The Annual Hotel Conference 2019: Full Schedule

7:00pm

The AHC First-Timers Reception (fully booked)

There is a first time for everything – including attending The AHC. If you’re new to the fold, you are warmly invited to join us for this special reception to kick-start your time with us, meet fellow delegates and learn some tips and tricks on how to make your experience at The AHC the most enjoyable and productive as possible. As an extra treat, drinks will be flowing and there will be plenty of tasty treats. Join us in the beautiful Cloud 23 at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate hotel offering unrivalled views over Manchester.

This event is now fully booked. To join the waiting list, please email rscahill@questex.com

Tuesday October 8, 2019 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Iris Lounge, Cloud 23

Be Inspired

8:00am

Registration, Refreshments & Networking

Utilise this pre-conference networking opportunity whilst enjoying refreshment with delegates, exhibitors, sponsors and speakers.

Wednesday October 9, 2019 8:00am - 10:00am
Exhibition Areas

Network

9:00am

Speed Networking

Kick start your time at The AHC by meeting fellow delegates in this quick-fire business card exchange. No need to register, just turn up armed with plenty of cards. Places are limited so we advise arriving early.

Wednesday October 9, 2019 9:00am - 9:45am
Networking Lounge, 2nd Floor

Network

10:00am

Welcome from The AHC

Speakers

Alexi Khajavi

Managing Director, Questex Hospitality Group

Alexi Khajavi is Managing Director of the EMEA region and chairs the Hospitality & Travel Group for Questex LLC. He is responsible for the overall management and development of the company’s global hospitality and destination communications properties and events including the Hotel... Read More →

Jonathan Langston

Co-founder, HotStats & The AHC

Jonathan is CoFounder of HotStats and The Annual Hotel Conference in each of which he retains an active advisory role.From 2013 to 2016 Jonathan was a Senior Director in the CBRE Hotels EMEA team and COO of the UK business. Prior to joining CBRE Hotels, Jonathan was Managing Director... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2019 10:00am - 10:10am
Deansgate Suite

Learn

10:10am

Opening Keynote

Speakers

Dr. Neslyn Watson-Druée

High Performance Executive Coach

With over 25 years board level experience Neslyn is an acclaimed executive coach, author and keynote speaker on the topic of Leadership. Her expertise has been sought by business, the Government, NHS, education and voluntary sectors. As the Chairman of NHS Kingston, she managed to... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2019 10:10am - 10:40am
Deansgate Suite

Learn

10:40am

Is It Now an All or Peanuts Game? - The Economic Overview

Deal or no deal, we are coming out. And now we need to move on, albeit with a little less swagger. The recent merry go around in the cabinet and the Big B means the usual game of pin the tail on the donkey is now slightly harder. You can take comfort that our economic expert will sneak a look from under the blindfold and make sure you are best positioned to weather whatever comes our way.

Speakers

Simon French

Chief Economist, Panmure Gordon & Co

Simon French is the Chief Economist at the UK merchant bank, Panmure Gordon & Company. He is a Top-5 ranked economist in the City’s Extel rankings and has a monthly column for The Times newspaper. Prior to joining Panmure Gordon he was a Senior Civil Servant, latterly at the Cabinet... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2019 10:40am - 11:00am
Deansgate Suite

Learn

11:00am

Beyond Peak Performance – The Hotel Market Overview

Hotels in the UK are now operating well above their previous peak. In this unmissable session of the conference, our hotel market experts will use key performance metrics from across the P&L (and beyond) to guide you through which markets are continuing to grow, which are falling behind and which are bubbling away below the surface, ready to blow.

Speakers

Thomas Emanuel

Director, STR

Thomas Emanuel is a Director at STR. Based in London, he leads a team focused on driving business with Industry Partners.He has spent his entire career in the hotel industry, beginning in 2000 with Miki Travel, before joining Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, working at both a corporate and... Read More →

Kate Nicholls

CEO, UKHospitality

Kate Nicholls is CEO of UKHospitality, the powerful voice representing the broad hospitality sector, having previously worked as CEO and Strategic Affairs Director of the ALMR.In July 2019, Kate was appointed Chair of the Tourism Alliance, the membership organisation for the tourism... Read More →

Joe Stather

Associate Director, Investment Advisory, CBRE

Joe joined CBRE in 2014. He is currently an Associate Director in the Hotels Investment Advisory team, working on a range of consultancy projects across the EMEA region.Joe holds a BSc with first-class honours in International Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am
Deansgate Suite

Learn

11:45am

Tales from The Tribal Ring – The Independent v Branded Chiefs

These are turbulent times and independent and branded hotels are facing their own unique challenges. This session will invite the chiefs from each tribe to discuss how they prepare for battle, what it takes to win the war and whether anyone will survive…?

