21st Annual International Hotel Technology Forum 2024 (IHTF)

Join us for the International Hotel Technology Forum, for 3 days of exclusive content, one-to-one business meetings, industry-led case studies and unprecedented networking.

16 - 18

April

2024
  • Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower, Barcelona, Spain
  • Complimentary
  • Why attend?
  • Agenda
  • Speakers
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Event Gallery
  • Sponsors
  • Media Centre
  • Why Partner?
  • Industry News
  • Contact Us
close

Why attend?

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR 2024?

Join leading hotels in the region to discuss new trends and opportunities and learn the latest innovations and technological developments in hospitality to stay ahead of the game. Find the right solution providers to partner with to accelerate your project timeline and achieve the optimal result.

 

200+

Attendees to meet each year

30+

Exhibitors to meet each year

80%

Attendees at Director+ level

200+

Attendees to meet each year

30+

Exhibitors to meet each year

80%

Attendees at Director+ level

IHTF 2023

Agenda

  • 16 Apr 2024
  • 17 Apr 2024
  • 18 Apr 2024
Expand All

Streams

Stream one

Technology & Operations

Stream two

Distribution & Marketing

10 AM

Registration

11 AM

Chairs opening remarks

Speakers

11:15 AM

Keynote Address: Surfing into the future: Unleashing Accor’s guest Wi-Fi journey

  • Implementing strong and secure Wi-Fi solutions to accommodate the demands of future technology and guests' expectations
  • Accelerating experiences through seamless roaming, speed and welcome-back
  • Unlocking the power of Wi-Fi to enhance brand loyalty

Speakers

11:45 AM

Reserved for Adyen

12:15 PM

Networking Lunch

1:15 PM

Panel Discussion: Embracing the tech boom: Future-proofing hotel business models

  • Strategically preparing hotel business models to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technologies
  • Adapting technological investments, maintaining alignment, and bringing together technology partners
  • Delving into steps to ensure successful application in complex legacy systems
  • Achieving sustained growth and unmatched competitiveness through effective tech, Wi – Fi and automation implementation

Reserved for Ruckus

Reserved for Flexipass

Speakers

1:45 PM

Purpose-driven technology for HSP

  • In a highly fragmented scenario of powerful but disjointed technologies, the risk for the hotel market is to end up adapting business to technology and not the other way around
  • Modern technological developments in AI, Private Networks, building automation, cloud/edge architectures and cybersecurity offer undisputed advantages when introduced with the goal of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of hotel management while preventing complexity from becoming a distraction to the real core business
  • Let's find out together what modern design criteria and technology choices maximize the convergence of network infrastructures and applications for the HSP market

Speakers

2:45 PM

Enhancing efficiency and experiences: Harnessing in room smart technologies

  • Unleashing latest in room innovations shaping the guest experience
  • Investigating techniques to engage and empower staff members to use and maintain in-room smart technologies

Speakers

3:15 PM

ONDA: Empowering hospitality with blockchain: Unlocking new frontiers and possibilities

  • Showcasing membership management with blockchain technology
  • Looking at golf management and the various add-ons
  • Achieving intuitive, easy, and fast property management

Reserved for Onda

3:45 PM

Coffee break

3:55 PM

Business meeting 1

4:30 PM

Business meeting 2

5:05 PM

Business meeting 3

5:35 PM

Reserved for Apaleo

6:05 PM

Fireside chat: Navigating Transformation: Building a change-ready culture

  • Putting in place effective leadership strategies in times of change and turbulence
  • Ensuring lasting positive impacts across the hotel model
  • Reacting to new digital advancements and emerging tech trends

Speakers

6:40 PM

Conference Close and Networking Drinks in the Exhibition Hall

7:40 PM

Networking Dinner

11 AM

Chairs opening remarks

Speakers

11:15 AM

Keynote Address: Branding in the digital age: Harnessing the power of multi-channel marketing

  • Leveraging multi-channel advertising and targeting generational needs through radio, Spotify, and on-demand TV channels
  • Implementing personalisation in the marketing strategy to enhance guest satisfaction
  • Utilising automation as a web tool to stay ahead in the competitive landscape

Speakers

11:45 AM

Reserved for Epteca

12:15 PM

Networking Lunch

1:15 PM

Panel Discussion: From data to delight: Cultivating guest centricity through a data driven culture

  • Elevating the guest experience through data driven decision making
  • Unveiling the direct correlation between data culture and enhanced profitability
  • Exploring robust frameworks to collect, analyse and leverage guest data effectively
  • Encouraging teams to foster a data driven mindset

Speakers

2:45 PM

Case Study: Attracting top talent: Technology, employer branding and creative campaigns

  • Showcasing company culture, values and opportunities through effective marketing
  • Presenting storytelling techniques to communicate employee experience and career growth prospects
  • Utilising technology-driven methods to spread digital content

Speakers

3:15 PM

Reserved for Sponsorship

3:45 PM

Coffee break

5:35 PM

Reserved for sponsorship

6:05 PM

Unlocking growth strategies: Maximising hotel food and beverage revenue

  • Demonstrating tactics for expanding hotel F&B revenue through dynamic pricing and capacity strategies
  • Enhancing revenue from menu development and room service orders
  • Navigating effective waste-reduction strategies
  • How can technology revolutionise hotel F&B processes?

