Six reasons not to miss the Independent Hotel Show 2024

The Independent Hotel Show will bring together hoteliers, industry experts and innovative suppliers for two busy days of networking, learning and building valuable new industry partnerships. 

Whether you’re an independent hotel owner, a manager or a key decision-maker in the hospitality sector, the Independent Hotel Show is a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead in this constantly evolving industry. Packed with opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, explore the latest hospitality trends, and discover cutting-edge products and services tailored to the independent hotel market, the show promises to be an invaluable experience for visitors. 

From exclusive insights into guest experience enhancements to groundbreaking design inspiration and practical business solutions, the Independent Hotel Show has something for everyone. Expect engaging panel discussions, interactive workshops and plenty of networking opportunities to help you gain a competitive edge in today’s dynamic hotel landscape.

Here are just six reasons why you won’t want to miss this year’s edition of the show:

1 Connect with the hotel community

The Independent Hotel Show provides a rare opportunity to network with leading professionals in the independent hotel sector. Whether you’re a seasoned hotelier or new to the industry, this is your chance to forge meaningful connections, share experiences and explore new partnerships with industry peers.

2 Discover innovative hospitality suppliers 

From cutting-edge hospitality technology and in-room F&B solutions to premium linen, bedding and beyond, hoteliers will have the chance to discover the latest innovations designed specifically for the independent hotel sector. 

This year’s line-up of suppliers features industry leaders like Technogym in fitness equipment, Asrin Wallprint for boutique wall coverings, Ashleigh & Burwood for home fragrance and Simba Sleep, known for its advanced sleep engineering. Additionally, bespoke men’s tailor Gresham Blake and luxury watch brand BŌKEN will showcase unique offerings to help elevate the guest experience even further.

3 Learn about the latest trends

The Independent Hotel Show’s content programme is packed with opportunities to hear from leading hoteliers, insight agencies and hospitality trailblazers, with a comprehensive range of discussions, debates and presentations taking place across two stages. 

On the show’s Hotel Business Stage, sponsored by eviivo and designed by Spacebrand, Philippa Wagner, founder of PeoplePlacesSpaces, will be discussing travel trends for different generations of guest, while UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls OBE will be discussing the expectations the hospitality industry should have for the new Labour government. 

Plus, AA Media’s Simon Numphud, Laura Sharpe of Firmdale Hotels, Charlotte Evans of Condé Nast Johansens, and James O’Donnell of Matfen Hall Country Hotel, will be discussing the value of industry accreditations and the introduction of Michelin Keys for hotels in the UK. 

On the Innovation Stage, sponsored by Guestline and MEWS and designed by Design Command, industry research agency STR will be presenting the latest version of its State of the Nation report, while Andy Whiteside of 80 Days and Magdalena Hamya of AREV Saint Tropez and the Strand restaurant will be discussing using social media to make your menu the star of the show.

Visitors to the show will also have the opportunity to meet industry peers in the Social Business Space, sponsored by HotelPartner and designed by Anya Brakha Interiors, featuring networking sessions managed by leading hospitality associations and a day of content curated by Ryan Haynes of the Hoteliers Voice podcast, examining some of the most important trending topics in the sector.

4 Gain design inspiration 

Each year the Independent Hotel Show partners with a wide range of pioneering design studios to bring various areas of the show and its stages to life. Design partners for 2024 include Design Command, Fibi Interiors, Luke Edwards Interior Design, Anya Brakha Interiors, Studio Atara, OMO Interiors and Spacebrand. 

Fido Fawo, Founder of Fibi Interiors, says: ’’When the Independent Hotel Show calls, you answer! It’s such an honour to be a part of this year’s show. Fibi Interiors have been huge fans of the show for several years now so being a part of such an impactful event is a defining moment.’’

5 Escape the hustle and bustle 

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Beyond the Hustle and Bustle’, giving visitors a chance to escape the day-to-day challenges of hotel management and embrace a holistic view of industry trends and future innovations. 

The theme will be reflected in the show’s design features and seminar programme, examining the role of hotels as a sanctuary for their guests and an escape from the everyday pressures of life.

Attendees will not only gain valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations but also experience first-hand how hotels can serve as havens of tranquillity, offering guests an essential escape from the rigours of modern living.

6 Celebrate industry excellence 

The Independent Hotel Show Awards, in partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, will return for their 12th edition this year. The awards were launched to celebrate excellence in independent hotels and hospitality design, with categories including Best Hotel Design of the Year, Independent Hotel of the Year and Hotel Rising Star. 

The winners of the awards, plus the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Contribution accolade, will be announced on the show’s Hotel Business Stage at 5pm on Tuesday 15 October. 

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