Speakers

Philip Shepherd

Managing Director, Hilton Parker

Philip is a strategy and finance specialist in the hospitality and leisure sector with over 25 years of experience advising financiers, hotel owners and operators, travel and destination management companies on their international growth strategies, operating models, pricing structures... Read More →

Stephen Cassidy

Senior Vice President & Managing Director UK & I, Hilton

Steve is responsible for the company’s multi-brand 150 strong portfolio across the British Isles including the management of hotels ranging from London Hilton on Park Lane to a growing portfolio of value focused Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn properties.The UK portfolio... Read More →

Kevin Charity

CEO, Coaching Inn group Ltd

Kevin is the founder and CEO of the Lincolnshire based Coaching Inn Group. The company buys freehold market town hotels, each of them being at the heart of the community. In many of them the company introduces its ‘Eatery & Coffee House’ casual dining concept.The group operates... Read More →

Karan Khanna

Managing Director, UK&I, IHG

As IHG’s Managing Director for UK&I, Karan is responsible for overseeing IHG’s portfolio of more than 330 open properties in the UK&I, as well as leading on new openings, signings and operations across one of IHG’s key global markets.Karan joined IHG in 2011 as Director of Global... Read More →

Jeremy Sanders

Head of UK, OYO

Jeremy Sanders was appointed Head of UK at OYO Hotels & Homes in October 2018, responsible for leading the company’s entry into and expansion across the UK - its first market outside of Asia.Within its first year, OYO UK achieved several key milestones under Jeremy’s leadership... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2019 11:45am - 12:15pm
Deansgate Suite

Learn

12:15pm

Free Solo – An Independent’s View of the Climb to the Top

What is it really like to be an independent hotel operator in today’s brand-dominated world? Our hotelier talks candidly about what it feels like to climb to the top with no ropes.

Speakers

Alexi Khajavi

Managing Director, Questex Hospitality Group

Ravi Kathuria

CEO, Talash Hotels Group

Ravi Kathuria is a Multi Award Winning Director of 13 hotels across the UK, Property Developer with a substantial portfolio of buy to let properties, major commercial investor in real estate around the world. Graduated at Coventry university with BSc Honours in business and technology... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2019 12:15pm - 12:45pm
Deansgate Suite

Learn

12:45pm

Lunch

Delicious tray served bowl food will be served as you make your way to our buffet stations located in the Connect Hub, as well as all exhibition areas. Look out for The AHC balloons to guide you.

Wednesday October 9, 2019 12:45pm - 2:00pm
Exhibition Areas

Network

1:00pm

Brexit Workshop - RSVP only

Limited Capacity seats available

Join KPMG’s Brexit expert Mark Essex for his take on the scenarios. What options are available and which are now off the menu? Take part in a candid session in which Mark will answer your Brexit questions. From the political to the practical, he’ll share his experience of talking to thousands of businesses about their Brexit plans.

Speakers

Mark Essex

Director, KPMG

Mark has a strategy background but now applies his unique brand of critical thinking and an analytical approach to come at questions from a different angle. He refuses to accept difficult trade-offs until he’s explored the possibility of using a disruptive approach.As Director... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2019 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Boardroom, floor 1

Learn

1:30pm

Hotel Tech Hub Lightning Talks

Join us in the Hotel Tech Hub to hear from our exhibitors in a series of quick-fire talks revealing the latest technology improving hotel operations, enhancing guest experiences and disrupting the industry.

Wednesday October 9, 2019 1:30pm - 1:45pm
Hotel Tech Hub, Ground Floor

Learn

2:00pm

We Have Lift Off! - Exploring Innovations in Hotel Keeping

Having stood still for more than 1,000 years, almost daily innovations in design, development and management are rapidly changing the face of current hotel operations. This forward-thinking session will introduce innovators of various sizes from across the spectrum to let you know how you can expect your hotel operation to evolve in the next few years.

Speakers

Sarah Joyce

Chief Global Officer, AVIXA

Sarah Joyce is Chief Global Officer of AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association. In her role, Sarah oversees all the association’s activities outside North America, including member services, education and certification delivery, standards adoption, government... Read More →

Cristina Blaj

Director of Sales Europe, Duetto

Cristina joined Duetto 4 years ago at a very exciting time in the company's evolution when the EMEA office was being setup and the team was expanding. She looks after Northern Europe’s key markets.Before Duetto Cristina ran the European sales efforts for eRevMax - RateTiger for... Read More →

Julie Grieve

Founder and CEO, Criton

Julie Grieve is Founder and CEO of Criton, a multi-award-winning technology provider based in Edinburgh. Criton enables hotels and serviced apartment operators to digitise their guest information and wrap all-guest facing technology into a branded app for guests to use on their own... Read More →

Michael De Jongh

Chief Commercial Officer, Avvio

Michael De Jongh is truly customer obsessed.Michael joined global hospitality technology company Avvio in July 2018 from UK tech business Sage. He has an extensive background in transformational sales gained in a range of technology-led environments, including heading up global sales... Read More →

Carla Milovanov

SVP Digital and IT Europe, Accor

Carla has worked for Accor since 2006, most recently as SVP for Digital and IT, Europe. Prior to this she was VP for IT UK at Accor. Carla has played a key role in Accor’s ambitious five-year digital transformation strategy – providing digital solutions for partners to better... Read More →

Uli Pillau

Co-Founder and CEO, Apaleo

Ulrich “Uli” Pillau is an entrepreneur and angel investor. He is founder of apaleo, a Munich based start-up developing a next generation cloud platform for the hospitality industry. Previously Uli was involved in building up several very successful software companies in the hotel... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Deansgate Suite

Learn

3:00pm

Leading from the Regions – General Managers Debrief

Climbing the ladder to the role of general manager is the dream for many a hospitality employee. However, it is complex in its requirements and requires a broad understanding yet acute attention to detail. To conclude our regional travels this year, this session features four general managers who will share their approaches to unlocking the potential around profit, people, customer experience and more.

