Kimpton De Witt Partners with IRIS for Seamless Mobile F&B Ordering in Café Celia

Kimpton De Witt Partners with IRIS for Seamless Mobile F&B Ordering in Café Celia

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 16, 2024

Kimpton De Witt, a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Amsterdam, has partnered with IRIS, a global leader in digital F&B solutions, to elevate its guest experience with the launch of IRIS's mobile ordering platform in Café Celia, the hotel’s Californian-inspired co-working café. Part of the Lore Group and IHG, Kimpton De Witt is known for its modern approach and five-star service, and this latest innovation continues to push the boundaries of guest satisfaction.

With the new mobile ordering solution, accessible via QR codes, guests at Café Celia can place food and beverage orders directly from their mobile devices, enhancing convenience and streamlining the ordering process. This seamless experience aligns with the hotel's unique personality, offering a blend of contemporary design and user-friendly technology. Additionally, the app's multi-lingual feature allows international guests to view the menu in their preferred language, adding a personalized touch to their experience.

The integration of IRIS's platform with the hotel's POS system (Simphony Cloud) ensures that orders are sent directly to the kitchen, minimizing wait times and reducing errors. Dominic de Boer, Director of IT at Lore Group, emphasized that the implementation has streamlined the ordering process, allowing guests to enjoy their meals without the need to wait for a server.

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“This service integration with advanced technology enhances the overall dining experience and reflects our commitment to innovation,” said de Boer.

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Graham Rushin, VP of Sales and Marketing at IRIS, highlighted the growing trend of digital ordering, stating, “Kimpton De Witt’s adoption of IRIS mobile ordering not only ensures a first-class service but also meets the rising demand for digital solutions in hospitality. This ultimately leads to higher order volumes and improved guest loyalty.”

This partnership marks a significant step forward for Kimpton De Witt, as the hotel continues to embrace innovative technology that enhances guest experiences, improves service efficiency, and supports the growing number of visitors.


SKIL Events Powers MedTekon 2025—A Defining Moment for India's MedTech Industry

SKIL Events Powers MedTekon 2025—A Defining Moment for India's MedTech Industry

By Author

Published on February 12, 2025

SKIL Events, a leader in India's event management industry, set a new benchmark with the flawless execution of MedTekon 2025, the flagship event of the Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI). Hosted at the iconic Taj Palace, New Delhi, the event gathered an elite audience of 350 delegates, 55+ CEOs, and key policymakers, reaffirming its position as a premier platform shaping the future of India’s MedTech sector.

Graced by Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare of India, MedTekon 2025 highlighted the government's commitment to healthcare innovation and strengthening the MedTech ecosystem. A state-of-the-art 60-ft curved LED screen set the stage for a day of transformative discussions and high-impact networking.

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Driving the Future of MedTech

Under the theme "Galvanizing MedTech: Equipping Hospitals, Driving Investments, Developing Synergies, and Facilitating Reforms," the conference united industry pioneers, investors, and thought leaders to drive actionable solutions for the sector.

MedTekon 2025 facilitated discussions on:
✅ Boosting domestic and foreign investments in MedTech
✅ Empowering hospitals with cutting-edge technologies for better patient outcomes
✅ Facilitating reimbursements to ensure universal patient access
✅ Revolutionizing health insurance to meet emerging healthcare needs
✅ Simplifying regulations and harmonizing industry standards
✅ Upholding ethical marketing practices in the medical device industry
✅ Shaping the future of medical device skilling in India

The event also featured an exclusive exhibition of breakthrough medical technologies, bringing together government officials, procurement agencies, investors, hospital leaders, and industry disruptors.

Unparalleled Execution by SKIL Events

Renowned for delivering seamless, high-impact experiences, SKIL Events ensured that MedTekon 2025 was engaging at every touchpoint—from world-class production and logistics to flawless behind-the-scenes coordination. The grandeur of Taj Palace, New Delhi, provided the perfect backdrop, blending sophistication with efficiency.

Mr. Nadeem Anam, Associate Director, MTaI, praised SKIL Events’ execution:
"SKIL Events did a commendable job in executing MedTekon 2025 with efficiency and professionalism. Their attention to detail and smooth coordination contributed to the success of our event."

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Reflecting on the event's impact, Ramanpreet Singh, Vice President – Events at SKIL, stated:
"MedTekon 2025 is more than a conference—it’s a catalyst for change in India’s MedTech landscape. We designed this event to foster real collaborations, drive policy conversations, and unlock investment opportunities. Hosting it at the prestigious Taj Palace, New Delhi, only added to its significance. It was an honor to curate this landmark gathering for India's Lifesciences sector."

With MedTekon 2025 setting new benchmarks, India’s MedTech industry is now poised for unprecedented growth, innovation, and impact.


The AI Revolution in Travel: Smarter, Fairer Pricing for 2025 and Beyond

The AI Revolution in Travel: Smarter, Fairer Pricing for 2025 and Beyond

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 28, 2025

As AI becomes increasingly integral to the travel industry, it brings immense opportunities for smarter pricing and enhanced customer experiences. However, challenges around fairness and transparency have emerged, requiring travel providers to adopt ethical practices to maintain trust and loyalty.

Hyper-Personalized Pricing: Opportunity or Ethical Challenge?

AI-powered pricing uses consumer data—such as past spending habits and demographics—to create personalized offers. While this enhances value for travelers, it raises concerns about fairness. Transparency in pricing is critical to ensure customers feel valued and not unfairly targeted.

