Former England footballer Gary Neville to open Annual Hotel Conference 2012

The former Manchester United captain, who was given permission last month to open a 139-bedroom hotel opposite Old Trafford, was invited by organisers to open the conference, set to take place at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate on 3 and 4 October. 

Neville, who has also looked into opening a restaurant​ since his footballing career came to an end, said: “I have put a lot of work into researching and understanding the hotel business. I am excited about engaging with the sector and look forward to speaking to delegates at The AHC, which is now firmly established as a must-attend event for the UK’s hoteliers." 

Neville saw his plans to build an Italian restaurant on the site of a former social club in the town of Swinton rejected in January of this year. 

However, building work on the former footballer's £20m hotel on Sir Matt Busby Way, approved by Trafford Council on 10 May, is expected to start next year with a view to it being ready to open for the start of the 2014/15 football season. 

AHC chairman Jonathan Langston said: "We are delighted that Gary has accepted our invitation to open the conference, which this year will be the biggest in its nine-year history”.

Conference​

Titled Planning for Profit, the two-day conference will see hoteliers and other members of the hospitality industry talk on a number of topics designed to improve business. Other confirmed speakers include British Hospitality Association chief executive Ufi Ibrahim and representatives from Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International and Accor. 

Last year's event​, opened by Kiaran MacDonald, general manager of The Savoy, saw talks on social media, channel management, sustainability and hotel restaurants. 

For more information about this year's conference and to register to attend visit www.theahc.co.uk​ To benefit from the early bird delegate rate of £250, visit the website and enter the code AHCEB2012​ at registration.