Speakers

Robert Crook

Independent Hotel Advisor

Robert is a 35 year Hospitality Industry professional, spending the early part of his career working in hotel operations, hotel general management and franchising with IHG. For 17 years he focused on the “White Label” independent hotel management company sector with Chardon Management... Read More →

Adrian Ellis

General Manager, The Lowry Hotel

Adrian Ellis is a hotel executive with 24 years' experience of managing luxury international properties in the UK, Europe and Asia. In February 2015, he returned to Manchester to become the General Manager at The Lowry Hotel. He joined The Lowry Hotel from his role as General Manager... Read More →

Will Haegeland

Deputy General Manager, Cross Hotels Ltd – Cringletie House

From intensive care, to safety and security, to corporate responsibility within BBC. With degrees in nursing, organic chemistry, occupational health, safety and security, and an MSc in Ergonomics, I may not be a recruiter’s first choice as a hotel GM. My husband I had our own hotel... Read More →

Phillip O’Neill

General Manager, Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport (Dalata Hotel Group)

Graduate of GMIT International Hotel School Galway with over 25 Years of management experience starting as a Trainee Manager in Howth in Dublin and subsequently holding senior management positions most notably with the Moran Bewleys Hotel Group and Dalata Hotel Group including General... Read More →

Laura Sharpe

General Manager, Ham Yard Hotel

Laura Sharpe has been General Manager at Ham Yard Hotel since its opening in 2014. She has been at Firmdale Hotels for over 13 years in various manager level roles across a number of the London properties including Charlotte Street Hotel and The Soho Hotel. In 2018 Laura was awarded... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2019 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Deansgate Suite

Learn

3:45pm

The Independent Party

A panel of independent hoteliers discussing the power of their position in the market – lean, agile, connected to a loyal guest base…

Speakers

David Bailey

Principal, David J Bailey Ltd

David is a respected hotel advisor with over 30 years experience. Most recently heading up Client Solutions for CBRE Hotels across EMEA, he joined CBRE in 2013 following the acquisition of TRI Hospitality Consulting, a leading boutique hotel consultancy firm, in which he was Deputy... Read More →

Nick Davies

CEO, The Cottage in the Wood Hotel

A former strategy consultant and civil servant advising on energy, corporate restructure, government and venture capital, Nick Davies left London in 2015 to take on the ownership and management of the 30-bedroom hotel The Cottage in the Wood in the Malvern Hills. Together with his... Read More →

Ben Harper

Managing Director, Watergate Bay Hotel

Ben progressed through the sales and marketing divisions of Eurostar and British Airways before spending 6 years as Group Commercial Director at SACO The Serviced Apartment Company. During this time, he was part of the leadership team which took the business from family ownership... Read More →

David Orr

CEO, Nadler Hotels

David is a successful London based hotel CEO and entrepreneur. David was co-founder and CEO of City Inn, latterly renamed Mint Hotels, growing the business from a start up in Edinburgh, (moving to London in 2000) which became a 2700 room business until its sale to Blackstone for over... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2019 3:45pm - 4:30pm
Deansgate Suite

Learn

4:30pm

Speed Networking / The Meeting Hour

Your second chance to meet fellow delegates in our quick-fire business card exchange, accompanied by a glass of fizz in our 'business & bubbles' speed networking session. Places are limited so we advise arriving early.

Or use The AHC App to arrange meetings with fellow delegates and sponsors as day 1 draws to a close. Refreshments will be served in the Connect Hub and exhibition areas, and ground floor bar will also be available for those wishing to order drinks.

Wednesday October 9, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Networking Lounge, 2nd Floor / Exhibition Areas

Network

5:30pm

The AHC Drinks Reception in association with Asahi

Join us for our drinks reception in the Deansgate Suite. A relaxed opportunity to spend time with fellow delegates whilst enjoying drinks and canapés.

Wednesday October 9, 2019 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Deansgate Suite

Network

7:00pm

Hotelier Dinner

By invitation only

Wednesday October 9, 2019 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Radisson Blu Edwardian

Network

8:00am

Registration, breakfast & networking sponsored by Flora in partnership with Hilton Manchester Deansgate

A welcome remedy - soak up some of last night’s fun with hand-carved bacon or scrambled egg & chive butties from 8am across the exhibition areas.

Thursday October 10, 2019 8:00am - 9:00am
Exhibition Areas

Network

9:00am

Introduction to Day 2

Thursday October 10, 2019 9:00am - 9:05am
Deansgate Suite

Learn

9:05am

Breakout Session: Put Your Money Where Your People Are - The ROI of Taking Care of the Talent

People are the heart of our industry and in an ever increasingly digital and socially aware world what are the key areas to consider when talking talent? This workshop addresses the importance of those involved in the business from leadership to the effect on investment, how influencing is now driving recruitment and technology to creating time to care for those in your community.