Speakers

Streams

Stream one

Technology & Operations

Stream two

Distribution & Marketing

Stream three

Sustainable Hospitality

8 AM

Registration

8:45 AM

Chairs opening remarks

Speakers

9 AM

Panel Discussion: Advancing hotel technology in a cost-efficient era

  • Ensuring the smooth migration of hotel systems and software to cloud-based platforms
  • Digitalising hardware services to streamline processes and reduce maintenance cost
  • Defining solutions that meet a range of demands, from luxury to budget hotels
  • Sharing success stories from hotels that have implemented creative cost-cutting measures

 

Speakers

9:30 AM

The power of personalization: Harnessing data to meet rising guest expectations

  • Emphasising the significance of data in achieving guest personalization and recommendations
  • Navigating the tools needed as a foundation for personalisation approaches
  • Mastering integrations and cost reductions, shortening “time to market” for digital services
  • Usage of machine learning models to ensure service standards and tailored experiences
  • Using technology to go beyond traditional hospitality paradigms and deliver personalised visitor experiences

Speakers

10 AM

Unravelling the chaos: The impact of traditional payment solutions on hotels

  •  On average less than 5% of hotel eCommerce is managed by traditional payment gateway solutions
  • Discover why hotels get stuck with manual payment processing and how to fix it
  • Unveil the inherent flaws in the architecture of traditional payment systems crippling hotels

 

Speakers

10:30 AM

From conception to completion: The IT journey in hotel openings

  • Understanding the hotel project lifecycle
  • Highlighting strategies for optimization and success in hotel IT projects
  • Mastering negotiation, procurement and installation
  • Ensuring string collaboration with internal and external stakeholders

Speakers

11 AM

Coffee Break

11:10 AM

Reserved for, likeMagic/ SV Group

11:50 AM

Business meeting 4

12:25 PM

Business meeting 5

1 PM

Business meeting 6

1:35 PM

Networking Lunch

2:35 PM

Optimising technical product development for hotel strategy transformation

  • Developing agile processes that allow quick adaptation to evolving customer preferences, market dynamics and tech advancements
  • Enhancing operational and service efficiency through fostering cross-functional collaborations
  • Creating a culture of ownership and engagement within the team
  • Making data driven decisions to contribute to the success of the hotel transformation strategy

Speakers

3:05 PM

How to compete with the big players in the digitalisation of the hotel industry

  • Create a network with the best partners: what works for some does not necessarily work for all. How to find the best partners for your property?
  • Use technology at your guest service: digitalisation does not need to be a headache. A seamless digital guest journey is at your fingertips: from booking to security
  • Make it through the jungle: get expert advice from and guidance to create your digitalisation strategy based on your needs and goals

Speakers

3:35 PM

Afternoon Coffee Break

3:50 PM

Business meeting 7

5:35 PM

Charting new territories: A fresh look at future hotel innovation and advancements

  • Future of in-room tech and cloud architectures
  • Smart use of digital development, scripting, and automation in checking the room technology
  • Usage of AI and ML to gain competitive advantage in networks, finance, and other areas
  • Headless Systems Strategies and importance of integrations in modern hospitality

Speakers

6:05 PM

Conference Day Two Close

7:10 PM

Networking Dinner

8:45 AM

Chairs opening remarks

Speakers

9 AM

Keynote Address: Diving into sustainability: Putting ideas into action

  • Digging deeper into the concept of sustainability; what does this really mean to the industry?
  • Embedding sustainability into business models and taking smaller steps to lay the groundwork
  • Creating a valuable foundation to ensure long-term success

Speakers

9:30 AM

Panel Discussion: Fostering ESG responsibility across the hotel ecosystem

  • Responding to consumer pressure, tightening regulations and laying out net zero strategies
  • Highlighting the social aspect of ESG and nurturing community engagement through technology
  • Evaluating the environmental footprint of digitalisation in hotels and identifying areas of improvement
  • How can technology providers and hotels collectively promote sustainable practices?

