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Guest Experience Architecture Takes Hold in Luxury Hospitality

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Uptown Network introduces Artuzan to put the model into practice

NAPLES, Fla., June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The luxury hospitality industry is moving beyond reservations and transactions toward more-persistent, membership-driven guest relationships.

As operators look to unify the systems that shape those relationships, Uptown Network is advancing a structured approach to what the industry has begun to recognize as Guest Experience Architecture (GeX). The company has also introduced Artuzan (pronounced ŕ-ti-san), its unified platform for building and managing continuity-based emotional guest relationships, designed to support this model across luxury hospitality spanning restaurants, hotels, private clubs, wineries, and cruise lines.

“The industry has generally focused on who owns the reservation, but that is only a moment in time,” said founder Nadine Hope Locher. “The larger opportunity is who owns the relationship. Operators who can understand, anticipate, serve, and retain guests over time will outperform those that operate one visit at a time.”

From Fragmented Tools to a Defined Model

Restaurants and hospitality operators already use dining experience tools, but most operate as disconnected tools and focus more on transactions than guest experiences. This new guest experience platform unifies those touch points, turning fragmented guest interactions into real-time, actionable insights.

GeX defines how these elements work together as a single operating model. It provides a structured approach where each interaction builds on prior engagement and contributes to a continuous relationship with the guest.

Uptown structures the model into four integrated layers:

Experience Layer — menus, memories, and in-venue interactionsMembership Layer — wine lockers, personal cellars, and loyalty programsMedia Layer — storytelling, content, and brand expressionOperations Layer — inventory auditing, real-time data, visibility, and control

These layers give operators a framework to design, manage, and refine guest engagement over time.

Artuzan enables this model by connecting and coordinating these elements within a unified system. It serves as the system that operators use to manage and evolve guest relationships in practice.

Building Measurable Guest Relationships

Operators are rethinking how they can engage guests beyond a single visit. A structured approach allows them to:

Transform menus into interactive, revenue-driving experiences.Turn wine programs into extended ongoing membership relationships.Extend engagement beyond the visit through new media and personalization.Manage all guest experience tools in one platform, connecting segmented touch points into actionable data insights.

“We’ve partnered with Uptown Network for years to enhance the guest experience at Wine Bar George, and we’ve seen firsthand how their technology helps create more engaging and personalized interactions for our guests,” said George Miliotes, Master Sommelier. “This release of Artuzan in the Guest Experience Architecture space reflects where the hospitality industry is headed, giving brands more innovative ways to connect with guests and elevate the overall experience.”

Guests feel recognized and remembered. Staff operate with real-time context. Operators gain more predictable revenue tied to repeat engagement.

“With the right systems in place, teams can adapt in real time and deliver a level of personalization that was not previously possible at scale,” said Hope Locher.

Artuzan: A Unified System for Guest Experience

Uptown’s platform brings together capabilities the company has developed and deployed over time, now unified into a single system. What were previously delivered as individual products or features are now structured as a cohesive platform designed to implement GeX.

Artuzan enables operators to implement this model by turning hospitality intuition into operational infrastructure. This is made possible with integrated digital menus, wine programs, inventory audits, guest engagement, and in-venue media.

For operators, Artuzan becomes the system they rely on to manage and evolve the guest relationship.

Current applications include membership wine programs extending into the home cellar, dynamic menu and brand storytelling, enhanced gifting and loyalty models, and venue-driven media that creates new revenue opportunities.

While Artuzan is designed as a unified system, operators can start with individual components based on immediate priorities and expand into the full platform over time.

“Your main touchpoint, the menu, becomes active rather than static,” added Hope Locher. “It can inform, inspire, and respond to the guest in the moment while contributing to a longer-term relationship.”

She concluded, “Every interaction becomes part of a larger system that builds memory, loyalty, and value over time.”

About Uptown Network

Uptown Network is a pioneer (2010) in creating tech-forward guest experiences for restaurants, hotels, private clubs, casinos, cruise ships and other luxury hospitality purveyors including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Darden Restaurants, and Seminole Hard Rock. For more information on its Artuzan Guest Experience Architecture (GeX) platform, hospitality business owners or team leaders can contact Uptown Network at www.uptownnetwork.com for an instant personalized demo, pricing details, and partnership opportunities.

