Independent Hotel Show 2015: What to expect

Now in its fourth year, the show, aimed at the owners of independent and boutique hotels will again host advice sessions covering areas such as how to work well with OTAs and how to deliver the best service in its Business Theatre while smaller sessions in the new-for-this year Independent Think Tank will tackle hard-hitting issues such as how to manage your hotel’s online reputation and how to attract international guests with audience participation welcome.

Big names from the industry speaking this year include Carrie Wicks of Firmdale Hotels, Robert Nadler of Nadler Hotels and Rick Stein while six independent hoteliers and six hotel owners will also be attending to find out if they are the winners of the Independent Hotelier of the Year 2015 and Outstanding New Hotel awards respectively.

Continue reading for a more in-depth look at what to expect at this year’s Independent Hotel Show which runs tomorrow (20 October) and Wednesday (21 October). 

which runs tomorrow (20 October) and Wednesday (21 October).

Business Theatre​

Sessions kick off in the Business Theatre tomorrow with an industry state-of-the-nation review from James Parson of STR Global, performance and trend analysts to the worldwide hotel sector. Presenting bespoke findings from a joint research project undertaken specifically for the Independent Hotel Show, this session will delve deeper into the successes and challenges of the independent and boutique hotel sector over the previous 12 months and predict future opportunities and trends.

Other sessions on Tuesday include The Future of Service chaired by Peter Hancock of Pride of Britain while Wednesday will kick off with Attracting Critic and Crowd, a session chaired by the Lucky Onion’s Georgina Pearman and will be followed by The Threshold of Minimal Tech where Carl Weldon of HOSPA will chair a panel which discusses how much tech is the right amount for a hotel.

Innovation Stage​

The Innovation Stage, sponsored by CLEAN and UKHA Clean, will be hosting discussions on subjects such as Intelligent Expansion and Hotel Evolution on Tuesday while Wednesday’s programme includes talks on Talent Management and Making Your Restaurant a Destination with chef, restaurateur and hotelier Rick Stein joining South Lodge Hotel general manager David Connell to discuss what makes a great restaurant in your hotel.

Independent Think Tank​

New for this year, The Independent Think Tank is a smaller, more in-depth gathering of industry professionals who’ll debate the hard-hitting issues affecting today’s independent hotelier and will welcome contribution and participation from audience members.

Tuesday’s sessions include Expose Yourself – managing your properties online reputation and London Weekenders, a guide to filling your London hotel over the weekend while Wednesday will see the arrival of Martin Couchman, deputy CEO of the British Hospitality Association who will chair a session on navigating red tape with other discussions including Attracting International Guests and #ProSocial.#

Destination Spa​

The Destination Spa Theatre has been ‘spruced up’ this year and features a range of sessions targeted at hoteliers looking to enhance their spa and wellness offering. Topics range from marketing to  setting up the right kind of spa for your business on Tuesday while Wednesday’s sessions include The Business Benefits of a Spa and Modern Spa Essentials.

Exhibitors​

More than 300 exhibitors from across the hotel supply chain will be at the show over the two days, making it a one-stop-shop for anyone working within the boutique and luxury hotel sector. 

The show will also play host to a number of product launches and promotions while also showcasing some of the biggest brands in the hospitality sector.  

Product areas include: fabric and furniture, lighting, tableware, bathrooms, spa and wellbeing, audio visual equipment, food and drink and kitchen and laundry, security, marketing and hotel services. 

Marketing agency Wired Media will also be running a raffle for industry charity Hospitality Action within the exhibitors area. Tickets costing £2 can be bought at their stand (number 153) with prizes including a personalised brochure and iPad Mini from Wired Media and two Google Chromecasts and a bottle of 12-year-old Yellow Spot Irish Whisky from Avvio.