Conference Programme
Our 2025 conference programme has been carefully curated with expert speakers in the fields of hospitality, technology, economics and sustainability to help equip you with the insights and tools you need to make your hotel a success in 2025 and beyond.
Please note the below timings are subject to change.
Registration
Day 1 - 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Registration opens for the Hotel Leadership Conference at 11AM. Please ensure you have your tickets ready to hand to collect your lanyard and receive the relevant information for a successful two days at the conference.
Lunch and refreshments will also be available throughout this period for all in attendance.
Introduction
Day 1 - 1:00PM - 1:10PM
Join chair of the conference, Tim Hassell MI, and host of the conference, Peter Hancock MI, for an introduction to the two-day event, including a viewing of our 2025 conference video.
How Culture Drives Success
Day 1 - 1:10PM - 2:00PM
Speakers: James Peach
James will talk through the learnings and attributes from building some of the world’s most well-known brands, like Innocent, Uber and Vinted. He will use anecdotes and examples from the worlds of business and even his adventures, to bring to life the big lessons to grow great brands.
Trends & Analysis - 2025 Hospitality Horizons
Day 1 - 2:00PM - 2:15PM
Speakers: Billy Mohan
Leading through data and insights, Billy Mohan of Journey will explore emerging trends to meet tomorrow's expectations, including economics, tech innovation and evolving guest expectations.
Panel Discussion - Managing & Marketing Your Hotel Successfully
Day 1 - 2:15PM - 2:50PM
Speakers: Simon Bullingham, Kalindi Juneja, Ian Miller, James Peach
Our panel of esteemed hoteliers and experts gather to discuss how to distill excellence in managing and marketing your hotel, as well as providing their own insights into how hoteliers can best prepare themselves and ensure excellence in their own hotels.
Break
Day 1 - 2:50PM - 3:25PM
An opportunity to recharge and network with fellow delegates before presentations resume.
Breaks will also provide the opportunity to meet and network with our much-valued sponsors. Their products and services have all been carefully selected for their relevance to the hotel sector.
Inbound Visitor Trends: Why Innkeepers Should Care
Day 1 - 3:25PM - 3:55PM
Speakers: Joss Croft OBE
Joss Croft OBE provides a deep dive into what inbound tourism is and why hospitality businesses should care; where do visitors come from, how business is going, as well as current trends, challenges and opportunities.
The Future of Finance
Day 1 - 4:00PM - 4:40PM
Speakers: Bob Wigley
Bob Wigley looks into the current financial climate in the UK and what this means for hotels.
Day One Close
Day 1 - 4:40PM - 4:45PM
Chair of the Master Innholders, James B. Clarke MI, brings day one of the Hotel Leadership Conference to a close.
Champagne Reception
Day 1 - 7:00PM - 7:30PM
An opportunity to relax while having the chance to network with fellow delegates before dinner commences, with champagne available from Champagne Taittinger.
Black Tie Dinner
Day 1 - 7:30PM - 00:00AM
Enjoy a delicious black tie dinner amongst peers as we celebrate into the night.
For those wishing to continue to network after the dinner, guests are invited to enjoy The Distillery, Hilton London Bankside's hotel bar, which will be open until late.
Awards: Hotelier of the Year & GM of the Future
Day 1 - 7:45PM - 8:00PM
Join us as we announce the winners of this year's Hotelier of the Year award and GM of the Future Award.
Day Two
Light Breakfast
Day 2 - 8:30AM - 9:00AM
Enjoy a light breakfast with your fellow delegates before presentations begin for day two of the conference.
Day Two Open
Day 2 - 9:00AM - 9:05AM
Chair of the Master Innholders, James B. Clarke MI, opens day two of the Hotel Leadership Conference.
State of the Industry Report
Day 2 - 9:05AM - 9:35AM
Speakers: Kate Nicholls
Kate Nicholls provides an update on the hospitality industry alongside a look into the regulations and government updates you need to know for 2025 and beyond.
Driving Loyalty 3.0
Day 2 - 9:35AM - 10:25AM
Speakers: Michael Heppell
In Driving Loyalty 3.0, Michael Heppell introduces See, Smile, Say Hello a simple yet powerful technique that delves deep into your customers' psyche, creating stronger emotional connections and lasting loyalty. You’ll learn how to elevate your service to create unforgettable moments that will get you noticed, remembered and referred.
Education Panel
Day 2 - 10:25AM - 10:40AM
Speakers: Michael Heppell
Michael Heppell is joined by several Innholder Scholars and Innholder Graduates to discuss the importance and benefits of the Aspiring Leaders Diploma and Innholder Scholarships.
Break
Day 2 - 10:40AM - 11:15AM
An opportunity to recharge and network with fellow delegates before presentations resume.
Breaks will also provide the opportunity to meet and network with our much-valued sponsors. Their products and services have all been carefully selected for their relevance to the hotel sector.
How to Lead, Motivate and Engage
Day 2 - 11:15AM - 12:50PM
Speakers: Mark Robb
Keynote speaker Mark Robb brings an engaging blend of stories, cutting edge research, case study presentations and practical hands-on application to help ensure you are leading the best you can in 2025 and beyond.
Closing Remarks
Day 2 - 12:50PM - 12:55PM
Chair of the Hotel Leadership Conference, Tim Hassell FIH MI, brings the Hotel Leadership Conference to a close.
Conference Lunch
Day 2 - 1:00PM - 2:30PM
Lunch will be provided after the closing address for all in attendance.
