The hospitality world is becoming increasingly digitized and with the use of immersive technology, this transition is going smoothly. Hotels are one sector in which digitalization has greatly improved and in they are more open to new technologies. The hospitality industry stands to gain a lot from immersive technology, with improvement in customer experience, better interface and proper management of product information. In this episode of Digital Icons, David Kepron, VP Global Design Strategies, Marriott International discusses immersive technology in e-commerce, its potentials, and difficulties that may arise.

David Kepron

VP Global Design Strategies, Marriott International

David Kepron is a Vice President of Design within the Global Design Strategies department at Marriott International. His focus is on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott’s “Premium Distinctive” segment which includes: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels, and Gaylord Hotels. Kepron brings 20 years of retail design expertise to the making of meaningful customer connections at hotel properties around the globe. His multidisciplinary approach to design focuses on understanding consumer behavior and the creation of relevant brand experiences at the intersection of architecture, sociology, neuroscience, and emerging digital technologies. As a frequently requested speaker, David shares his expertise on subjects ranging from consumer behaviors and trends, brain science and buying behavior, store design and visual merchandising as well as creativity and innovation. David currently brings his creativity and insight on brand experiences to an international audience as a member of VMSD magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board, as a Board Member of the Interactive Customer Experience Association (ICXA) and Sign Research Foundation’s (SRF) Program Committee. In 2014, Kepron published his first book titled: “Retail (r)Evolution: Why Creating Right-Brain Stores Will Shape the Future of Shopping in a Digitally Driven World.” David also writes a popular blog called “Brain Food” which is published monthly on vmsd.com. www.marriott.com