In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with the dynamic Meg Gutowski, Executive Director of the Independent Lodging Congress (ILC), live from ILC CONfab in Chicago. Meg shares her unconventional journey from catering weddings to leading one of the most vibrant communities in independent hospitality.

She opens up about what makes ILC truly special—from building real partnerships with host properties to curating events where business gets done, but fun is never far behind. From rooftop cocktails to Miami shenanigans, you’ll hear how Meg and the ILC team are redefining what it means to connect in this industry.

Whether you’re an independent hotelier, event producer, or just love hospitality done differently, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and a whole lot of heart.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DmZ_h4o24KM

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Meg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-gutowski-09b33972/
ILC: https://ilcongress.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/188

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this special edition of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality’s Most Engaged Podcast, David Millili, Steve Carran, and Jon Bumhoffer take a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead as we hit the halfway point of 2025.

From standout interviews and hotel experiences to hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and the hustle of live events, the trio shares their favorite memories, biggest surprises, and what it really takes to keep the podcast (and media company!) running at full throttle.

Highlights include:

• Why laughter has become the heartbeat of the show
• Behind-the-scenes chaos (and joy) from filming hotel experiences
• Favourite guests—from heartfelt conversations to industry game-changers
• What they’ve learned as hosts, producers, and friends
• Who they dream of interviewing next

This isn’t just a recap—it’s a celebration of hospitality, creativity, and the people behind the stories.

Tune in to laugh with us, learn with us, and see where we’re heading next.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X3xEpY8dxZk

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/187

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Cole, the Director of Sales and Marketing at the iconic Warwick Melrose Dallas, to explore how this historic hotel has gracefully evolved over the past century. From its roots as 1920s apartments to a luxurious modern-day destination, Michael shares the rich story behind the walls—and what makes this hotel truly one of a kind.

What you'll hear about in this episode:

• How Michael accidentally fell into hospitality—and stayed for 32 years
• Why the Presidential Suite still feels like stepping back in time
• The recent additions: a brand-new spa, outdoor pool, and 5,500 sq ft ballroom
• How the hotel flawlessly blends old-world charm with modern luxury

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zHJX_H3-_JU

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cole-96a08b20/

Warwick Melrose - Dallas: https://www.warwickhotels.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/186

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.