Speakers

Alison Battisby

Social Media Consultant and CEO, Avocado Social

Alison Battisby is an international social media speaker and consultant, with over a decade of social media marketing experience. Alison has been involved in some groundbreaking social media projects for brands including Nokia, Tesco, Estee Lauder and Pringles as well as hospitality... Read More →

Adam Rowledge

Managing Director, Rowledge Associates

Adam is on a mission to inspire and support organisations to adopt a people-first approach to success by sharing his tools and techniques to ensure that your team are engaged and performing at their best. His always animated and interactive presentations have inspired groups of 5... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 9:05am - 9:45am
Livestream / Workshop Lounge

Learn - Breakout

9:05am

Breakout Session: Driving a Hard Bargain - Transactions & Asset Value

Despite external forces doing their best to slow things down, transaction levels in the UK in 2018 were almost back up at their 2015 peak. But who is buying, who is selling and what is their motivation? What/who/where is driving value? And have you missed the boat? All this and more will be answered by our panel of active transactors.

Speakers

Katherine Doggrell

Editor, Hotel Analyst Perspective

Katherine Doggrell is a journalist with over 15 years’ experience. During her career she has worked for publications including the Financial Times, The Guardian, Q, Mojo and Business 2.0, meeting such luminaries as Steve Jobs, the Queen and a group of reclusive cowboys who pretend... Read More →

Will Duffey

Managing Director, Co-Head European Transactions, JLL

Will manages the UK and European transaction team for JLL’s Hotels and Hospitality group - focusing on large, complex hospitality transactions across Europe. He has far-reaching experience in the sector from structuring of and advising on development agreements, joint ventures... Read More →

Ian Elliott

Principal, Retail, Hotels & Leisure, Avison Young

Ian is a market leader in the world of hotel valuations and regularly acts as an expert witness, with experience of giving evidence at court. Ian has valued a diverse selection of hotel and other trading properties mainly in the UK and Europe, although on occasion further afield... Read More →

Elias Hayek

Partner - Head of Global Hospitality and Leisure, Squire Patton Boggs

Elias Hayek leads the global Hospitality & Leisure Group at Squire Patton Boggs, a leading international law firm with 1500 lawyers in 44 offices across 19 countries. He is a widely respected hospitality lawyer with over two decades of cross-jurisdictional professional experience... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 9:05am - 9:50am
Deansgate 2

Learn - Breakout

9:05am

Breakout Session: It's Accommodation Jim, But Not as We Know It - Alternative Accommodation

Following its meteoric rise in recent years, the alternative accommodation sector is here to stay. But where has it come from? Why now? Where is it going? And what else is lurking out there? Our panel of alternative operators will reveal all.

Speakers

Merilee Karr

Founder and CEO, UnderTheDoormat

Merilee is an expert and industry leader in Short-term accommodation. She founded UnderTheDoormat in July 2014 after a decade-long career at energy giant Shell where she led the Global Maintenance Operations of its 12,000 petrol stations across 42 countries.She has taken her passion... Read More →

Nicola Cattan

Area Manager, Booking.com

Nicola is Area Manager for North England and Vacation Rentals UK & Ireland and has worked for Booking.Com for over 7 1/2 years.She is responsible for driving key activities that support Booking.Coms revenue goals and strategic objectives through leading a team of Senior Account Managers... Read More →

Robert Godwin

CEO, Lamington Group and room2 Hometels

Robert is a trained economist and entrepreneur with a background of sporting excellence, and a passion for design and experience.Robert heads up Lamington Group, an established group of companies investing and developing real estate in the residential and commercial sectors. He is... Read More →

Steven Haag

General Manager - UK & Ireland, Sonder

Former corporate finance lawyer and elite strategy consultant, turned hotelier. Now I have the privilege of building a brave new world for hospitality with Sonder as I lead a team to make the UK and Ireland the world's foremost location for Sonder properties.

Chris Stephenson

Senior Director, Homes & Villas, Marriott International

Chris Stephenson is Senior Director for Homes and Villas by Marriott International in Europe, responsible for managing the overall performance of the European business unit. Chris joined the company in 2015 and his previous role was within Innovation, Design and Development, working... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 9:05am - 9:50am
Deansgate 3

Learn - Breakout

9:05am

Breakout Session: Live to Eat or Eat to Live – Keeping Pace with the Food & Beverage Market

The food and beverage market on the high street and within hotels is more fast-paced, dynamic and cut throat than it has ever been. Our passionate foody panellists will discuss what it takes to not only survive, but thrive in this challenging segment, by looking at the key trends, new concepts, drivers and critical costs. And there may even be a few tips…!

Speakers

Mark McCoulloch

THE Food and Drink Marketer

Founder of Premium Brand, Marketing, Digital, Social & Employee Engagement Consultancy Supersonic Inc. & The Mark MCC Supersonic Marketing Podcast. Before this, Mark was Creator of The Spectacular Marketing Podcast (The UK’s Leading Food & Drink Marketing podcast), CEO of Multi... Read More →

James Brown

Retail Director, BrewDog

Experienced Director Of Operations with a demonstrated history of working in the food & beverages industry.