Press Contact:
David Templeton
for Uptown Network
203.530.0458
dbtcom@gmail.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/guest-experience-architecture-takes-hold-in-luxury-hospitality-302805661.html

SOURCE Uptown Network

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Competition Bureau advances investigation into Sobeys’ use of property controls across Canada

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42 minutes ago

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June 22, 2026

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GATINEAU, QC, June 22, 2026 /CNW/ – The Competition Bureau has obtained court orders to advance its investigation into Empire Company Limited’s use of property controls in Canada. Empire is the parent company of Sobeys, Farm Boy, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and FreshCo, among others.

The Bureau’s investigation is examining the company’s use of property controls across Canada to assess whether their practices harm competition in the retail grocery industry. Lack of competition in the grocery industry can result in higher prices, lower quality and less availability.

The court orders, granted by the Federal Court, require the production of records, written information and oral testimony relevant to the Bureau’s investigation.

Earlier in the investigation, the Bureau obtained an initial court order requiring Empire to produce information focused on property controls in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The new orders will provide the Bureau additional information about the scope of Empire’s practices in Canada, including how the company negotiates property controls and their potential impacts on competition across Canada.

The investigation is ongoing and there is no conclusion of wrongdoing at this time.

The Bureau focuses its work on sectors that matter to Canadians, including those affecting essential household expenses like food.

Quick facts:

Property controls are restrictions on the use of commercial real estate that limit how a property can be used by others. These property controls are common across Canada, especially in retail settings. They can harm competition by making it difficult, or even impossible, for businesses to open new stores.In June 2023, the Bureau published its grocery market study, which concluded that property controls can limit competition from new grocers and can deny consumers the benefits of competition including lower prices, greater choice and increased innovation.In June 2024, the Bureau obtained two court orders to advance its investigations into the use of property controls by Sobeys’ and Loblaw’s parent companies related to property controls in the Halifax Regional Municipality.In January 2025, the Bureau took investigative actions that resulted in Empire agreeing to remove a property control that restricted retail grocery store competition in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta.In June 2025, the Bureau announced that it continues to monitor Loblaw’s public commitment to end property controls in Canada.The Bureau urges Canadians to report any property controls that may be anti-competitive using the online complaint form.

Related products

Competitor property controls and the Competition Act

Associated links

Competition Bureau advances investigations into Sobeys and Loblaw’s use of property controls Competition Bureau takes action to protect competition in the grocery industry in an Alberta communityCompetition Bureau monitors Loblaw’s commitment to end property controlsRetail Grocery Market Study

General information:
Request for information | Complaint form

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The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth.

SOURCE Competition Bureau

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Survey: 1 in 3 World Cup Fans Perceive the Hydration Break as More of an Advertising Opportunity Than a Health Break

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42 minutes ago

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June 22, 2026

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New MFour Data Research survey of 1,000 U.S. World Cup viewers reveals the 90-second window where Michelob Ultra, Gatorade, and Nike get to put their biggest stars — and the world’s biggest athletes — right in front of a captive global audience

LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The whistle blows. Players grab water bottles. Sponsor logos flood the screen. And somewhere in the stands, and on couches across the country… a debate quietly plays out: is this break for the athletes, or for the advertisers?

According to a new survey by MFour Data Research, the answer depends on who you ask.

MFour surveyed 1,000 U.S. World Cup viewers in the U.S. during the group round of the 2026 tournament and found that 64% see hydration breaks as a genuine player health measure — while 36% see them for what they also are: a primo 90-second slot for Michelob Ultra, Gatorade, New Balance, and Nike to roll out their glossiest advertising, complete with celebrity appearances, slow-motion athlete close-ups, and whatever Lionel Messi is currently selling. One in three fans knows exactly what’s happening. The other two-thirds are just relieved their striker is getting fluids.

“The hydration break is the best two minutes in advertising — players get water, Michelob Ultra gets eyeballs, and Christian Pulisic gets another advertising deal. Everybody wins. Especially the fans who just spotted Messi in a Mich Ultra ad.”

— Chris St. Hilaire, Chief Executive Officer, MFour Data Research

Survey Methodologys

MFour surveyed n=1,000 U.S. residents who watch the World Cup on June 18, 2026 via its proprietary mobile panel — the largest mobile survey panel in the U.S. The sample is nationally balanced and representative of U.S. adults ages 18-64. Demographic breakdowns available upon request.

