Meet in the Lobby
Podcast Description
A podcast by Avendra International, North America's leading provider of
hospitality procurement services. Avendra's lobby serves as the perfect meeting spot for the latest topics and
news impacting the hospitality industry, including unique perspectives and innovative solutions from the
industry's leading experts.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a wide array of hospitality topics, including procurement strategies, wellness trends, and legislative advocacy, with episodes such as a detailed discussion on sleep technology featuring Luke Kelly, and insights on advocacy from Chirag Shah of AHLA. The focus is on operational improvements and the integration of wellness into guest experiences, offering actionable solutions and innovative perspectives.

A podcast by Avendra International, North America’s leading provider of
hospitality procurement services. Avendra’s lobby serves as the perfect meeting spot for the latest topics and
news impacting the hospitality industry, including unique perspectives and innovative solutions from the
industry’s leading experts.
Outdoor spaces are no longer just an amenity—they’re a strategic asset. In this episode, industry expert Michelle McGuire-Keckler of JANUS et Cie shares how innovative outdoor furniture trends are redefining guest experiences and driving long-term value for hotels and resorts.
Hosted by Avendra’s Melissa McCormack, Senior Director of Global Opportunities, and Dorien Murphy, Director of Luxury Accounts, this episode dives into the design strategies that are making outdoor areas more flexible, functional, and profitable.
What You’ll Learn:
02:16 — Michelle talks about her journey to becoming the brand manager at JANUS et Cie and her expertise in outdoor furniture and fixtures.
02:38 — Discover the latest trends in outdoor furniture design for hospitality properties.
06:03 — Melissa, Dorien and Michelle discuss which materials are best suited for outdoor furniture in different climates, including best practices for keeping it clean.
09:34 — Michelle shares the key factors to keep in mind when choosing outdoor furniture for hotels to create a welcoming guest experience.
11:59 — With lead times and supply chain delays in mind, Michelle, Dorien and Melissa discuss the optimal time to place outdoor furniture orders.
15:37 — The group discusses strategies for hotels to maximize the use of their outdoor spaces throughout the year.
17:11 — Michelle shares her tips for protecting furniture to extend the lifecycle of capital expenditures.
Ready to dive into the fascinating world of hospitality through the lens of experts who’ve lived it? Tune in to “Meet in the Lobby,” subscribe for future episodes, and engage in conversation over on our LinkedIn.
Check out “Meet in the Lobby” on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
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Disclaimer
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