Technology

Pioneering hosts highlight their biggest automation wins and explain how they are able to rely on their system to take care of daily tasks and communications. Find out how putting many little things on auto-pilot quickly drives big gains, and allows you to host effortlessly and give your guests unforgettable experiences.

Chairperson:

• Ian Hardwick, Business Development Director - eviivo

Speakers:

• Chris Graveling, Owner - The Grove Cromer
• Peter Gonda, General Manager - Denbies Vineyard Hotel
• Paul Munton, Owner - Snooze
• Pratik Parekh, Founder & CEO - Kings Cross Hotels Group

Download the presentation here.

As we enter the next era for the hospitality industry, consumer behaviours have changed and hoteliers must adapt. Join futurist Simon Stenning as he outlines the main drivers of this tech revolution and indicates how hoteliers will need to evolve to keep up. The shift from analogue to digital is a significant one, and Simon will also outline the tech developments that will enhance the guest journey and experience.

Speaker:

• Simon Stenning, Founder - FutureFoodservice

Download the presentation here.

Design Insider lead this thought-provoking panel on what exactly the future traveller will want: do they long to completely relax, switch off from technology and focus on wellness? Or will they wish to be more connected than ever before, creating a hybrid work/living space fuelled by the latest tech? If there is space for both offerings, what does this future look like?

Chairperson:

• Alys Bryan, Editor - Design Insider

Speaker:

• Holly Hallam, Managing Director - Design LSM
• Nicholas Hickson, Founder - THDP
• Mustafa Afsaroglu, Co-founder & Interior Designer - Taner’s Sons

Join social media guru Christalena Vraila from award winning agency Mr Highline, as she takes you through her top tips for mastering your social media platforms and studies the impact of heavyweight contender; TikTok.

Speakers:

• Christalena Vraila, Co-founder - Mr Highline

Download the presentation here.

Getting repeat guests is the Holy Grail for hosts — and the foundation for any successful accommodation business. The latest advances in tech solutions help hosts navigate their way through recent challenges, and the savviest now embrace these benefits for ongoing success. With so much functionality now available, here’s what you really need in your tech stack to drive repeat bookings.

Chairperson:

• Christa Seeberger, CMO - eviivo
• Lee Bryan, Head of Distribution - eviivo

Download the presentation here.

Technology is revolutionising the hospitality industry, but how do you find the right balance between high-tech and high-touch? Join our expert panel to unpick how our sector is embracing new digital products to support the guest experience, from convenience and customisation to loyalty, profitability and addressing your staff shortages.

Host: Sander Allegro, Chairman - QL Hotels

Speakers: 

• Ilse Kous, Senior Manager Talent Acquisition - Mews
• Josje Vandongen, Head of Innovation - Hotel Management School Maastricht
• Valentin Dumonnet, Director of Technology and Innovation - Hotel Okura Amsterdam
• Florian Augustin, Chief Commercial Officer / Managing Director Austria - HotelPartner Yield Management

Smart technology has transformed our home environment in recent years, and now the hotel industry is quickly adapting to provide guests with a 'better than home' experience. From in-room voice assistants to facial recognition, casting devices to smart controls, our expert panel will deep dive into how technology is changing the hospitality landscape.

Host: Sander Allegro, Chairman - QL Hotels

Speakers:

• Annette Lunter, Owner - Snoozz Hotels
• Kaj Beetsra, Owner - Innovation in Motion
• David Kijlstra, Co-Founder - Your Rocket Fuel

Webtools have levelled the playing field for hoteliers when it comes to competing for bookings online, enabling savvy businesses to get more direct bookings and save on commission. But, how do you know what is most effective? And how can you ensure that your website is working as efficiently as possible?

Host: Geert Buskes, Owner - Effecty

Speakers: 

• Seid Dado Ljumanovic, Group Director, Digital Media & CRM - Sircle Collection
• Patrick Brand, Co-founder - Hoteliers.com
• Pauline Verhoef, Director of Marketing & Communications - EHM group

At a time when consumer expectations and staffing levels do not match, ignoring customer phone calls can be tempting. However, every pub, restaurant, and hotel owner knows that one bad experience can destroy a customer relationship. So what can an operator do? Learn how some of the UK's most innovative pubs have deployed smart AI voice assistants to field customer phone calls, answer questions, and take table bookings. Technology breakthroughs have enabled a new generation of phone automation technology, unlike anything you have heard before.

Speaker: 

• Yan Zhang, COO - PolyAI

KAM unveils new research looking at the impact of technology on the customer and staff experience in pub settings, and how hospitality tech can streamline service and open profitable new avenues.

Speaker: 

• Blake Gladman, Insight & Strategy Director - KAM

It's more important than ever for hospitality businesses to operate efficiently, maximise profits and reduce waste. In this session, DigiTally's Patrick McDermott will run through how simple and easy-to-use tech tools can make a huge difference to the bottom line.

Speaker: 

• Patrick McDermott, CEO - DigiTally