Hotelympia 2016 witnessed a ‘highly significant’ spike in attendees hungry for the very latest hospitality technology, effectively doubling its tech-focused audience from 14% in 2014 to 24% at this year’s event.
The spike has been attributed to a pre-show push by Hotelympia organiser, Fresh Montgomery, in highlighting the wealth of over 80 innovative, technology-focused exhibitors on the show floor. The proposition was further bolstered by a number of key attractions helping to swell numbers.
Dedicated technology zone, the HOSPACE Hub, with its mix of focused panel discussions around hot button issues including, acquisition, service experience and efficiency for both guests and diners, provided a real draw for the crowds. The Hub was curated by the Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA) the largest hospitality technology association in the UK, and sponsored by Oracle Hospitality.
Technology was also top of mind during Hotelympia’s standard bearing Innovation Awards where ‘Wi-Q’ by Wi-Q Limited scooped the spoils in front of a packed audience. The innovative new technology product allows customers to order and pay for their food and drinks via any device, with no apps needed to be downloaded, no passwords, no updates and no roaming charges.
New for 2016 was the Walk-in Immersive Experience which gave show visitors an exclusive ‘virtual’ glimpse at the subtle design elements and striking interiors of some of London’s top hospitality spaces – something never-before-seen on the show floors of any hospitality event. The unique attraction proved
highly popular with designers, architects and techies alike, and offered a close-up look at three sumptuously designed spaces including the all-new German Gymnasium in King’s Cross, the new M Restaurant site in Victoria and the striking Hilton Bankside Hotel.
Toby Wand, Managing Director at Fresh Montgomery, said: “We’re delighted that our efforts and the strength of the Hotelympia proposition proved too tempting for the technology fraternity to pass up. Technology is such an integral part of our industry – and will continue to set the agenda as we go forward. We’re proud that we have been able to post such a highly significant increase – this is testament both to the sheer strength of innovation on our show floor and the irresistible draw of key attractions.”
The increase comes in the wake of Hotelympia revealing that the purchasing muscle at the 2016 event was bolstered by an extra £200m as visitors with spend authority in excess of £500k flocked to ExCeL London earlier this year.
Hotelympia returns to ExCeL London 5th-8th March 2018.
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