 |
Defining HospitalityWelcome to Defining Hospitality, the podcast focused on highlighting the most influential figures in the hospitality industry. Author: Dan Ryan
Welcome to Defining Hospitality, the podcast focused on highlighting the most influential figures in the hospitality industry. In each episode we provide 1 on 1, in depth interviews with experts in the industry to learn what hospitality means to them. We feature expert advice on working in the industry, behind the scenes looks at some of your favorite brands, and in depth explorations of unique hospitality projects. Defining Hospitality is hosted by Founder and CEO of Agency 967, Dan Ryan. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality, Dan brings his expertise and passion to each episode as he delves into the latest trends and challenges facing the industry. Episodes are released every week on Wednesday mornings. To listen to episodes, visit https://www.defininghospitality.live/ or subscribe to Defining Hospitality wherever you get your podcasts. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
Curating Luxury Through Sound - Michelangelo L’Acqua - Defining Hospitality
Episode 244
Wednesday, 25 March, 2026
In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Michaelangelo L’Acqua, a global entertainment director and music/lifestyle branding expert, to discuss hospitality as “infrastructure” built through sound, motifs, and emotional arcs across dayparts. Sponsored by BERMANFALK, this conversation dives into shifting luxury expectations, analog-era craft, and mentoring creatives within business-driven environments.Michelangelo shares how sound serves as the unseen architect in the world of hospitality, crafting emotional journeys for guests. About the Guest:Michaelangelo L'Acqua is a Global Entertainment Director and Founder of his creative strategy agency, L'Acqua Agenzia. With a legacy of working with iconic brands like Virgin Voyages and W Hotels, he brings decades of experience in music branding and luxury lifestyle curation. Known for pioneering concepts like the Sonic Identity Brand Bible, L'Acqua remains a leading voice in integrating sound as a critical component of the hospitality experience, continuously shaping the future of how spaces sound and resonate with their audience.Chapters:01:17 Whale Shark Memories02:51 What Hospitality Means03:52 Sonic Architect Idea05:09 Motifs and Brand Magic07:04 Building a Sonic Bible10:18 Sound Drives Revenue12:32 Mentors and Early Grind14:29 Tom Ford Breakthrough17:37 From Fashion to Hotels20:30 Analog Era Work Ethic23:04 Staying Relevant in Luxury27:27 Timeless Formulas and Flow30:57 Building Sonic Brand DNA33:04 Virgin Voyages Layer Cake36:59 W Hotel Reinvents Hospitality39:45 Finding Local Tastemakers41:29 Mentorship Over Ego44:44 Sound Beats Brick48:07 Next Decade Soundtrack50:49 Timeless Meets New53:30 Hall of Fame Tangent55:46 Wrap Up And ConnectQuote of the Show:"I truly believe that there are moments I can really tap into unconscious feelings within somebody. And if I can do that… you're gonna walk away from that experience and say that was a great night. I don't know why, but it was just special." - Michelangelo L’AcquaBuilding a hotel, brand, or guest experience? Reach out to Dan on LinkedIn or hit reply on the Substack to share what you’re working on.Links:Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@defininghospitality?sub_confirmation=1 Substack: https://www.defininghospitality.live/ BERMANFALK: https://www.bermanfalk.com/ Michelangelo L’Acqua LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelangelo-lacqua/ Starwood Hotels: https://www.starwoodhotels.com/ Dan Ryan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedailydanryan/ Tags:#DefiningHospitality #HospitalityDesign #HotelDesign #GuestExperience #SonicArchitect #HotelInnovation
