The Independent Hotel Show returned to Olympia West on 21 and 22 October 2014 and successfully attracted 5,422 visitors, in excess of 2,500 seminar attendees, over 270 premium exhibitors, 100s of new business contacts, 86 leading hotel industry contributors and speakers, 18 thought-provoking panel discussions and business sessions, two acclaimed award winners – and one very unique AA Gill.
Now in its third year, the Independent Hotel Show is firmly established as a one-stop-shop of premium products and services, priding itself on offering a stellar line up of industry experts to tackle, discuss and digest key issues within the sector, predict trends and advise on best practice.
Seminars
Key highlights of this year’s show included a popular and packed seminar schedule offering expert opinion and tangible solutions to help independent hoteliers drive their business forward and boost profits. Kicking off proceedings in the Business Theatre, sponsored by Towergate Insurance, Naureen Ahmed, head of global marketing, brand and communications at STR Global, presented an overview of the booming UK independent hotel sector. Joined by financial expert Julian Troup, director and head of UK hotels at Colliers, Pam Foden, head of industry development at Visit England and top hoteliers Robert Nadler, CEO, Nadler Hotels and Christine Hodder, general manager of The Stafford London, the heavyweight panel discussed ‘The big picture of the UK Hotel Industry’ and its fruitful prospects for the future.
Together with the Innovation Stage, sponsored by MICROS, the targeted seminars and business sessions across the two days proved an incredible draw for visitors, often with standing-space-only crowds.
Showcasing a handpicked range of luxury goods and services aimed at the boutique hotelier, the Independent Hotel Show is known for featuring the cream of the crop. Exhibitor categories include interior design, technology and software, audio and entertainment and health and wellness.
The Awards
Pivotal to the show are the awards, which celebrate inspirational leaders within the industry and culminate in an awards ceremony on the first evening of the show. Kit and Tim Kemp of Firmdale Hotels scooped Independent Hotelier of the Year for their stylish and design led influence on the boutique hotel scene. Meanwhile, The Pig on the Beach in Dorset beat stiff competition to be crowned Outstanding New Independent Hotel of the Year.
The Hub
The Hub, a networking focal point, was designed by Nina & Co in collaboration with Anya Fennet abd was developed to deliver the Independent Hotel Show’s competition brief to develop a space in which to create that ‘light bulb moment’. The pair have been overwhelmed by the response to their design, commenting:
“People have been attracted by the openness of The Hub space, enjoying the sense of welcome and intimacy it conveys, whilst still feeling very much at the heart of the show. They have also commended our use of sustainable and reclaimed products, British design and innovative finishing touches.”
AA Gill
A new edition to this year’s show was a breakfast briefing featuring renowned restaurant critic AA Gill, which was attended by over 100 industry VIPs and celebrated guests. Gill was probed by leading social commentator and broadcaster Peter York on his attitudes to luxury, what it takes to lure him out of London and the little touches and attention to detail that can make a hotel guest feel special.
For more information on this year’s Independent Hotel Show and to register your interest for 2015 visit www.independenthotelshow.co.uk