pool with stunning views. “We opened just in time for the football season 2018, which was a thrilling moment for us,” says Stafford. The hotel serves a diverse clientele, including university-related business, individual travelers, corporate groups, and regional associations. “Our connection with the university allows us to attract national and international conferences, making us a key player in the hospitality industry.” A unique aspect of the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center is its robust partnership with Texas A&M University. This collaboration is evident in the workforce, where many team members are current students from various programs. Stafford elaborates, “We have students from hospitality, engineering, physics, English, and many other fields. We believe it’s part of our mission to help develop young people, and starting in the hospitality industry makes anyone a more valuable employee, regardless of their future career path.” THE PANDEMIC AND BEYOND As the world grappled with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center faced its own trials and triumphs. Opening just two years before the global crisis hit, the hotel had to quickly adapt to the new reality, leveraging its unique position within a tier-one research university. “One of the great things about being part of a research university is access to extensive intelligence about health sciences and building safety,” says Stafford. This connection allowed the hotel to rapidly implement safety measures, ensuring a secure environment for employees and guests. Despite the initial closure for about two months, Stafford recalls their swift changes to adapt to the circumstances. During this period, the hotel took the opportunity to refine its operations. Stafford highlights the efficiency gains achieved through streamlined efforts and cross-training programs developed during the pandemic.“By 2021, we were back to our 2019 revenue levels but were twice as profitable,” he states proudly. The efforts paid off significantly in 2022, with a massive boost in business that doubled profitability again. TECHNOLOGY FOR ENHANCED EFFICIENCY With its state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center has positioned itself at the forefront of modern hospitality. Opened in 2018, the hotel has maintained and significantly enhanced its operational efficiency through innovative systems. 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08 TEXAS A&M HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER
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