaming about what it can become tomorrow.
I’m especially honored to be part of the panel on resilient teams and purposeful leadership. This topic is close to my heart because I’ve seen how transformative it can be when we lead with intention and care. At TownePlace Suites Naples, we’ve learned that when we invest in our people, everything gets better. I’m looking forward to sharing our journey and learning from others who are building cultures rooted in trust, empathy, and purpose.
I’m also interested in the innovation and technology sessions. I’m always on the lookout for new ways to enhance both the guest and associate experience. The tools are out there—it’s about finding the ones that align with our values and help us do our jobs better, smarter, and more meaningfully.
And then there are the in-between moments—the hallway conversations, the shared laughs over coffee, the unexpected connections that spark new ideas. Those are the moments that stay with you long after the event ends.
To me, The Hospitality Show is more than a conference—it’s a celebration of who we are as an industry: resilient, creative, and full of heart. I’m grateful to be part of it, and I can’t wait to contribute to the conversation and be inspired by the incredible people who make hospitality what it is.
For more information and to register for The Hospitality Show, visit www.thehospitalityshow.com.