Independent Hotel Show to discuss preventing online fraud and streamlining hospitality operations

The Independent Hotel Show has revealed its seminar programme for 15-16 October at Olympia London.

This year’s event will host sessions designed to provide independent hoteliers with actionable insights, innovative tools and effective strategies to navigate the ever-evolving hospitality industry.

The Hotel Business Stage will feature discussions on key industry trends. Philippa Wagner, founder of PeoplePlacesSpaces, will kick things off by examining the travel preferences of different generations, shedding light on how hoteliers can tailor their services to meet diverse audience needs.

Adam Buckmaster and Gwénaël Merlin from eviivo will then delve into the time-saving potential of technology, sharing practical advice on how to streamline hospitality operations.

The stage will also host the ‘power hour’ series, where experts like Harry Fielder, CEO of Umi, will address issues such as internet fraud and social media best practices. Plus there will be a live Q&A session with UKHospitality’s CEO, Kate Nicholls, who will provide critical insights into the latest government updates affecting the industry.

Hospitality leaders including Charlotte Evans, group publishing director at Condé Nast Johansens; James O’Donnell, head of commercial development at Matfen Hall Country hotel; Laura Sharpe, director of operations at Firmdale Hotels and Simon Numphud, managing director of AA Media, will be delving into the topic of industry accreditations and how necessary they are to the success of a hotel.  

Numphud said: “The Independent Hotel Show is a well-established date in the hospitality calendar and well attended by so many in the independent hotel sector. It is always really rewarding to be part of the speaker line up, share and discuss trends and topics that are of interest to independent hotels.”

Meanwhile, on the Innovation Stage, the focus will be on forward-thinking strategies and emerging trends.

Michal Rao from STR will provide an analysis of the current UK hotel market, offering attendees an overview of industry performance.

Sustainability will take centre stage in a panel discussion led by Felicity Cousins of Sustainable Hotel News, where experts including Kai Parfitt, ESG manager at the Athenaeum and ESG consultant Sarah Duncan will explore practical solutions for making sustainability work in hospitality.

Melanie Rozencwajg, founder and CEO of DataThinkLab and Nathalie Rozencwajg, founder and director of Name Architecture, will be using the show’s theme of ‘beyond the hustle and bustle’ as a lens through which to discuss intelligent design solutions.

Rozencwajg said: “As a data analyst, I’m excited to explore what online reviews reveal about ‘escapism’ from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. These reviews provide unique insights into how people experience escapism in the hotel landscape.

“Our session is crucial because hotels and brands are just beginning to fully grasp the power of analysing customer reviews to enhance their offerings. Guest feedback is invaluable, and online reviews offer rich data that helps us deeply understand guest experiences and desires, especially around key trends like escapism. With today’s digital tools, we can better meet guest needs and create personalised experiences, making this the ideal time to leverage these insights.”

Later sessions will explore topics such as the power of promotions and how to effectively integrate technology to enhance guest experiences, with insights from Eljesa Saciri of Zetter Townhouse Marylebone and Emanuela Da Ros of the Landmark London. 

Finally, the Social Business Space will offer hands-on, interactive sessions aimed at enhancing inclusivity and technological integration within hotels. Be Inclusive Hospitality’s Jade McKenzie and Lorraine Copes will lead a workshop on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), emphasising the importance of these principles in creating welcoming environments for all guests.

Additionally, live podcast recordings will focus on topics like optimising technology in hotels and aligning marketing strategies with current trends. Hosted by Ryan Haynes of the Travel Market Life podcast, these sessions will feature hoteliers including Nick Pilbeam of Point A Hotels, Jonny Siberry of Sarova Hotels and David Ohandjanian of Up Hotel.

Haynes said: “We’ve lined up a mix of hotelier and domain experts to really explore subjects and highlight the opportunities available to hotel businesses, giving hoteliers the chance to share their challenges and walk away armed with knowledge and ideas to implement into their business.”