Thibault Bouquet de Joliniere

Co-Founder Development Director, Initiative Group

Thibault’s career in hospitality started in Monaco at the Michelin-starred restaurant “Le Vistamar” in the Hotel Hermitage at the age of 15 year old.Thibault moved to London in 2009. During a six-year spell at The Dorchester Collection including a 2-year Management postgraduate... Read More →

Alex Lewis

Corporate Business Development Manager, Deliveroo for Business

Alex graduated from Cardiff University with a BSc in Business Management. After university he interned at JWT in Dubai before moving to London and joining Mindshare Worldwide. His clients included Jaguar Land Rover and Unilever. His role with Unilever focused on creating an e-commerce... Read More →

Nicholas J Northam

Executive Vice President International, Interstate Hotels | Resorts

Nicholas Northam is Executive Vice President-International for Interstate Hotels & Resorts. He is responsible for over 100 hotels in the UK, Ireland, Continental Europe and Russia. With more than 33 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Nicholas plays a pivotal role in... Read More →

Jon Yantin

Director, Stake Concepts

Jon is a senior hospitality professional, with significant board experience at strategic & operational levels combining over 25 years’ experience across the wider hospitality & leisure sectors of Hotels, Restaurants, Bars, Clubs & Casinos. Most recently as a founding partner of... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 9:05am - 9:50am
Deansgate 1

Learn - Breakout

9:50am

Topical Huddle: Food & Beverage / Transactions & Asset Value / Alternative Accommodation / Talent

Enjoyed your last session? Want to delve a little deeper into some of the key issues? Join the appropriate 'Topic Huddle' and get first hand responses to your burning questions from direct conversation with the panel.

Thursday October 10, 2019 9:50am - 10:00am
Connect Hub, 1st Floor

Learn - Breakout

10:00am

Breakout Session: Go Fund Me – Investment & Funding

In recent years, hotels have emerged as a sophisticated, accepted and secure asset class for investment. However, as supply levels reach their peak, performance levels falter and other asset classes return to the fore, is the bubble about to burst? This ever-popular session will discuss where opportunities remain in creative financing, emerging partnerships for securing finance and whether the UK will continue to remain attractive for investment.

Speakers

Diane Scott

Senior Hotel Consultant, Katten Muchin Rosenman UK

Diane joined Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP in January 2017 after retiring from Lloyds Bank where she had been a career Banker for 40 plus years. Over her last 13 years with Lloyds Bank Diane held the position of Director - Business Development Hotels where she built up a niche specialisation... Read More →

Jens Blomdahl

Senior Vice President, KSL Capital Partners

Mr Blomdahl joined KSL in July 2013. Previously, he was an Analyst in the Gaming and Leisure Division of Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Mr Blomdahl earned his B.S., summa cum laude, from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.

Lissa Engle

Managing Director, Berkeley Capital Group

Lissa Engle is Founder and Managing Director of Berkeley Capital Group, a full cycle investment management firm specialised in the hospitality sector across the UK and Europe. Berkeley Capital partners with land and property owners, and investors including institutional funds, private... Read More →

Dan Williams

Senior Director, Hotel & Real Estate Finance, Clydesdale Bank

Dan Williams is a Senior Director in the Hotel & Real Estate Finance team at Clydesdale Bank, responsible for managing and growing the bank’s hotel investment and development portfolio across the UK. Dan has 11 years’ experience in the banking sector, undertaking a number of roles... Read More →

Emma Young

Head of Hotel Finance, Corporate Banking, Allied Irish Bank (GB)

Emma Young has over 18 years banking experience and has spent the past 10 years concentrating on the provision of hotel finance. Emma has extensive knowledge and understanding of the hotels sector with experience of managing corporate borrowers ranging in scale from medium to large... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 10:00am - 10:45am
Deansgate 2

Learn - Breakout

10:00am

Breakout Session: Reimagining the Guest Experience in the Audiovisual Age

Audiovisual experiences are playing an increasingly important role in hotel design and operations. Leading brands are incorporating immersive displays, video walls, directional audio, lighting controls and more, into the design and operations of award-winning projects in the UK and beyond.

Moderated by AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, this workshop panel discussion gathers thought leaders from leading hoteliers, hospitality design & architecture firms, and technology integration firms to discuss the ways in which hotels are leveraging cutting-edge audiovisual technology to reimagine the guest experience.

Speakers

Sarah Joyce

Chief Global Officer, AVIXA

Joey Goei-Jones

Design Manager, Glh Hotels

Current lead in design for glh Hotels, I have been involved in over 35 hotel projects ranging from 3* to 5*properties all over the world. The latest opening was the 900 room Hard Rock Hotel London, (previously the Cumberland), and The Soak at the Grosvenor Victoria. I am currently... Read More →

Christophe Malsot

Director of Hospitality EMEA and Residential South West, Crestron - TIG

30 years of Hospitality, Residential and Commercial experience with a strong emphasis on AV technology and control. My Hospitality technology expertise grew up working for major manufacturers and integrators over the years and I have gained knowledge on technologies for enhanced guest... Read More →

Bonnie Reese

Strategy Director, Digital Experience Design, Gensler

Bonnie has been working in the field of Strategic Design for the past 18 years across a wide range of industries.At Gensler, Bonnie provides leadership in human centered design and digital experience, taking a holistic and inclusive approach to the built environment. She’s worked... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 10:00am - 10:45am
Livestream / Workshop Lounge

Learn - Breakout

10:00am

Breakout Session: Sitting on the Bench or Pressing It? Maximising Benchmarking to Your Advantage

Experts from hotels to statisticians will dive into the details of what understanding your metrics means for boosting business, measuring performance and answering questions to support maximising revenue and profit with these magic numbers.

