Ep. 5: Brand Differentiators - Crowne Plaza® Social episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 25, 2025 · 25 MIN

Ep. 5: Brand Differentiators - Crowne Plaza® Social

from Connected Conversations · host Crowne Plaza

DescriptionJoin Sharon Kilmartin, Regional Director of Operations at IHG, based at the Crowne Plaza® Ravinia (Americas) as she discusses brand differentiators and what that means for our employees and guests. She speaks with Akemi Shapiro, Director of Sales and Marketing at Crowne Plaza® Ventura Beach Hotel; Russell Sheppard, GM at ANA Crowne Plaza® Narita; Stephen Wills, GM at Crowne Plaza® Hawkesbury Valley; and Nick Stangle, F&B GM at Crowne Plaza® Ventura Beach. In this episode, they’ll specifically be covering how they’re approaching their Crowne Plaza® Social programs. Resources: Crowne Plaza® Brand Differentiators – Crowne Plaza® SocialMeet Your Host & Guests Host: Sharon Kilmartin has been with IHG Hotels & Resorts for over 35 years and has a wealth of experience to share. Sharon has a passion for equipping the Crowne Plaza® community of colleagues with as much knowledge as she can.Want to connect with Sharon? LinkedIn Guest: Akemi Shapiro has served in multiple positions at the Crowne Plaza® Ventura Beach Hotel since 2008, and her work in Hospitality stretches back to the 1990s. Want to connect with Akemi? LinkedIn Guest: Russell Sheppard has held numerous positions within IHG for more than 18 years in locations including Okinawa, Tokyo, Australia, Vietnam, San Francisco, and New Zealand. Want to connect with Russell? LinkedIn Guest: Stephen Wills has more than 13 years working within the Hospitality industry, including his last five within IHG around Australia. Want to connect with Stephen? LinkedIn Guest: Nick Stangle has been working in F&B and Hospitality for more than 10 years, and he piloted the Crowne Plaza® Social and Meetings and Events Concierge program in his hotel. Want to connect with Nick? LinkedIn

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Sep 25, 2025

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Join Sharon Kilmartin, Regional Director of Operations at IHG, based at the Crowne Plaza® Ravinia (Americas) as she discusses brand differentiators and what that means for our employees and guests. She speaks with Akemi Shapiro, Director of Sales and Marketing at Crowne Plaza® Ventura Beach Hotel; Russell Sheppard, GM at ANA Crowne Plaza® Narita; Stephen Wills, GM at Crowne Plaza® Hawkesbury Valley; and Nick Stangle, F&B GM at Crowne Plaza® Ventura Beach. In this episode, they’ll specifically be covering how they’re approaching their Crowne Plaza® Social programs.

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Ep. 5: Brand Differentiators - Crowne Plaza® Social

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