Corey and Rachel explore the role of emotional design in creating memorable hospitality experiences with Dr. Teresa Alaniz, focusing on how emotions influence customer choices and brand loyalty. Topics covered include:

• The role of emotions in product and service design
• Strategies to expand emotional vocabulary for better design
• The impact of emotional triggers on customer loyalty
• Balancing functionality and emotional appeal in hospitality
• Practical steps to incorporate emotional design in business

About Our Guest: Dr. Teresa Alaniz is Director of Design Delivery for NiEW, a strategy consulting firm based in Italy and Abu Dhabi, that helps build systems, teams, and operating models that drive product innovation. She holds a PhD in Management Engineering and is the author of Emotion-Driven Innovation: A Methodology to Envision Emotion-Focused New Product Ideas.

In this episode of Strategy Sessions, Corey and Rachel discuss the importance of human connection in the wine and hospitality industry. They explore how recent trends, including Mark Cuban's investment in experiential events, highlight a shift towards face-to-face engagement. The conversation emphasizes the need for hiring staff with emotional intelligence, creating memorable experiences through storytelling, and championing local products to foster community engagement. The hosts also reflect on the challenges posed by technology and the importance of maintaining genuine human interactions in a digital age.

Corey and Rachel reflect on their journey through 20 episodes, discussing the importance of customer engagement strategies in the wine and hospitality industries. They explore various aspects such as showcasing authenticity through social media, the role of user-generated content, the impact of influencers, and the effectiveness of email marketing. The conversation also highlights the significance of seasonal programming and maximizing wine club engagement, along with building local partnerships to enhance community presence. The episode emphasizes that customer engagement is an ecosystem that requires continuous effort and strategy.