Friday, August 29, 2014

Labor Day Weekend 2014

Many of us will travel this Labor Day weekend; I know I will. So that’s why I am not going to drag this article on with statistical facts and statements about the holiday and the people traveling. I did find a great fact sheet from AAA that I wanted to share, just so you travelers know what you’re getting yourself into. 

Around 34.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more on Labor Day weekend. This is the highest volume for the holiday since 2008 and a 1.3 percent increase over 2013. Nearly 86 percent of travelers (29.7 million) will celebrate the holiday with a final road trip before summer comes to a close.


Statistics and Image from AAA


Have a safe and fun weekend from PERCIPIA!

Monday, August 25, 2014

Top Amenities

I recently traveled to Toledo, OH for a convention and I decided to stay at the same hotel that the convention was taking place at, the Ramada. Although my choices in hotels were limited, I wanted to stay at a place that offered great amenities. When I travel I always look for certain deal breakers for my stay. After a little digging I found I am not the only one that wants a mint on his pillow. Let’s break down the top amenities people are looking for when staying at a hotel.

*This survey was completed by Skift and American Express.

No. 4: Enrollment in Hotel’s Loyalty Programs


10.9% of survey’s say it is important to them to get rewarded. Many customers want to be reward for coming back to the same hotel chain. Whether that leads to a free gift, a free room upgrade, or a discount on their current or next stay.

No.3: Free Breakfast


Although this is one of my top deal breakers, 25.5% of surveys think that free continental breakfast is a must with their stay. I am a breakfast person; I think it is important for me to get a great meal before I start my day with meetings or workshops. It is nice when a breakfast is free when I stay at the hotel.

No.2: Close to Meeting/ Conference


When I traveled to Toledo, the last thing I wanted to do was travel to another hotel. 28.2% found it important for them to be either in the same location or relatively close. It was nice to be able to walk back to my room between workshops to freshen up. It makes for a more relaxing stay.

No.1: Free Wi-Fi


I think this is thee most important amenity that a hotel must have; it is an absolute a deal breaker. 35.2% of survey’s said this is the most important. If you are traveling whether it is for work or play, you will utilize the internet. With technology playing a huge role in our lives, having Wi-Fi is important for many to have a pleasant stay. I know I completed some work when I was out of town and that wouldn't have been possible without the Wi-Fi that was provided to me free from Ramada.

A special thank you goes to Ramada Toledo for making my stay smooth and comfortable.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Chicago Based Hospitality Technology Firm Leases New Headquarters in Hotel Zone

Press Release

CHICAGO, ILL – Percipia, a leading technology provider serving the hospitality industry has entered into a new headquarters lease at Michigan Plaza. Michigan Plaza, situated between Chicago's Millenium Park and Magnificent Mile, is ideally situated in the heart of Chicago's hotel and tourist district.
This full service, Class A complex, is connected to a five million square foot Illinois Center office complex, three hotels with over 3,500 rooms and the East Loop Pedway. It houses a mix of technology, advertising/public relations, architecture and design firms as well as many others in various industries.
Percipia has grown from a modest number of people in 2010 to a current projected headcount of approximately twenty five with additional offices located in Las Vegas, Nevada and Chennai, India. Percipia's new office space is approximately 4,000 square feet in size, offers views of both Millenium Park and Michigan Avenue, and was strategically arranged in a portion of the building that offers flexibility for its continued growth.
Percipia was represented in the transaction by The J. Rich Company, LLC ("JRICH") while MB Real Estate represented the landlord.
"Being in the hospitality industry, we know what it takes to provide the highest level of attention to our clientele. It was very important to be located in a place that offered immediate access to our clients." – Michael Velasquez, CEO of Percipia. Mr. Velasquez went on to say, "We engaged The J. RICH Company again as our trusted real estate advisor to help identify the optimal location and space, because JRICH also understands what it means to provide non-stop service to the client."
Rich Schulz, the co-founder and President of JRICH, stated "Michigan Plaza prevailed among all other alternatives because it offered a strong economic package, expansion capability, and a vibrant location in the heart of the hospitality and tourism district."

Monday, August 18, 2014

The Power of Social Media


All over social media platforms you will find a wave of ridiculous trends. There was once a time when people planked in random places in the world. There was a time when people would get in a group and record each other doing the Harlem Shake. The current trend is far out there, however the reasoning and power of the campaign is worth the viral trend. The Ice Bucket Challenge aims to raise awareness and money to fight Lou Gehrig's disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

The #IceBucketChallenge requires one too:
  1. State the name of the challenge.
  2. Identify the person that challenged them.
  3. Call out names of personal contacts that they would like to see do the challenge.
  4. Lastly, drop ice cold water onto their heads from a bucket.

What is incredible about this trend is the amount of money donated to the cause. Last year The ALS Association reports that it, and its 38 chapters, brought in $1.1 million. This year, because of the viral ice bucket challenge, brought in over $4 million in donations in just two weeks.