Speakers

Shona Whitehead

Managing Partner, Cogent Blue

Shona is the founder and managing partner of Cogent Blue, a niche hospitality consultancy, specializing in commercial performance optimisation. Prior to founding Cogent Blue, in 2009, Shona held a number Senior Director roles with, for example: IHG, Travelodge and Hilton. Her experience... Read More →

Steven Cote

Product Manager – Forward STAR, STR

STR is the source for premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. The company has a strong ethos to continuously work to enhance our product offerings while shaping the future of industries.Originally coming from a tourism market research background, Steven has... Read More →

Michael Grove

Managing Director, EMEA, HotStats

Michael is Managing Director, EMEA at Hotstats. Hotstats provide monthly P&L benchmarking for the hotel industry, collecting detailed financial data from over 5,000 hotels worldwide from over 100 brands and independent hotels, and provides over 550 different KPIs covering all operating... Read More →

Kym Kapadia

Chief Commercial Officer, Aprirose Real Estate Investment

Kym has been in the hotel business for approaching 30 years, and is one of the most accomplished, Sales, Revenue Management, Distribution & Marketing specialists in the European hotel sector. Joining Aprirose from Michels & Taylor Ltd, where she was a founding partner & board member... Read More →

Nick Turner

Managing Director, Owners Management Group International

20 years of Board Level experience in the leisure and hospitality sector working with both small start up hotel groups and major international brands such as Forte and Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts , De Vere Group , Malmaison , IHG and Wyndham Worldwide/Group RCI.Presenting responsible... Read More →

Jonathan Walker

Managing Director, No.15 Great Pulteney

From an early age Jonathan wanted to be a hotel general manager. After studying hotel management, he went to train at Oakley Court in Windsor, then spent 8 years in Edinburgh at the Caledonian and Balmoral hotels, lastly as director of food and beverage.Following a stint with Marriott... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 10:00am - 10:45am
Deansgate 3

Learn - Breakout

10:00am

Breakout Session: Special Measures – Accountability in Design

Whether its creating functional and flexible spaces, providing an appealing and inviting environment for visitors and guests or meeting stringent sustainability criteria, good hotel design must deliver on many levels. But can you actually measure the ROI on design? Our panel of gurus will discuss how design is evolving and what are the true measurements of good design.

Speakers

Kristofer Thomas

Assistant Editor, Sleeper

Kristofer Thomas is Assistant Editor of Sleeper, a market-leading publication covering the global hotel design sector. He is also the Assistant Editor of Starboard, a sister publication serving the hospitality transport industry.

Lindsey Bean-Pearce

Partner, Co-head of Interior Design, Dexter Moren Associates

DMA Partner, Lindsey Bean-Pearce has over 13 years’ experience running projects in the UK and Europe, working in luxury residential, work space, hospitality and leisure. As co-head of the interior design team at Dexter Moren Associates, she works with a wide range of hospitality... Read More →

Harry Harris

Managing Director, SUSD

Peter “Harry” Harris is a champion of co-experience, from living to working, members clubs to community engagement. An architect by training, he is the developer behind The Curtain, a hotel, restaurant, music venue and members’ club in Shoreditch, and the Devonshire Club, a... Read More →

Tina Norden

Partner, Conran and Partners

Tina is an interior designer and architect with a diverse portfolio stretching across many contexts and continents, from hotel and restaurant design to high-end residential.Tina studied architecture at Westminster before joining Conran and Partners in 1997, completing her MA in Architecture... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 10:00am - 10:45am
Deansgate 1

Learn - Breakout

10:45am

Topical Huddle: Design & Interiors / Investment & Funding / Benchmarking / Technology

Thursday October 10, 2019 10:45am - 11:00am
Connect Hub, 1st Floor

Learn - Breakout

11:00am

Breakout Session: Belsize, Sky Rise or Bargain Buys? – What’s Your Development Strategy?

Your development strategy should be dictated by your spec sheet, target locations and brand parameters, right? But is it really that simple anymore? This vital session will help you reignite your expansion plans by bringing you up to speed on development hot spots, key construction considerations, the latest on conversion/build options and how best to navigate the planning portal.

Speakers

Richard Candey

Partner, Head of Investor & Developer Services, EMEA Hospitality, Cushman & Wakefield

Richard is a Partner in Cushman & Wakefield’s Hospitality team with over 25 years of Hotel industry experience. Richard leads the business Investor & Development Services team across Europe and is responsible for promoting the business and coordinating hotel assignments across the... Read More →

David Curtis-Brignell

Deputy Chief Executive, Visit Kent

David’s travel and tourism career began in local government working in British resorts after which he spent nine years at the English Tourist Board before moving into the commercial world. He has held senior positions in global international hotel companies (in both marketing and... Read More →

Allan Davidson

Managing Director, Bricks Capital Hotels

Experienced Hospitality Director with a demonstrated history of working in the commercial real estate industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Food & Beverage, Front Office, Hospitality Management, and Hotel Management.

Asli Kutlucan

Senior Partner – Development & Acquisitions, Cycas Hospitality

Asli is a hotel development specialist with over 20 years international hospitality expertise gained across the USA, Europe and Africa.Since joining Cycas Hospitality in 2011, she has been responsible for the acquisition, negotiation and execution of deals across the UK and continental... Read More →

John Spencer

Partner, Arcadis

John is a Partner in Arcadis’s Hotel and Residential team based in London. John has over 30 years’ experience delivering some of London’s most prestigious developments including The Peninsula, Bulgari Hotel, Principal Hayley. John has extensive experience in procurement, advising... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am
Deansgate 3

Learn - Breakout

11:00am

Breakout Session: Managing the Operation

This workshop sees four experts delivering insight into key operational topics within a smaller group environment, enabling you to learn more on Cyber Security, Digital Benchmarking, Revenue Management and Profit Benchmarking. With a summary of key take homes from each delivered at the end of the session.

