INDEPENDENT HOTEL SHOW
the individuality and character that distinguish independent hotels. It will explore how hoteliers, designers and suppliers can respond to emerging technologies, changing traveller expectations and commercial pressures without losing their distinctive identities.
These ideas will be brought to life across three content spaces: the Hotel Business Stage, in partnership with eviivo, designed by Merav Bustan Design; the Innovation Stage, in partnership with Agilysys, designed by Obradov Studio; and the Social Business Space, in partnership with Zennio, designed by Design Command.
This year’ s seminar programme will examine topics including the changing UK luxury traveller, hotel performance across the UK and Europe, making F & B profitable, maximising meetings and events opportunities and the impact of impending tourist taxes.
Technology discussions will consider how hotels can prepare for the next generation of travellers, reach different generations through AI, use location data to identify new luxury audiences and respond as online discovery becomes increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.
Design-focused sessions will explore interiors for wellbeing, accessible hospitality, refurbishment as a driver of asset value and the future of flexible hotel spaces. Other speakers will address sustainability, mental health, management skills, team engagement, social media and authentic storytelling.
Across the show floor, exhibitors will present products and services for almost every area of a modern independent hotel. Focus on Hospitality will showcase IT, communications, connectivity and cyber security services, while Trybe will demonstrate software supporting bookings and operations across spas, leisure facilities and guest experiences.
CRU Kafe will showcase organic, Fairtrade coffee, while Hawkridge Distillers will present English spirits and bespoke drinks solutions. Mint Linen will represent commercial laundry and linen hire, PCL Corporatewear will offer hospitality uniforms, Capitol will showcase customisable hotel amenities and Zennio will demonstrate automation and roomcontrol technology.
The first day will culminate in the Independent Hotel Show Awards, in partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, recognising the hotels, people and design projects raising standards across the UK’ s independent luxury hotel sector.
For 2026, Independent Hotel of the Year has been divided into Over 50 Rooms and Under 50 Rooms categories, underlining a need to recognise outstanding hotels of differing capacities. The awards will also celebrate emerging hotel talent and outstanding design projects from across the sector.
The Independent Hotel Show takes place on 5-6 October at Olympia. Register for your free trade ticket at www. independenthotelshow. co. uk.
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