What's on at The Independent Hotel Show 2016

25-Sep-2016 - Last updated on 26-Apr-2021 at 15:07 GMT

Related tags Hotel Outstanding new hotel

The Independent Hotel Show returns to London’s Olympia on 18-19 October with a busy two days of inspiration, advice and networking opportunities for the UK’s luxury and boutique hoteliers.

Exhibitors

This year’s event is set to feature over 300 exhibitors, ranging from the AA Hotel and Hospitality services, to the Good Spa Guide and hundreds of suppliers.

Visitors will also have a chance to meet the Master Innholders, who will be running their own stand throughout the event, and discuss their Aspiring Leaders Diploma and Scholarship schemes.

For a full list of exhibitors, click here.

Top talks

Some of the industry’s thought leaders will be offering their insight on topics such as boosting online bookings, crowdfunding, and the health and wellness trend in a packed seminar schedule.

Highlights from Tuesday include hotel industry consultant Marvin Gold presenting a specially commissioned report on the key issues facing the sector in future (10.30 Business Theatre).

Speakers including Harry Cragoe, who scrapped tipping and raised staff wages at The Gallivant hotel, will discuss creating a fulfilling workplace on the Innovation Stage at 12.45.

Meanwhile Tom Messett, head of marketing at eviivo, will be advising hoteliers on how to boost direct bookings without breaking the bank (10.15 Innovation Stage).

On Wednesday restaurateur Des McDonald will discuss how to create a destination restaurant in a hotel (12.45 Business Theatre).

Experts will also offer advice on running a profitable spa (13.30 Wellness and Lifestyle Stage) while TripAdvisor is up for debate on a panel entitled ‘OTAs - The Best of Frenemies’ (14.15 Business Theatre).

To view the full seminar programme click here.

Awards

The Independent Hotel Show will once again honour some of the industry’s leading lights by announcing the winners of the annual Independent Hotelier and Outstanding New Hotel awards.

Eight hoteliers and six hotels have been shortlisted for the prizes, which recognise those who have pushed boundaries and made a significant contribution to the boutique sector.

Previous winners include The Goring’s Jeremy Goring, Hotel Gotham in Manchester and The Pig on the Beach in Dorset.

This year’s winners will be announced at the show on 18 October. To view the shortlist of finalists click here.

For more information on the Independent Hotel Show, and to register, go to http://www.independenthotelshow.co.uk/welcome.