SPS Stories
Faculty Spotlight
Transforming Hospitality with Technology and AI
Fast Facts
- Jason Shames has over 13 years of experience in hospitality technology and distribution
- He co-teaches a distribution management class with Dave Pavelka, head of travel for Google
- Shames emphasizes practical industry insights and networking in his teaching approach
<p><span class="p-body">Jason Shames has been at the forefront of hospitality technology for over a decade, bringing his extensive industry experience to his role at NYU SPS. His journey into academia was serendipitous, stemming from a chance reconnection with a friend and mentor, Dave Pavelka, who runs travel for Google. Together, they created a class on hospitality distribution during the COVID-19 summer, which ultimately led Shames to join NYU SPS. "I've been in the hospitality technology space for the better part of 13 years," Shames shares. His background includes running technology and distribution at Ace Hotels until the pandemic prompted a career shift.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">We sat down with Instructor Shames to learn more about his experience teaching in the MS in Global Hospitality Management program, along with his predictions for the future of the industry and his advice for new and incoming students.</span></p>
Learning From the Best at SPS
<p><span class="p-body">Shames has a unique approach to teaching that balances lecturing with practical industry insights. "Our class is slightly unique in the sense that we spend probably half of our time lecturing and half of the time bringing in usually C-level folks, friends of ours across the industry," he explains. This method ensures that students not only learn theoretical concepts but also gain practical knowledge from industry leaders.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Students have significantly benefited from this practical approach, which has helped place several of them in jobs and internships.Like many university instructors, Shames's passion for teaching is deeply rooted in his family background.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body"> "My grandfather is an educator, and I always figured at some point in my life that I'd want to give back and help educate others in what I knew," he says. The opportunity to influence the next generation of hospitality professionals is a driving force behind his commitment to teaching. He takes pride in being able to recommend NYU graduates to his industry peers, highlighting the advantage of learning from active professionals.</span></p>
What Students can Look Forward to
<p><span class="p-body">The experience of students in the program has been immensely positive. Shames enjoys hearing that his classes exceed students' expectations and help them discover new career paths. By incorporating distinguished guest speakers, volunteer work, and real-world projects, he helps students expand their networks and build relationships that will benefit them throughout their career.</span></p>
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Through distinguished guest speakers, obligatory volunteer work, and real-world facing projects and presentations, I hope I've also allowed my students to expand their networks and begin building relationships that will sustain throughout their professional journeys."
An Industry that Never Sleeps
<p><span class="p-body">Shames also emphasizes the evolving nature of the hospitality industry, particularly the impact of new technologies and AI. He believes the next big trend will be the consolidation of technologies in the hospitality sector. "The average hotel uses 20 or more on and above property systems," he notes, predicting a significant consolidation of these technologies. Additionally, he sees the advent of generative AI as a transformative force that will enhance both the operational and management aspects of hospitality</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">.For hospitality entrepreneurs, Shames advises a deep understanding of problem sets and a willingness to challenge traditional methods. "As a hospitality technology entrepreneur, you're going to be faced with a lot of nos and 'we don't do it that way.' And you want to understand the why, and understand kind of the core of it," he advises. This mindset, coupled with resilience, can drive innovation and change within the industry.</span></p>
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A Word of Advice
<p><span class="p-body">Shames's advice for staying ahead in the field of AI and technology in hospitality is rooted in curiosity and humility. "Being curious is probably the best thing that I would suggest. Recognizing that you don't know everything and seek out professionals and other experts to augment your knowledge," he says. This combination is essential for continuous learning and career advancement.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">For prospective students, Shames emphasizes the importance of networking and continuous education. He believes that the hospitality field is brimming with opportunities and that NYU SPS offers a vital platform for students to showcase their talent and build a professional network. "By choosing NYU SPS, you will already be taking a vital and exciting step towards building a network and showcasing your talent and drive to industry leaders," he concludes.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Join Instructor Shames and other hospitality professionals in shaping the future of an industry that never sleeps when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-hospitality-management.html" title="MS in Global Hospitality Management">MS in Global Hospitality Management</a>.</span></p>
