Independent Hotel Show reveals wellness theme

The Independent Hotel Show has announced a theme of ‘beyond the hustle and bustle’ for this year’s edition, emphasising the part hotels play in providing an escape and a sanctuary for guests. 

Taking place on 15-16 October at London’s Olympia, the event brings together the hotel and interior design community to explore the latest hospitality trends, source quality products and services and network with like-minded industry professionals.

This year’s theme will be incorporated throughout the show, from the suppliers taking part to the look and feel of the stages to the topics being discussed as part of the seminar programme.

The concept of looking beyond the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life has been welcomed in the show’s hotelier community.  

Judi Blakeburn, CCO, Watergate Bay hotel and Another Place, said: “Our guests arrive ready to step back from the everyday, get out in nature, disconnect and embrace active relaxation. So, with this year’s theme, ‘beyond the hustle and bustle’, attending the Independent Hotel Show is a natural fit for us.”

Dean Culpan, general manager of South Place hotel, said: “Being a hotel in the city we’re in the centre of the hustle and bustle. What resonates with our clients is taking them away from that. So, if it’s a meeting that they’re experiencing here, it’s also about trying to find a way for them to experience something away from that meeting, whether their breakout is a meditation moment or a head massage. Us finding spots for escapism is identifying where the guest is coming from – who they are, what they want.”

Advising other hoteliers to try and “think outside the box” to understand what guests want and then surprise them, Culpan added: “Try and find relationships with people within your community that drive interest and value to you as part of that community.”

The design partners for the 2024 Independent Hotel Show were asked to incorporate the ‘beyond the hustle and bustle’ theme into their designs for stages and features. 

Luke Edwards, founder of Luke Edwards Interior Design and designer of the show’s sales lounge, said: “Whether seeking a short break to recharge and explore the wonderful diverse array of sustainable products on show, or sinking into the comfortable lounge seating (by Hill Cross Furniture and RV Astley) to have larger group meetings and talk business matters in private before venturing back out onto the exhibition floor, this multifunctional space is designed to make people feel utterly at home, allowing them to think clearly whilst being inspired by the richness, yet soothing feeling, of their interior surroundings.”

Meanwhile, the show’s hotel business stage will see Vanessa Brady of the Society of British & International Interior Design, Beverley Bayes and Neil Fairplay of Sparc Studio, Josh Chadwick of the Tawny and Ben Harper of Watergate Bay hotel, discussing the importance of designing for wellness.