There’s nothing more relaxing than walking into the lounge and grabbing a drink after checking into the hotel when traveling. However, what if we tell you that now you can do that without even stepping out of your hotel room? Hotel Communications Network (HCN), a global hotel media company, will reveal an innovative way of getting hotel guests to try unique beverages from the comfort of their hotel rooms by introducing an in-room tablet program. HCN will reveal this latest innovation in the hospitality industry at the eBev 2025 that will take place from May 28 to May 30. eBev 2025 is set to take place in Indianapolis, US, aiming to bring together top experts in the beverage industry to discuss the future of marketing in this sector.
HCN At eBev 2025: To Roll Out In-Room Tablet Program
Pioneering global hotel media company, HCN, will reveal their innovative way to get beverage brands directly into the hands of their consumers by introducing a new sampling program. As guests check in to their hotel, they’ll get their hands on the latest HCN ad-supported tablets for beverage brands, hotels, and advertising partners.
What this will mean for retailers, distributors, and other stakeholders is that it will give consumers more direct access to their products. It will allow beverage marketers and hotel operators to collaborate in sustainable ways. The result? An increase in revenue and an improved beverage experience that will stay with the guests long after they’ve checked out of the hotel.
HCN CEO Kevin Bidner On The New In-Room Tablet Program
“It’s well known that one of the most powerful branding opportunities is discovering your new favorite drink while traveling. Fruity tropical cocktails on a sunny beach. Your first Manhattan in Manhattan. A spritz on the Amalfi coast. All of these drinks have become globally successful by their association to consumers’ favorite travel memories. But beverage alcohol brands have found it difficult and costly to provide samples of these libations to guests at leading U.S. hotels due to restrictive regulations – until now”, says HCN Chief Executive Officer Kevin Bidner.
Bidner will reveal more details about the new HCN ad-supported tablet model for beverage brands and hoteliers at the presentation titled ‘Keep on Winning in the Real World … in Real-Time,’ on day 1 of the eBev 2025.
How The In-Room Tablet Program Works
At this point, you might be wondering how the tablet program works, right? Well, when guests check in at a hotel, they’ll be asked if they’d like to sample the hotel’s signature cocktail before they head to their room. After all, a complimentary drink after a long journey to the hotel will be much needed, isn’t it? Guests will not be required to make their way to the lounge; instead, front desk staff will hand guests a refreshing drink. Alternatively, they can advise the guests of a free drink awaiting them in their hotel room, thanks to the in-room tablet provider by HCN.
Not just a refreshing drink, but guests will also get a 20% off a second signature cocktail served at the hotel bar. This is all a gesture of hospitality and delivers a memorable experience to the guests, right from the first sip.
First impression can often be the last impression, and when hotels step up their game to deliver an experience like this to their guests, it stays with them forever. This new partnership between hotels and HCN will ensure that technology effortlessly combines with hospitality practices to raise the standards of commendable service.
Not just that, it will also be a cost-effective way as guests will get access to different alcohol samples. This will likely make them curious about the different offerings. And who knows – they might even become loyal customers of a specific brand they like!
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Terry Donnelly, Chief Revenue Officer of HCN, On The New ‘Sampling’ Technology
Terry Donnelly, Chief Revenue Officer, expressed that their in-room tablet platform will be an effective method of increasing guest engagement and pushing their brand messaging more and more. This platform will help them deliver the sample while promoting the brand to 100% of the hotel guests. Not just that, with exciting coupons, it will help the platform track repeat purchases and calculate the resultant effectiveness of their program.
When guests are in their room, for an average of 3.5 hours awake, that is the ideal time to send value-added service messaging to guests. The platform will seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and keep the guests engaged with their interactive user experience. The HCN tablets will be integrated into guestroom technology as well as hotel brand loyalty platforms. As of May 2025, HCN is seeking leading beverage brands and hotels to participate in its sampling program.
About HCN and eBev 2025
HCN was founded in 2008 with its headquarters in Ottawa, Canada. HCN, over the years, has built on years of thorough market research and development to deliver high-value guest amenities. Their aim is to deliver the best guest experience and make them feel connected to their hotel, city, and each other.
On the other hand, eBev 2025 is the leading event in the world of beverage marketing. Since its inception in 2011, eBev has only risen upwards, connecting leaders and changemakers with brands and technology partners for strategic collaborations. Through curated conversations, insightful panel discussions, and keynotes, eBev is on a mission to delve deeper into trends, data, and strategies that will enhance consumer experience.
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Summing Up
As AI keeps integrating into our daily lives, the hospitality industry is catching up with the rise of the latest technology. HCN, the leading hotel media company, is now set to roll out in-room tablet providers that will make sampling alcohol even more convenient. This will not just enhance guests’ overall experience at the hotel but also open up new doors for brands and marketers in the world of beverage marketing as we know it today.
