Dan Ryan to be the 2024 Master of Ceremonies

We are thrilled to reveal that Dan Ryan, the Founder and Host of Defining Hospitality, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the 2024 Radical Innovation Awards Ceremony. Dan has been a devote supporter of our competition for years and even went behind the scenes and interviewed the Jurors in 2023.  

In anticipation of his new role with Radical Innovation, we sat down with Dan to hear more about his previous experience, why he is passionate about innovations in hospitality, and what he is most excited about seeing in this year’s competition!

1.      Why did you decide to pursue a career in hospitality?

I decided to pursue a career in hospitality because many of my closest friends and their families were in the industry.  I thought, wouldn’t it be the be the greatest if I could work in the same passionate industry with my friends?  Fast forward 30 years, and I still get to talk with my closest friends almost every day and I’ve added so many more peers who are also champions of hospitality.

2.      Throughout your career, what is your favorite hospitality innovation you have witnessed come to fruition?

Over the past twenty years, I think the rise of independent and soft-branded boutique hotels that focus on the uniqueness of the areas in which they are located is my favorite innovation.  I prefer a unique and localized hospitality experience. Additionally, I love the mobile key card, it reduces my plastic usage and I constantly lose my room keys.

3.      What advice do you have for students who are pursuing a career in hospitality?

My advice to students is don’t ever think you have to be on one career path. Whatever path in hospitality you decide to start your journey on is one step towards a seemingly infinite spectrum of roles and businesses where you will find your passion and joy.

4.      What interests you about Radical Innovation, that influenced your decision to accept the title of, 2024 Master of Ceremonies?

I believe hospitality touches every facet of life, from family to friends to business to the most basic human interactions. While at base, for me it’s all about human connection, empathy and meeting others where they are, I think innovation in hospitality is critical as peoples tastes and cultures evolve. Promoting innovation in any industry, especially hospitality, for me is key and I’m honored to be a part of it.

5.      What was your favorite part about Radical Innovation 2023?

My favorite part about Radical Innovation 2023 was the people. People are amazing and I got so much energy from the endless passion in the room.  The creative ideas that came out of everyone last year, and how those ideas inspired conversations at dinner was inspiring.

6. What innovations or themes do you think we will see in the 2024 competition?

In 2024, I am hoping we will see much more sustainability concepts and experiential hospitality.

Call for entries is open now, click here for more information.