Moreover, perceptions of price as an indicator of quality play a significant role in decision-making. Many customers are willing to pay a premium for perceived superior service, influencing their travel choices and raising expectations for personalized experiences.

Why Traditional Pricing Models Fall Short

The travel industry has long relied on seasonal trends and basic supply-demand principles to set prices. However, fluctuating demand, rising competition, and evolving customer expectations make these static models ineffective in today’s dynamic environment.

AI-powered pricing strategies are emerging as the solution, offering real-time adaptability and data-driven precision to optimize rates based on shifting market conditions and customer behavior.

Data-Driven Precision: Smarter Pricing Decisions

One of AI’s most valuable contributions is its ability to process massive datasets and generate actionable insights.

  • AI analyzes customer booking history, competitor prices, and even geopolitical events, enabling travel companies to adjust rates in real time.
  • Predictive analytics help companies identify trends, such as customers’ preference for early-bird discounts or last-minute bookings.

This allows travel providers to offer personalized deals that enhance customer satisfaction while boosting profitability.

Predictive Models: A Game-Changer in Forecasting

AI’s predictive models are transforming how pricing trends are forecasted. By analyzing market shifts, consumer sentiment, and disruptions like pandemics, AI helps:

  • Travelers make smarter decisions (e.g., booking flights during low-demand periods).
  • Companies refine revenue strategies and optimize resource allocation.

For instance, during high-demand periods such as Diwali or Chhath Puja, travelers increasingly plan ahead for longer journeys, while shorter trips with higher supply encourage last-minute bookings. AI anticipates these behaviors, ensuring smoother experiences for all.

Dynamic Pricing: Enhancing the Customer Journey

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AI enables flexible pricing models, allowing travelers to access rates that adapt to real-time demand and promotions.

  • Last-minute deals and premium upgrades are becoming more accessible, catering to travelers who prioritize value.
  • As consumer preferences shift, AI-powered pricing ensures that premium options—like AC buses or mid-tier hotels—are priced fairly, encouraging customers to opt for better experiences.

Balancing Innovation and Ethics

While the benefits of AI in travel pricing are vast, ethical challenges remain. Travel companies must commit to:

  • Transparency in pricing to avoid alienating customers.
  • Responsible data usage to ensure fairness and build trust.

By addressing these concerns, the industry can maintain customer loyalty and foster a sense of fairness in pricing strategies.

 Vision for 2025 and Beyond

The integration of AI into travel pricing is reshaping the industry, offering:

  • Personalized, real-time pricing for travelers.
  • Efficient resource management for providers.
  • Greater customer satisfaction through tailored experiences.

However, the road ahead requires thoughtful adoption of ethical AI practices to ensure that the benefits are shared by both travelers and providers. By embracing innovation responsibly, the travel industry can unlock its full potential and thrive in a dynamic, competitive landscape.

About the Author:

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Dr. Anshu Jalora, Founder & Managing Director of Sciative Solutions, is a leading expert in AI-driven dynamic pricing and revenue optimization for the travel and hospitality industries.


Ola Partners with Maha Kumbh 2025 for Seamless Digital and Green Mobility Experience

Ola Partners with Maha Kumbh 2025 for Seamless Digital and Green Mobility Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 22, 2025

Ola has announced an exciting partnership with Maha Kumbh 2025 to deliver a seamless digital and green mobility experience for millions of devotees attending the world’s largest spiritual gathering. Leveraging its ecosystem, including कृत्रिम (Krutrim) - India’s first AI unicorn, Ola Electric, and Ola Consumer, the partnership integrates AI, electric mobility, and enhanced travel services to provide a connected and sustainable experience during the Maha Kumbh Mela.

Bhavish Aggarwal, Founder of Ola, shared, “Maha Kumbh 2025 reflects India’s rich traditions and the nation’s aspirations for a tech-driven future. Our partnership exemplifies how AI, green mobility, and digital-first solutions can manage large gatherings efficiently and sustainably. We are committed to building India as a global leader in technologies of the future.”

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Earlier this month, कृत्रिम (Krutrim) launched the Kumbh Sah'AI'yak app, the first-ever AI-powered chatbot for the Maha Kumbh Mela. This AI-driven platform, developed by the Prayagraj Mela Authority in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government, offers personalized navigation, cultural insights, and key information about the Mela. The app supports multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, and more, offering a user-friendly interface with voice commands and media-enriched content to enhance the visitor experience.

Ola Electric has further boosted the mobility experience by deploying 1,000 electric scooters at the Mela grounds. These e-scooters provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for pilgrims, facilitating sustainable travel across the expansive Mela area.

Additionally, Ola Consumer has launched affordable transit services, including cabs, at airports, railway stations, and on-site rentals, making travel to and from the Mela seamless. Ola also operates EV shuttle services within the Mela grounds, ensuring convenient and accessible travel for attendees.

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The Kumbh Sah'AI'yak app is a significant milestone in Krutrim’s mission to boost AI capabilities in India. The app helps visitors navigate the Mela, learn about its history and rituals, find accommodation, and explore attractions around Prayagraj. The AI-powered chatbot provides real-time information and ensures the privacy and security of user data.

Maha Kumbh 2025, which will run until February 26, 2025, is being hosted in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. It is recognized as the world’s largest public gathering, attracting millions of ascetics, pilgrims, saints, and devotees from across the globe. This event celebrates India’s cultural and spiritual essence, offering a unique blend of faith, tradition, and innovation.

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