The seminar programme has now launched for Independent Hotel Show 2023, in partnership with James Hallam, which returns to Olympia London on 16-17 October.  

The UK’s only business event for the boutique and independent hotel sector, the Independent Hotel Show is a trusted resource for hoteliers to keep up to date with the latest hospitality trends and insights, network with peers in the industry and streamline their product sourcing.  

The show is a highlight of the year for many independent hoteliers, with James Sanders, General Manager of The Swan Hotel, commenting: “When you’re a boutique luxury hotelier, connecting with your fellow industry colleagues is crucial. Creating memorable, quality experiences in these highly-priced competitive times is a challenge.  

“The Independent Hotel Show merges the ‘know-how’ and the ‘nuance’ of blue sky thinking with a community of like-minded people. Quality seminars, suppliers and connections make this show my number one choice.” 

Practical insights for the independent hotel sector 

On the Hotel Business Stage, in partnership with HotelPartner and designed by Design Command, hoteliers at the show will have access to leading industry experts and sessions taking a close look at a number of key issues affecting the independent hotel sector.  

Daniel Twigg of Clockwork Marketing will be leading a discussion on building authentic brands with The PIG Hotels’ Lotti Bruce and Clare Anna, brand Ambassador for Zedwell Hotels, while Ryan Haynes of Haynes MarComs will be joined by The Headland Hotel’s Veryan Palmer and Susanne Williams of Journey Consultancy to discuss the implications and opportunities of AI for the hotel sector.  

The Hotel Business Stage will also see the launch of the #IHSPowerHour, where industry leaders and consultants including Andy Banner-Price of The 25 Boutique B&B and Chris King of Lightening Travel Recruitment will be presenting short, ten-minute sessions packed with valuable insights and actionable takeaways for hotel businesses.  

Also on the Hotel Business Stage, Hotel Magazine Editor Jade Evans will be leading a discussion on diversity & inclusion in the hotel sector with Rita Varga of RaizUp, Serena von der Heyde of The Georgian House and Abu Bundu-Kamara, Director of Inclusion & Diversity at Expedia Group.  

For hoteliers looking for opportunities to grow and invest, Emily Newman of NewDog PR will be joined by Mohith Sondhi of OakNorth Bank, KSL’s Philip Ward, Nick Davies of The Cottage In The Wood Malvern and Sarah Green of HotelFinance to discuss the practicalities, risks and opportunities of refinancing.  

Inspiring innovation in hospitality  

The Innovation Stage, in partnership with eviivo and designed by New Heritage Design, is a must-attend for hoteliers looking to the future of hospitality and who are eager to be inspired by the very latest trends and innovations.  

Day one of the show will kick off with sessions from VisitEngland’s Janet Uttley and Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO of UKHospitality, who will be discussing the latest legislation, opportunities and initiatives relevant to the independent hotel sector.  

The intersection of wellness, design and guest experience will be high on the Innovation Stage agenda, with sessions covering the psychological impact of hospitality design, ‘sensory-centric creation’ and how to eliminate the ‘first night effect’ and deliver a killer first impression. 

Panellist Ryan Thompson, General Manager of Forty-Seven, comments: “Hospitality is so much more than good food and drink. Great hospitality can be a treat for all of the senses while mistakes upsetting any sense can be a big turn-off for any guest without even knowing why we haven’t created that WOW moment. 

“In a time of so many business pressures ensuring all senses are stimulated in the right way is paramount for a business to succeed, at Forty-Seven I believe we have curated any experience to rest and wake, excite and relax the senses in harmony and I’ll share a few of our secrets.” 

The Innovation Stage will also play host to a series of sessions breaking down the key components of ESG (environmental, social, governance). The environment session will focus on where to begin with sustainability accreditation, and advise hoteliers on the steps required to measure and track sustainability efforts.  

The social session will take a look at staff health & wellbeing, but this time starting at the top. A panel of industry leaders and HR professionals will discuss how business leaders can learn to manage their own wellbeing alongside that of their teams.  

Finally, the governance session will discuss the importance of transparency when it comes to ESG and how to avoid unintentional ‘greenwashing’ when it comes to promoting environmental efforts.  

Putting the social into business 

The Social Business Space, in partnership with Mews and designed by New Heritage Design will return with new and exciting opportunities for hoteliers to network and discuss key industry trends in an informal environment.  

Hoteliers can take part in sessions such as ‘Breaking boundaries as GMs of the Future’ with The Master Innholders, ‘Advice and guidance on today's industry issues, with IN4Hospitality’, ‘Why hospitality needs a global chartered professional body’ with Institute of Hospitality CEO Robert Richardson and a podcast takeover from Ryan Haynes, Director of MarComs and host of the Travel Market Life podcast.  

To learn more about everything happening at this year’s event, and to register for your complimentary trade ticket, visit independenthotelshow.co.uk.