During the Smart Tourism Focus Week, which was part of the Mittelstand Digital Research Centre, I had the privilege of hosting an engaging and interactive workshop titled "Build Your Own Smart Hotel" for participants. The objective of the workshop was to provide a hands-on experience in planning fictional hotels with specific goals, such as zero energy consumption or enhanced user-friendliness, and incorporating 10 digitalization elements to achieve these objectives within a limited timeframe of just 10 minutes.
To ensure a dynamic and immersive experience, careful planning was undertaken. The workshop materials were meticulously prepared, including the creation of various parts using laser cutting techniques. These tangible components added a practical element to the workshop, allowing participants to physically interact with the materials and visualize their hotel designs.
The workshop was designed as an interactive game, where participants actively took part in the decision-making process, considering different digitalization elements and their potential contributions to their hotel's objectives. This approach facilitated critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent thought, enabling participants to delve into the possibilities of digitalization within the context of the hospitality industry.
I am immensely grateful to all the participants for their enthusiastic involvement and invaluable contributions throughout the workshop. Their active participation and insightful discussions created an atmosphere of creativity and innovation. The workshop served as a compelling example of how digitalization can empower businesses within the tourism industry to embrace change, foster innovation, and adapt to evolving market demands.
During the final discussion of the "Build Your Own Smart Hotel" workshop, an insightful and collaborative atmosphere was fostered as participants had the opportunity to showcase their hotel designs and share the reasoning behind their chosen digitalization elements. This discussion was skillfully facilitated by Prof. Martin Wollensak, a renowned expert in the field.
Each participant took turns presenting their hotel concept, highlighting the specific digitalization elements they had selected and explaining the underlying logic and strategies behind their choices. This segment of the workshop provided a platform for participants to showcase their creativity, critical thinking skills, and deep understanding of the workshop's objectives.
Prof. Martin Wollensak played a crucial role in guiding the discussion and encouraging participants to delve deeper into the thought processes and decision-making that informed their hotel designs. Through his expertise and insightful questioning, he prompted participants to reflect on the potential benefits, challenges, and implications of their chosen digitalization elements in relation to the specific goals of their hotels.
Overall, the "Build Your Own Smart Hotel" workshop aimed to inspire and educate participants about the transformative potential of digitalization in the realm of hotel planning and management. By providing a platform for exploration, discussion, and hands-on activities, the workshop fostered a deeper understanding of the role of digitalization in achieving energy efficiency, sustainable practices, and improved guest experiences in the dynamic landscape of the tourism industry.
in collaboration with Hochschule Wismar, Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Rostock, and Innovation Port Wismar, Germany
