AI & Technology Committee Seminar: AI for Tourism, Hospitality & Guest Experience
Date and Time
Monday Mar 30, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location
The Chamber
401 North Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Complimentary parking at The Chamber is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional paid parking is conveniently located in the adjacent Government Center lot and along nearby street parking. We encourage guests to plan accordingly and arrive a few minutes early to ensure a smooth arrival experience.
Fees/Admission
Free for members
$25 USD fee for non-members
Event Registration Policy:
We no longer issue refunds for event registrations. If you register for an event and are unable to attend, your payment will be recognized as support for the work of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches to strengthen our business community.
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to a colleague from your organization by notifying us at least 24 hours in advance at mcastano@palmbeaches.org
Contact Information
Rachael Kelley
Send Email
Description
A Forum for Ideas, Innovation, and Industry Insight
The AI & Technology Committee focuses on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of business and innovation in the Palm Beaches.This month, discover how artificial intelligence is transforming the way businesses welcome, serve, and engage guests. This seminar will explore cutting-edge AI strategies tailored for tourism and hospitality, from personalized guest experiences to operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making. Join industry leaders and innovators for a forward-looking conversation on how to stay competitive in an increasingly tech-driven landscape.
Panelists Include:
Steve Smith is the Founder and CEO of Tollanis, a veteran-owned IT firm specializing in the Tourism, Attractions, and Family Entertainment sectors. A veteran of high-stakes digital evolution, Steve leads Tollanis in delivering cutting-edge AI solutions and managed services that ensure cultural institutions and entertainment centers remain "always-on" and guest-ready. Before founding Tollanis, Steve served as a Fortune 500 CIO, spearheading technology strategies for iconic travel and marketplace brands including Orbitz.com and AA.com. His global career spans over 40 countries, providing him with a unique perspective on digital transformation and the international guest experience. Steve began his professional journey as a Captain and paratrooper in the US Army’s 18th Airborne Corps. He holds degrees from Syracuse University and Georgetown University, and is a recognized leader in bridging the gap between sophisticated technology and seamless operational execution.
Mark Roach is Vice President of Sales at Smartcon Solutions, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality technology industry across hotels, resorts, and casinos. His career spans senior sales leadership roles at Carrier, Philips Lighting, SALTO Systems, and Onity (UTC Fire & Security), where he led enterprise and regional sales initiatives across HVAC, lighting, access control, and building technologies. Mark is known for translating complex IoT, security, and energy systems into practical, high-value solutions that improve guest experience, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
Dr. Anil Bilgihan is a professor at Florida Atlantic University within the College of Business, where he holds the Mangurian Professorship. He has over 120 refereed journal articles in the areas of e-commerce and Hospitality Information Systems. He holds a Ph.D. degree from the University of Central Florida and an M.S. degree from the University of Delaware. His research involves the use and impact of technology, user experience, digital marketing, and online social interactions in the services industries that appeared in prestigious journals, including Tourism Management, Information & Management, Internet Research, International Journal of Hospitality Management, Computers in Human Behavior, Electronic Research Commerce and Applications, Journal of Service Management, and International Journal of Information Management, among others. He is the co-author of Hospitality Information Technology, Learning How to Use It. He is the associate editor of the Psychology & Marketing. Dr. Bilgihan is the recipient of several awards, including the FAU Scholar of the Year, Cisco Extensive Research Award, and Highly Commended Award winner of the Emerald/EFMD Outstanding Doctoral Research Awards.
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