About MFour Data Research

MFour Data Research operates the largest mobile survey panel in the United States, connecting brands with real consumers in real moments — on their phones, in their lives, as it happens. MFour Data Research enables companies to understand consumer behavior with unmatched speed and precision. For more information, visit mfour.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-1-in-3-world-cup-fans-perceive-the-hydration-break-as-more-of-an-advertising-opportunity-than-a-health-break-302805735.html

SOURCE MFour Data Research

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Africa Tech Festival 2026 returns as Africa’s defining platform for digital transformation, investment and innovation

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42 minutes ago

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June 22, 2026

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Africa Tech Festival 2026 is structured around six interconnected pillars that reflect the technologies and priorities driving Africa’s digital economy: Telecoms & Connectivity; Data Centres; AI; Cybersecurity; Startups; and Digital Transformation

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com), the continent’s longest running and most influential technology gathering, will return to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 16 to 19 November 2026, bringing together key stakeholders driving the next phase of Africa’s digital growth.

Now in its 29th edition, Africa Tech Festival, originally launched as AfricaCom, has evolved alongside the continent’s digital transformation, expanding its focus to encompass the full spectrum of technology, investment opportunities and policies that drive economic growth.

At a time when investment in connectivity, subsea cables, fibre networks, data centres and cloud infrastructure is reshaping Africa’s digital landscape, Africa Tech Festival serves as a catalyst for the conversations and partnerships driving that progress. South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is a Strategic Partner of the event, with Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon. Solly Malatsi, confirmed to deliver the opening address.

“Africa Tech Festival is a strategic platform shaping Africa’s digital future, bringing together leaders from across the continent in government and industry to drive collaboration, investment, and innovation. As host country, South Africa is proud to champion an event that not only strengthens partnerships, but advances a shared vision of an inclusive, connected and globally competitive African digital economy,” said Minister Malatsi.

Africa Tech Festival 2026 is structured around six interconnected pillars that reflect the technologies and priorities driving Africa’s digital economy: Telecoms & Connectivity; Data Centres; AI; Cybersecurity; Startups; and Digital Transformation.

Together, these pillars provide a framework for addressing some of the continent’s most pressing priorities, including digital infrastructure expansion, greater connectivity and digital inclusion, responsible AI adoption, stronger data sovereignty and digital trust, and the partnerships and investments needed to unlock Africa’s next wave of innovation and economic growth.

The event will feature dedicated content programmes, executive forums, exhibitions, networking opportunities and investment-focused discussions designed to connect decision-makers from across Africa and around the world.

“It is now clear that this is a defining moment for the ICT sector in Africa. AI adoption is transforming business processes, but it also raises questions around inclusion, data sovereignty and the capacity of digital infrastructure. Africa Tech Festival is the only forum where leaders from across the tech ecosystem – telecoms operators, hyperscalers and corporate end-users – can come together to find the answers,” said David Monaghan, VP, Africa Tech Festival.

As Africa’s digital economy continues to attract global investment and attention, Africa Tech Festival showcases the continent’s capabilities and leadership while connecting African stakeholders with international investors, technology companies and policymakers. Beyond the annual event, it continues to serve as a year-round forum for thought leadership, industry engagement and ecosystem development, helping shape the policies, investments and innovations that are accelerating Africa’s digital transformation.

Register to attend Africa Tech Festival 2026

General registration: https://apo-opa.co/3Sq6goC
For more information, as well as exhibitor and sponsor applications, visit https://AfricaTechFestival.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

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About Africa Tech Festival:

Africa Tech Festival is the continent’s leading platform for shaping the future of the digital economy. Taking place annually in Cape Town, the festival brings together the full technology ecosystem, from telecoms and infrastructure providers to enterprise leaders, startups, investors and policymakers.

Through six core pillars spanning connectivity, AI, cybersecurity, data centres, digital transformation and the startup ecosystem, Africa Tech Festival delivers a comprehensive view of the trends, challenges and opportunities defining Africa’s digital landscape.

The festival combines high level content with large scale exhibition and networking, creating a space where strategy meets execution. Across three days, it convenes global technology leaders, decision makers and innovators to share insight, build partnerships and drive real business outcomes.

Africa Tech Festival is part of Informa Festivals, a division of Informa. 

Contact:
marie@apo-opa.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/africa-tech-festival-2026-returns-as-africas-defining-platform-for-digital-transformation-investment-and-innovation-302806448.html

SOURCE Africa Tech Festival

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