Moving from its traditional February date, the four-day show will run from 28 April to 1 May. In a further departure from previous years, it will take place in one extended hall and without the central pathway to simplify the visitor experience.
In addition to the main stage, Hotelympia will host two new areas in the form of the HOSPA Hub seminars and the Design at Hotelympia stage. Each will play host to targeted speaker programmes, presentations and panel discussions.
A team of ‘show makers’ will be on hand to guide visitors around the event. Recruited from catering college Westminster Kingsway, they will help visitors plan their time according to their interests.
Registration to the show is now open here.
Show highlights:
- Design at Hotelympia – Billed as a show within a show, the Design stage will feature the Hotelympia Design Award, which will honour the UK’s best new hotel. Content for the stage has been developed in partnership with the Society of British and International Design.
- HOSPA Hub seminars – In partnership with the Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA) and its US equivalent – Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals – there will be a four-day programme of briefings, case-study presentations and one-to-one mentoring.
- Careers in Hospitality – An event to promote employment opportunities in the industry, Careers in Hospitality will be at the show on the first two days.
- WasteWorks – A new event focusing purely on waste services suppliers seeking to target the hospitality sector, WasteWorks will include a high-level speaker programme as well as a large number of specialist exhibitors.
- Innovation Awards – The Innovation Awards are an opportunity for suppliers to get their new product launches recognised. Finalists will pitch their products behind closed doors in a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style setting. Categories include Tabletop & Design, Catering Equipment, Food & Drink and Technology.
Hotelympia is being run by exhibition organiser Fresh Montgomery. Managing director Toby Wand said: “For almost 80 years, Hotelympia has retained its place as the biggest, most comprehensive trade show for the hospitality industry – always building and evolving.
“Next year, we are upping the ante again, putting innovation in design and technology at the heart of our offer.
“The single hall makes it even easier for visitors to navigate the attractions without the disruption of the central boulevard. From an exhibitor perspective, this move should also encourage even greater dwell times.”