Table X - Cyber Security
Cyber threats should be treated no differently to any other risk. Often seen as a problem for the IT department and outside of the control of the board. This session aims to demystify the myths, putting cyber security centre stage.
Stuart Upton, PIB Risk Management

Table 2 - 'Benchmarking Beyond – Your Website & Digital Marketing Performance'
The unanswered question, ‘is my website traffic/conversion actually any good?’ is finally answered. A deep dive into understanding industry leading website performance and discussion around how you can improve the revenue generation of your online presence.
Mark Forrester, 80 days

Table 3 - 'Right Place + Right Time + Right Price = Optimized Performance'
In today's fast paced and extremely dynamic marketplace, the right pricing strategy hugely influences a hotels revenue performance. Whether this may come through internal procedures or external help, it is essential that every hotel, no matter the size or location, has a unique strategy in place. Timing, decision-making, and formidable execution is key in order to stay ahead of your competitors.
Florian Augustin, HotelPartner

Table 4 - Using Benchmarking to “Unlock the potential
Whether you are an Operator or an Owner, setting a strategy that focuses on your areas of opportunity is key to success. The trick is identifying these areas and the ability to understand the net impact of your initiatives. Profit & Loss Benchmarking is the key"
Michael Grove, Hotstats

Speakers

Michael Grove

Managing Director, EMEA, HotStats

Mark Forrester

Chairman, 80 DAYS

Mark Forrester is the Chairman of 80 DAYS, a creative and digital marketing agency specialising in the travel and hospitality sector. Mark founded 80 DAYS (formerly Occupancy Marketing) in 2001 and the company now provides branding, design and marketing support for over 450 four and... Read More →

Florian Augustin

Chief Commercial Officer, HotelPartner Yield Management

Florian has a great passion for the travel industry and over 10 years of experience with various chains such as Raffles Hotels, Luxury Collection, Ritz-Carlton and Do & Co. Before joining HotelPartner, Florian worked in the independent hotel sector as a commercial director and had... Read More →

Stuart Upton

System and Process Director, PIB Risk Management

Stuart Upton has spent the last 15 years working within the Commercial Insurance and Risk Management sector, with a particular focus on business continuity, system process and information risk, most recently leading the team responsible for developing and deploying the PIB Group’s... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am
Livestream / Workshop Lounge

Learn - Breakout

11:00am

Breakout Session: Rise of the Machines – Technology v People

The cost of labour is escalating rapidly and significantly impacting hotel profitability, but how far will you go to replace your employees with machines? Our panel of futurists will help you tread the fine line between strategically deploying tech to support your business and hiring Metal Mickey as concierge.

Speakers

Jane Pendlebury

CEO, HOSPA

Jane Pendlebury has recently taken the role of CEO for HOSPA the Hospitality Professionals Association. HOSPA has three main areas of specialism Finance, Technology and Revenue Management.

Duncan Anderson

CEO, Humanise.AI

Duncan Anderson is the CEO & Co-founder of Humanise.AI, a technology startup that has built a Virtual Assistant (Gem) for the Hospitality industry.Duncan is a strong believer in partnerships between AI and Humans - a core founding principle behind Humanise.AI, where the companies... Read More →

Jim Cockell

Owner, The Old Stocks Inn

Growing up in a family environment involved in the hospitality industry it seemed a logical path to go and study hotel management at University. Jim went to develop his passion for Revenue Management at IHG in 2000, leaving 6 years later as Area Revenue Manager for the UK North.Following... Read More →

Julie Grieve

Founder and CEO, Criton

Rob Paterson

CEO, Best Western Hotels & Resorts GB

With a background in Sales, Marketing, Revenue and Distribution, Rob has worked for a range of brands including global chains such as Accor and IHG through to local Boutique brands like Malmaison and Hotel du Vin. In recent times Rob has managed a number of Hotel brand transformational... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am
Deansgate 1

Learn - Breakout

11:00am

Breakout Session: Sweat the Small Stuff – The Evolution of the Asset Manager

The role of the asset manager is becoming increasingly focussed on the detail of the operation. And as new owners enter the market, their expectations are rising. So what are asset managers doing to maintain their value? How is the role of the asset manager evolving? And what does this mean for your hotel? Hear it from those who manage the assets.

