Questex Rebrands The Annual Hotel Conference to The Annual
Hospitality Conference, Expands Event Scope to Include a Broader
Spectrum of Hospitality
Unveils 2024 Conference Program Focused on Proven Paths
and New Horizons
MANCHESTER, United Kingdom, Aug. 01, 2024 (GLOBE
NEWSWIRE) -- Questex today announces the rebranding of The Annual
Hotel Conference to The Annual Hospitality Conference (AHC). The
new brand reflects the focus on a broader spectrum of hospitality
such as hotels, F&B, restaurants, pubs, co-living spaces,
venues, and more. For the 21st year, the brightest of UK
hospitality gather to learn, network and be inspired at the
conference. The AHC takes place 30 September - 1 October 2024 at
the Manchester Central Convention Complex, UK. Register
here.
"This year marks a significant evolution for
the AHC, as it transitions from the Annual Hotel Conference to the
Annual Hospitality Conference following 20 successful years. While
continuing to delight our loyal delegation, we recognise that even
the most dedicated hotel owners, investors, developers, and asset
managers are increasingly seeking opportunities and inspiration
across the broader spectrum of hospitality. Consequently, we have
decided to expand the scope of the event. Attendees can look
forward to engaging with trailblazers and senior leaders from
various subsectors, including hotels, restaurants, pubs, co-living
spaces, venues, and more. We are excited to see the AHC inform,
connect, and inspire a wider audience in 2024, and we eagerly
anticipate the benefits this broader focus will bring to all
stakeholders," said Joe Stather, VP/Market Leader, Hotel
Group.
Proven Paths, New Horizons
Today, The AHC unveils the conference program. The
theme for AHC 2024, Proven Paths, New
Horizons, brings a fresh focus on renewed growth,
offering enhanced opportunities across a broader spectrum of
sectors including hotels, alternative living concepts, F&B,
bars, pubs, restaurants, and much more. Confirmed speakers
include:
- Niall Kelly, Head of Development – EMEA,
Aimbridge
- Ina Plunien, Vice-President, Cedar Capital
Partners
- Tim Johnson, Chief Executive, City of
Wolverhampton
- Matt Townley, Group Operations Director, Dakota
Hotels
- Puneet Kanuga, Chief Investment Officer, EQ
Hotels
- Robert Shrimsley, Editorial Director and UK Political
Commentator, Financial Times
- Sacha Lord, Night-time Economy Advisor to the Mayor of
Greater Manchester
- Zain Kajani, Director, JMK Group
- Tina Yu, Partner, KSL Capital Partners
- Lori Hoinkes, CEO, Manchester Central Convention
Centre
- Sebastian Burnside, Chief Economist, NatWest
Group
- Jacob Rasin, Senior Vice-President,
Pandox
- Luke Johnson, Hospitality Entrepreneur, Investor, Former
Chairman of Pizza Express, the Royal
Society of Art & Channel 4
- Chris Penny, Senior Vice-President, Starwood
Capital
- Kristian Smyth, Managing Director, Tristan Capital
Partners
- Steven Smit, Director of Investments and Asset Management,
Vertiq Capital
- Richard Parker, Mayor of West Midlands, West Midlands
Combined Authority
- Simon Ewins, Managing Director UK Hotels and Restaurants,
Whitbread
Navigating Challenges and Embracing
Growth
Despite ongoing inflationary challenges, the UK's
hospitality sector is confidently recovering. Its proven
fundamentals, fuelled by robust demand and the return of
transactions as the debt market stabilises, demonstrate that the
sector is on a strong path towards accelerated growth.
In an environment marked by political change,
evolving regional dynamics, and diverse opportunities across the
operational real estate sector, AHC 2024 advocates for new horizons
of collaborative partnerships, proactive practices, and innovative
approaches to deliver growth.
Comprehensive Agenda for Industry
Leaders
Sunday, 29 September - The conference begins with
an evening welcome reception powered by Hamilton Pyramid and early
registrations and networking.
Monday, 30 September - The conference starts with a
series of sessions on the Vision Stage, covering topics such as the
impact of political transitions on UK business, economic outlook,
and transforming macro-economic shifts into opportunities for the
hospitality sector. Keynote speakers and panel discussions provides
insights into data analytics, consumer trends, and capital
strategies. The day concludes with networking opportunities and the
AHC Evening reception will be held at the Lawn Club, and it’s
powered by Peloton.
Tuesday, 1 October - The focus is four tracks:
Asset Management, Development, Alternative Hospitality, and
Investment & Finance. Each track features panels and
discussions on strategies for enhancing productivity, sustainable
innovations in construction, the evolution of serviced apartments,
and private equity pursuits. The day will also include sessions on
technology solutions, the UK debt market, and hospitality
development trends. The event wraps up with a note from the charity
sponsor, a keynote on transforming the UK's hospitality industry,
and a closing lunch for networking.
Throughout the conference, attendees can expect to
connect with 1,000+ delegates, 100+ speakers, and 60+ sponsors,
making it a significant event for networking and gaining insights
into the future of the UK hospitality market.
Charity Partner
The AHC is partnering with Cameron's Companions, a
suicide prevention charity, who provides free, fast counselling or
therapy for those suffering with suicidal thoughts minimising
waiting lists and times for those in need.
"We at Cameron’s Companions are delighted at the
opportunity to be the nominated charity for AHC 2024. It gives us
the opportunity to raise the profile of our suicide prevention
charity within the world of UK Hospitality. We are here to support
anybody struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts," said Nick
Smart, Vice President and Development, Hilton and Trustee of
Cameron’s Companions.
About The Neil Bowler Hotel Bike
Ride
The Neil Bowler Hotel bike ride takes place on 28
& 29 September from London to Manchester. It will be 220
miles/360km of challenging scenic British riding. Day 1 covers 125
miles/200km ending in Leicester and Day 2 covers 95 miles/160km
ending in Manchester. Support will be provided throughout the ride
including a fully directed and mapped route.
The cycle is named in memory of Neil Bowler, a
dedicated husband, dad, and business partner who was a passionate
cyclist and a keen supporter of the Great Hotel Bike Ride and
passed from sudden cardiac arrest on day one of the charity bike
ride in 2018. All funds raised will be donated to Cameron's
Companions, which is a suicide prevention charity for men in
England and Wales. Click here for additional details about the
challenge.
For more information about AHC 2024 and to register
for the event, visit www.theahc.co.uk
For more information about press registration,
please click here.
For more information about the charity partners,
please click here.
For sponsorship opportunities, please click
here.
Stay connected on X and LinkedIn.
About Questex
Questex helps people live better and
longer. Questex brings people together in the markets
that help people live better: travel,
hospitality and wellness; the industries that help
people live longer: life
science and healthcare; and
the technologies that enable and fuel
these new experiences. We live in
the experience economy
– connecting our ecosystem through live events,
surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver
experience and real results. It happens
here.
Media Contact
Francesca Ruggiero
Senior Marketing Manager, Hotel Group
Questex
opremarketing@questex.com