Employees Explore AI-Enabled Solutions at Eighth Host Challenge

Host recently held its eighth company-wide Host Challenge, bringing together 33 employees from nine departments to explore how AI-enabled solutions could help address corporate pain points and create value for the company.

Working in six cross-functional teams, participants began with guidance from Thayer Investment Partners, one of Host's venture capital partners, on evaluating emerging companies and growth opportunities. The teams then researched solutions across several areas of the business, assessing their potential to reduce friction, improve decision-making and create efficiencies across Host.

On the final day, the teams presented their research and recommendations to judges and senior leaders, who evaluated their organizational value, creativity and presentation effectiveness.

Beyond identifying potential business opportunities, the Host Challenge is a hands-on learning and development experience. It gives employees an opportunity to step outside their day-to-day roles, learn about different parts of the business, build new skills and collaborate with colleagues across the company while applying diverse perspectives to real business challenges.