Speakers

Joni Smith

Founder, Hospitality Property Solutions

Joni has worked with a wide range of businesses in her 20 years’ experience, with roles in firms including KPMG and CB Richard Ellis, the property advisory company. Joni started her own business in 2007 after completing her MBA and has provided management advice and support to businesses... Read More →

Nick Chadwick

Senior Vice President, Hotel Asset Management, Starwood Capital

Nick Chadwick has more than ten years of pan-European real estate and hospitality experience. Currently Nick is based in Starwood Capital’s London office where he asset manages a number of the firm’s major hotel investments. In this role, he has led the operational turn-around... Read More →

Kristian Dijkstra

Managing Director, C1 Capital Partners

Kristian Dijkstra is the Managing Director of C1 Capital with over 18 years of hospitality experience. Kristian is responsible for the day to day running of C1 Capital, working with its partners to maximise its hotel and serviced apartment investments. C1 Capital are hotel and... Read More →

Weldon Mather

Director, WM Consultancy

Weldon Mather is an experienced hotel asset manager with over thirty years experience in the industry. Weldon consults to clients and hotel owners in Ireland and the EU and works with institutional investors on hotel portfolio sales. He is an expert hotel witness in legal & arbitration... Read More →

Julian Tee

Director – Asset Management, Hetherley Capital Partners

Julian joined Hetherley Capital Partners in 2016 bringing with him over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry as hotel owner, operator, shareholder and investor.He heads up Hetherley Asset Management, working closely with our capital partners and appointed hotel operators... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am
Deansgate 2

Learn - Breakout

11:45am

Topical Huddle: Technology / Asset Management / Development / Operations

Thursday October 10, 2019 11:45am - 12:00pm
Connect Hub, 1st Floor

Learn - Breakout

11:45am

Refreshments & Networking - Cream Tea provided by The Manchester College

Enjoy a Cream Tea from Manchester College students, where handmade pastry chefs of the future will work in partnership with the Hilton Manchester Deansgate chefs to showcase their skills.

Thursday October 10, 2019 11:45am - 12:30pm
Exhibition Areas

Network

12:30pm

Interview with a Hotelier

Speakers

Claire White

Director, Tewkesbury Park

Claire White’s involvement with Tewkesbury Park began in April 2014 when her family decided to take the huge step to purchase the then run-down hotel, golf and leisure resort, with a view to returning it to its former glory. Drawing on her passion for hotels and hospitality experience... Read More →

Emily Newman

Marketing and Communication Consultant, DeLys Marketing

Emily is a communication specialist working within the exciting, stimulating and ever-changing hospitality industry. With experience in-house and client side combined with a passion for travel, tourism, people and hotels and the belief that words are more valuable than gold, her consultancy... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 12:30pm - 12:50pm
Deansgate Suite

Learn

12:50pm

Crouch, Touch, Pause, Engage – Connecting with the Customer

The customer is king, but how much do you really know about them? Get ready to engage, as this important session will explore the many roles of the customer in the success of your business, both as a source and a generator of revenue, and how you can best develop your strategy for connection with them over the short and long term.

Speakers

Scott Young

CEO BVA Nudge Unit UK, BVA Nudge Unit

Scott Young is the CEO of the BVA Nudge Unit UK and a Senior Vice President of the BVA Group. The BVA Nudge Unit is a global consultancy that specialises in driving successful behavioural change, and has conducted over 150 successful initiatives on behalf of global organisations... Read More →

Fiona Adams

Co-Founder, The Know

Fiona Adams joined forces with business partner Mané Ryatt in 2016 to create The Know. With their extensive experience as guests at luxury and boutique hotels, they recognised a disjoin between the true guest perspective and the actual feedback received by hoteliers. Drawing on... Read More →

Mark Forrester

Chairman, 80 DAYS

Heather Laverne

VP, Customer Engagement, Loyalty & Partnerships, Hilton

Heather Laverne is Vice President of Customer Engagement, Loyalty & Partnerships EMEA for Hilton. She is responsible for increasing consumer growth through strategically designed partnerships and driving customer engagement through the Hilton Honors loyalty programme.Heather joined... Read More →

Helen Maher

Director, Market Management, Expedia Group

As Director of Expedia Group’s London market, Helen oversees the team responsible with increasing supply in Expedia’s leading EMEA market. Helen leads on market development strategy, seeking to optimize hotels in the Expedia Group marketplace and the lodging market overall. Helen’s... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 12:50pm - 1:30pm
Deansgate Suite

Learn

1:30pm

Conference Review

Speakers

Jonathan Langston

Co-founder, HotStats & The AHC

Thursday October 10, 2019 1:30pm - 1:40pm
Deansgate Suite

Learn

1:40pm

Closing Keynote: Great Call! - How and Why We Need to Take More Risk in this New Age of Uncertainty

As a professional poker player, Caspar Berry pitted his wits against some of the best players in Las Vegas. Backed by cutting edge scientific research and a successful track record in business (as well as an economics degree from Cambridge), Caspar analyses the decision-making process, stripping it back to help make us better at making the right choices and dealing with risk.

Speakers

Caspar Berry

Motivational Speaker on Risk and Decision Making

Caspar’s insights provide ground breaking stimulation for individuals or organisations who are risk averse, who are grappling with uncertainty in their marketplace, or simply looking for their next competitive edge in this age of uncertainty. Drawing upon a diverse range of experiences... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2019 1:40pm - 2:15pm
Deansgate Suite

Be Inspired

2:15pm

Closing Lunch & Networking

Complete your AHC experience by joining us for our closing lunch where tray served bowl food will be served as you make your way to our buffet stations located in the Connect Hub, as well as all exhibition areas. Look out for The AHC balloons to guide you.

Thursday October 10, 2019 2:15pm - 3:30pm
Exhibition Areas

Network

2:30pm

Hotel Tech Hub Lightning Talks

Thursday October 10, 2019 2:30pm - 2:45pm
Hotel Tech Hub, Ground Floor

Learn