“It all started with Pete Frates, a former baseball player at Boston College who has been living with ALS since 2012. He floated the idea and his former teammates, as well as other Boston-area athletes, took him up on it. It was noticed and covered by local media and that attention, along with the social Web's viral nature, launched it onto a much larger stage.” – Doug Gross, CNN Tech


If you go onto Twitter, Facebook, Vine, Tumblr, and Instagram and search the #IceBucketChallenge or ALS you will find the campaign and hilarious reactions. Many of the posts are from celebrities like Oprah, JT, and Lance Bass. Check out their video’s below!





Friday, August 15, 2014

2014 Chicago Air & Water Show



This weekend Chicagoans and visitors get to experience the Air and Water Show on North Ave Beach! The event is the largest free air and water show in all of the US.

The show first started in 1959 and was called the Lakeshore Park Air and Water Show and was put together for Family Day. Family Day took place for a summer day camp program run in the Chicago Park District. The budget for the event was only $88, and the show featured a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration, water skiers, a water ballet, games and a diving competition. In later year the event moved to two days a week and even moved locations to North Ave Beach being their focal point.

This year the Chicago Air and Water Show celebrate 55 years! Audience numbers reach 2.2 million annually making the Chicago Air & Water Show the largest.

This year the list of sponsors are quite impressive. There are many bigwig companies. Check out the list below!

                Shell Oil Products (Presenting Sponsor)
                The Boeing Company
                ABC 7 Chicago
                Chicago Tribune
                WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM
                American Airlines
                Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
                Bud Light
                Pepsi
                Aquafina
                Visit Pensacola
                Prilosec OTC
                LaGrou Distribution System
                M*M Graphics
                Chicago Transit Authority
                Communications Direct
                Gallo Wines
                Metra

The Events start August 16, 2014 – August 15, 2014 between 10AM-3PM






If you are going to the event please post pictures on Twitter and tag @PercipiaNetworks so we can share the experience!

*Photo's from and owned by cityofchicago.org*

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Soho House Chicago

The London originated Soho House brand has revealed its newest venue, Chicago. This luxurious club is located in the Allis Building, a historic five-story industrial warehouse in Chicago’s West Loop.

The Chicago House features a Drawing Room, Club Bar, Library, Gymnasium, three restaurants and a Rooftop deck.


The Drawing Room is a comfortable space for members to meet, socialize, eat and drink. It also features a ping pong table that is used for meetings during the day and a gaming in the evening.


The Club Bar, which is located on the 5th floor, houses an oval shaped bar that is furnished with red velvet chairs. The Club Bar also has chesterfield sofas and a baby grand piano, for all you musically inclined members.


The Library has a multi-function use. Members can take advantage of panel discussions, workshops, master-classes, and various club events.


The Gymnasium seems to be the staple feature at the Chicago club. It is located on the 2nd floor with a 15,000 sq foot space, open to both members and hotel guests. What makes the gym most impressive would be the professional boxing ring! Of course it has the regular Technogym equipment, fitness studios, steam rooms, lounges and a laundry service. Having a gym with all the bells and whistles is simply an amenity that must be utilized.


Three restaurants: Chicken Shop, Pizza East and the Allis Lounge; will be open to the public. These exquisitely decorated restaurants have already opened and serve a Chicago inspired menu of rotisserie chicken, pizza, and cocktails.



The club also features a 30-seat cinema, spa and a roof top deck, that has a pool and panoramic views of the Chicago skyline.

This beautiful club isn't so easy to get into either. Check out the Soho House Chicago website for more information.




*Photos are owned by Soho House Chicago. 

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Welcome to the Team!

Please help us welcome Alisha Brawley to our Chicago team!

It is always nerve-racking coming into a new company and trying to break the ice. Ensuring that new employees feel comfortable is crucial to building a positive transition within a company. We thought it would be fun to ask Alisha a few questions to get to know her a little better.

Let’s get started!

Q: Can you tell us more about your professional experience/ history?

A: I graduated from Indiana University in 2009 with a degree in Hospitality/Tourism Management. I have worked in the hotel industry since 2007 where I started in Operations with Conrad Indianapolis. In 2010 I transferred to Chicago where I worked in Human Resources for the past 4 years at Hilton Chicago.



Q: What would you say your professional goal would be now that you are employed at Percipia?  

A: My goal is to build an innovative and rewarding career with Percipia where I can utilize and develop my skills and other significant talents in a healthy, challenging and team environment.



Q: What are your greatest travel experiences?

A: I lived in Florence, Italy for 6 months while studying abroad. I was able to travel all throughout Europe, ending the experience with a week on the Amalfi coast with my parents.


Now on to the more personal questions.


Q: What do you like to do outside of work?

A: I love playing tennis and being active, love being outside especially on water on a boat=), dining, being with friends and family and wine.



Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: Hmmm, I love scary movies. Suspenseful drama’s such as Taken, What Lies Beneath, and a more recent one, 3 days to Kill.



Q: Do you have any guilty pleasure music artists?

A: I don’t think any music is a guilty pleasure! I love the 80’s more than any other genre!



Q: Lastly, what is something that inspires you?

A: Sounds cliché, but traveling to new places, experiencing new cultures and gaining appreciation for all philosophies.



Well there you have it! We are so happy to have Alisha join the team and contribute to the success of Percipia.


You can send Alisha some fan mail by tweeting @PercipiaNetwork