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The pace of change in property technology continues to accelerate, but not every trend deserves attention. Many tools promise transformation, yet only a few create real impact for hotels and multifamily operators. As a result, leaders planning for property technology in 2026 need clarity that improves operations, strengthens loyalty, and creates better experiences. That’s where WorldVue’s heritage wisdom comes in, advising our partners with timeless insights for informed decisions about new technology.
WorldVue’s leadership team brings decades of perspective across hospitality technology, connectivity, and guest engagement. Their collective view is consistent: Innovation only works when it supports people. The next wave of progress will reward operators who combine smart technology decisions with a deep understanding of how guests and residents actually live, work, and travel.
In Part 1 of our two-part series, we discuss property technology trends that matter and offer advice for smarter investing in 2026.
“Technology is revolutionizing the way we live, and it’s revolutionizing humanity. That doesn’t stop the fact that hospitality is always about people and always about humans.”
Robert Grosz, President & COO
on episode #227 of the Modern Hotelier podcast
The Technology Landscape: Trends That Matter
AI-Driven Personalization Becomes the New Standard
Mark Schaps, EVP & CIO, sees personalization as foundational, not optional. According to Schaps, “AI-driven personalization and seamless platform connectivity are changing everything. Guests will expect their preferences to follow them automatically across brands and properties. That kind of consistency will become the new standard.”
In 2026, personalization will shape how guests interact with content, services, and environments without requiring effort on their part.
“From a guest perspective, we want to show the guests what they want to watch, where they want to watch it, and then be able to correlate all that information anywhere that they are for any of the properties that we provide services to. So, it doesn’t matter if they’re at a hotel in one state versus another – we want that experience to follow them throughout and be the same every single time.”
Mark Schaps, EVP & CIO
on episode #227 of the Modern Hotelier podcast
Smart Spaces Powered by IoT and Real-Time Intelligence
Nick Jones, EVP & CTO, expects the definition of “smart” to shift quickly. Specifically, “The fusion of IoT and AI is going to redefine ‘smart.’ We’re talking about properties that are optimizing everything from maintenance to comfort in real time.” Rather than simply automating tasks, these systems respond dynamically to real-world conditions.
Convergence Turns Technology into Brand Expression
Robert Grosz emphasizes convergence across entertainment, connectivity, and property systems. When this alignment occurs, technology supports both brand identity and guest engagement. As a result, it stops feeling like infrastructure and starts feeling intentional.
Emotionally Intelligent Design Shapes What Guests Remember
Scott Jamison, Chief Experience Officer, believes experience design will lead innovation. “Technology that connects convenience with emotion, like personalized content or AI-powered concierge tools, will define what guests remember most.”
Implementation Insight
To prepare for these shifts, properties can centralize guest preference data across their systems to ensure experiences feel consistent from stay to stay. In addition, operators can evaluate IoT tools that support real-time awareness, such as sensors that flag maintenance issues or adjust comfort settings based on occupancy. These steps align directly with the move toward smarter, more adaptive environments powered by AI and connected devices.
Advice for Smart Investment in 2026
Build for Interoperability
Schaps encourages leaders to think long-term. “Prioritize interoperability. Invest in technologies and partners that work well with others through open APIs. Flexibility is key; the ability to integrate new tools easily will define long-term success.” Closed systems limit growth and make future upgrades harder.
View Technology as a Strategic Asset
Grosz reframes the investment conversation. “Think of technology as a business investment, not an expense. The right strategy boosts guest loyalty, efficiency, and revenue; it’s about building long-term brand equity.”
“We’re really not chasing trends. What we’re trying to do is leverage the expertise that we have to fit technologies and solutions in place that enhance the guest experience and also, if possible, enhance the operational efficiency of a property itself.”
Chris Guthery, VP of Sales & Product
on episode #227 of the Modern Hotelier podcast
Invest in Scalable Infrastructure
Jones warns against short-term fixes. “Build for scalability. Invest in infrastructure that can handle what’s next. That means strong connectivity and flexible architectures.” Scalability determines how well a property can adapt as expectations change.
Choose Tools That Improve the Experience
Jamison advises leaders to focus on outcomes. “Don’t just invest in systems; invest in experiences. Every technology decision should make life easier, smoother, or more enjoyable for your guests or residents.” If it doesn’t, it misses the mark.
Implementation Insight
A practical first step is to audit existing systems and identify platforms that don’t integrate well or create data silos. From there, leaders can prioritize solutions that offer open APIs and flexible architectures. Strengthening core connectivity should also be part of the plan, since scalable architecture enables new digital services, high-bandwidth entertainment, and expanding IoT deployments.
In part 2 of this series, we’ll examine how the evolving guest experience affects property technology decisions. We’ll also discuss how to prepare for disruptions, including automation. This includes examining the importance of maintaining a human touch. For more information about our hospitality technology solutions, please visit our website. For properties outside the US, please contact our international team here.