Celebrating its 21st anniversary, the Annual Hospitality Conference (AHC) is set to mark a new era upon its return later this month, acknowledging the UK hospitality industry’s proven resilience and promising growth potential.
Renowned for its stellar lineup of speakers, the event consistently features British and international industry leaders, joined by a strong presence of investors, owners, operators, and developers. And this year’s agenda is set to raise the bar further, come September 30th.
Boasting a roster of over 100 thought-leaders, the conference will explore diverse hospitality sectors, including hotels, alternative living, F&B, bars, pubs, restaurants and more.
Amidst such a packed agenda, these five sessions are not to be missed:
Seizing Tomorrow: Turning Political and Economic Shifts into Opportunities for UK Hospitality
Day 1 (September 30th) at 11:25am to 12:05pm
Hospitality leaders discuss the macro-economic landscape and share strategies for capitalising on emerging opportunities. They’ll delve into the reasons behind investing in the UK hospitality market, exploring how to navigate political changes, manage risks, and seize emerging trends to drive industry growth.
Moderator: Karen Friebe, Head of Hotels, Hospitality and Leisure, Bird & Bird
Panellists:
Louisa Green, Managing Director, RBH Hospitality
Joanna Kurowska, Managing Director UK & Ireland, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Ronen Nissenbaum, CEO UK/Ireland, Benelux, Spain, Portugal and US development, Fattal Group
One-to-One Interview. Hospitality Leader’s Blueprint for Tomorrow: Hotels, Restaurants, and Beyond
Day 1 (September 30th) at 2:20pm to 2:40pm
Hear from a seasoned hospitality leader as they discuss their vision for the UK market. Learn how to navigate current uncertainties and capitalise on emerging opportunities to drive growth and success through leadership, partnerships, innovation, and a positive company culture.
Interviewer: Victoria Hills, Partner, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Interviewee: Simon Ewins, Managing Director UK Hotels and Restaurants, Whitbread
Revenue Beyond the Room: The Role of Data and Personalisation to Drive Growth
Day 1 (September 30th) at 3:35pm to 4:45pm
Beyond room revenue lies untapped potential for profit. By harnessing the power of data and personalisation, hotels can optimise pricing, understand guest preferences, and anticipate future trends.
Speaker: Paul Finch, Sales Director EMEA, Agilysys
Driving alpha: Efficiency, Productivity and Profitability Strategies to Deliver Above-Market Performance
Day 2 (October 1st) at 9:00am to 9:45am
Facing headwinds such as inflation, staffing challenges, and economic volatility, this panel discusses proven strategies for asset managers and operators to enhance team productivity and drive operational excellence throughout the hospitality sector.
Panellists:
Miles Auger, Head of Hotels UK, CBRE
Andrew Katz, Consultant, Prospect Hotel Advisors LLC
Chris Kenny, Senior Vice President, Starwood Capital Group
Andrew Stembridge, Executive Director, Iconic Luxury Hotels
Cultivating Excellence: Transforming the Image of UK Hospitality Industry
Day 2 (October 1st) at 12:30pm to 12:50pm
Can a rebrand revitalise the hospitality industry and attract top talent? Industry pioneers discuss the transformative power of culture and inspirational leadership in shaping our industry’s reputation.
Interviewer: Winston Zahra, CEO, Troo Hospitality
Speakers:
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive Officer, UK Hospitality
Stephen Cassidy, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, UK & Ireland, Hilton
As always, the AHC offers a wealth of opportunities to learn, network, and grow. The five must-attend sessions highlighted here provide a glimpse into the exciting and informative content that awaits attendees.
If you haven’t already registered, don’t miss out on this chance to connect with industry leaders and discover the latest trends and best practices in hospitality.
