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 - 1:15PM
Join chairman 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.
Session #1 - Keynote Speaker
Day 1 - 1:15PM - 2:15PM
Speakers: James Peach
Our keynote speaker begins the first of the day's sessions. Stay tuned for additonal updates.
Panel Discussion - Managing & Marketing Your Hotel Successfully
Day 1 - 2:15PM - 3:00PM
Speakers: Simon Bullingham, Kalindi Juneja, Ian Miller
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 - 3:00PM - 3:30PM
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.
An Outlook on Travel and Tourism and the Impact on the UK
Day 1 - 3:30PM - 4:00PM
Speakers: Joss Croft OBE
Joss Croft OBE provides an update on the travel and tourism industries and what this means for the UK moving forward.
The Financial Forecast
Day 1 - 4:00PM - 4:45PM
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 - 4:45PM - 5:00PM
Chairman 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.
A cash bar will also be available after dinner for those wishing to continue to network.
Awards: Hotelier of the Year & GM of the Future
Day 1 - 7:30PM - 7:45PM
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 - 9:15AM
Chairman of the Master Innholders, James Clarke MI, opens day two of the Hotel Leadership Conference.
State of the Industry Report
Day 2 - 9:15AM - 10:00AM
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.
Let's Get Going
Day 2 - 10:00AM - 11:00AM
Speakers: Michael Heppell
Michael Heppell explores how to distill excellence in your hotel, covering key areas including how service expectations have changed, how to avoid the number one mistake service organisations make, how and why you need to adapt to the changing AI landscape, and much more.
Break
Day 2 - 11:00AM - 11:30AM
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.
Interview with Nick Jones
Day 2 - 11:30AM - 12:00PM
Speakers: Nick Jones, Michael Heppell
Michael Heppell sits down with Nick Jones to discuss all things hotels.
Keynote Speaker
Day 2 - 12:00PM - 12:50PM
Speakers:
Our day two keynote speaker takes to the stage for the day's keynote presentation. Stay tuned for additional updates.
Closing Remarks
Day 2 - 12:50PM - 1:00PM
Chairman 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.
