The Independent Hotel Show has announced a keynote session featuring hospitality icon Robin Hutson, Co-Founder of Hotel du Vin and The Pig Hotels, as part of its exclusive Power Breakfast event.

The Power Breakfast, in partnership with Cloudbeds, takes place on the morning of the second day of the show, 16 October, at Olympia London, and gives senior leaders in the independent hotel industry a chance to meet and network alongside hearing from an inspiring hotel icon.

Boutique Hotelier Senior Editor Zoe Monk will conduct the interview, offering a chance for Hutson to share insights into his long and varied career in hospitality. His legacy includes co-founding the famed Hotel du Vin chain and championing sustainability in hotel operations, particularly through locally sourced food and eco-conscious practices at The Pig Hotels.

Hutson shared his excitement for the event, saying: “I’m hugely looking forward to chatting with Zoe on stage at the Independent Hotel Show’s Power Breakfast and taking a moment to reflect on close to 50 years in hospitality. The Independent Hotel Show is an invaluable opportunity for independent hotel operators to connect, network and learn from their peers, and a fantastic platform to share insights and new ideas.”

Inspiration and invaluable insights for independent hotels

A distinguished lineup of senior leaders from the hotel industry will be joining Hutson on this year’s Independent Hotel Show seminar programme.

Sally Beck, General Manager of Royal Lancaster London will be taking to the stage to discuss how the hotel industry can look beyond traditional approaches to recruitment and retention, while Alessandra Leoni, Head of Commercial for Resident Hotels, will be joining a panel discussion on exceeding guest expectations while keeping staff at the heart of the hotel.

Emanuela Da Ros, Head of Marketing at the iconic Landmark London, will be discussing the power of promotions, and how and when to employ them most effectively, and Laura Sharpe, Director of Operations for Firmdale Hotels, will be joining a panel discussion on the power of accreditation schemes and their importance to the success and growth of independent hotels.

The Social Business Space, in partnership with HotelPartner and designed by Anya Brakha Interiors, will see a number of networking events, workshops and live podcast recordings over the two days of the event.

Jade McKenzie and Lorraine Copes of Be Inclusive Hospitality will be hosting a must-attend DEI workshop for hoteliers, while Nicola Phillips and Ellie Gressett of Hospitality Action will be discussing how hoteliers can tackle wellbeing messaging that isn’t quite connecting within their businesses.

Ryan Haynes, Director of Haynes MarComns, will be hosting a number of live podcast recordings throughout the event on topics including ‘The marketing matrix: Trends x data x regulations’ featuring David Ohandjanian of Up Hotel, Chris Bowling of BWH Hotels, Allard Alfrink of Cendyn, Kalpdrum Raval of Strand Palace and Catt Mcleod of Elegant Hotel Collection.

The Independent Hotel Show takes place on 15-16 October at Olympia London. To view the show’s full seminar programme, and to secure your complimentary trade ticket, visit independenthotelshow.co.uk.