Speakers

10 AM

Reserved for sponsorship

10:30 AM

Prevent, manage, repair: Aligning responsibility with people and the planet

  • Analysing individual hotels to ensure the prevention of negative environmental impacts
  • Ensuring effective management of main impacts to minimize and reduce them
  • Repairing and ensuring remediation of any damage hotel activity may have caused

Speakers

11 AM

Coffee Break

11:10 AM

Reserved for sponsorship

1:35 PM

Networking Lunch

2:35 PM

Case study: Commitment to the community: Inspiring the next generation of hoteliers

  • Implementing placements and innovative programmes to benefit the local community and recruit talent
  • Making a difference by collaborating with schools, local governments, and the community
  • Understanding how the hotel industry can make a genuine contribution to a larger societal purpose, that in turn significantly aids senior level recruitment into the hotel

Speakers

3:05 PM

Reserved for sponsorship

3:35 PM

Afternoon Coffee Break

5 PM

Business meeting 9

5:35 PM

Future horizons: Emerging ESG tech and solutions

  • Utilising data analytics to measure ESG performance and set benchmarks
  • Exploring AI, blockchain and other innovative tech for sustainable hospitality
  • Looking at accessibility focused technology for all guests
  • Using innovation to foster local engagement and support to nearby communities

Speakers

8:45 AM

Chairs opening remarks

Speakers

9 AM

Keynote Address: TikTok short-form-video and the evolving travel marketing landscape

  • Implementing effective campaigns for hotel content and influencer marketing
  • Unleashing the power of TikTok and short videos to showcase culture and destinations
  • Utilising digital marketing including TikTok for talent acquisition

Speakers

9:30 AM

Panel Discussion: Guest behaviour in 2024 and beyond: Adapting strategies for changing behaviours

  • Reflecting on shifts in guest behaviour since the re-emerge of travel
  • Examining the impacts of evolving guest preferences, last minute bookings and the role of inflation in shaping booking habits
  • How can we adapt distribution strategies to changing guest behaviours?
  • Focusing on mobile apps, website enhancements, contactless checks- ins and voice automation for effortless bookings

 

Speakers

10 AM

Modernising the MICE & group buyer experience

  • Why did the MICE & Group booking process not evolve like most other buying processes in this day and age?
  • 70% of MICE & Group sales is done offline but direct, what are the pains and gains?
  • Why hotels should prevent 3rd parties from getting in control of their data and distribution mix (like OTA's did to room sales)

Speakers

10:30 AM

Attracting the new wave of guests

  • Connecting with consumers through effective marketing strategies
  • Appealing to the new generation of guests with wellbeing showcasing
  • Highlighting hotel innovation and technology in the marketing story

Speakers

11 AM

Coffee Break

11:10 AM

Boost direct bookings and transform your website into a profit machine

  • Implement data-driven strategies and a full value-chain integrated approach to unlock the potential of your hotel
  • Learn how impactful it can be having a large database fed by multiple sources such as Metasearch, OTA, Google, Market Data, PMS, in order to turn unrefined data into strategies.
  • Case studies and best practices from our most performing partners

Speakers

1:35 PM

Networking Lunch

2:35 PM

Affiliate E-commerce: Unearthing the hidden gems

  • Exploring affiliate networks in the hotel industry
  • Analysing the impact of building brand partnerships with travel related brands
  • Understanding the potential of awareness and performance-driven channels
  • Identifying key strategies for successful collaboration and mutual growth

Speakers

3:05 PM

Reserved for Epteca

3:35 PM

Afternoon Coffee Break

4:25 PM

Business meeting 8

5:35 PM

Technology, tactics and profit optimisation: Boosting revenue management strategies

  • Aligning revenue management with business goals and pinpointing key areas for investment returns
  • Exploring integrated revenue approaches and concepts
  • Utilising automation to transform revenue management processes
  • Identifying crucial data points for accurate forecasting
  • Highlighting the role of human judgement in revenue management decisions

Speakers

Streams

Stream one

Technology & Operations

Stream two

Distribution & Marketing

8 AM

Registration

8:50 AM

Chairs opening remarks

Speakers

9 AM

Keynote Address: The power of collaboration: Forging strategic partnerships

  • Evaluating criteria for selecting the right partner
  • Creating a barrier of mutual understanding and outlining financial expectations
  • Ensuring initial contact is clear and concise while validating technical specs and criteria
  • Investigating various IT and technological solution areas

Speakers

9:30 AM

Session reserved for sponsorship

10 AM

The ages of AI: How will generative AI affect the hotel industry?

  • Elevating the guest experience; how will generative AI affect guest interactions?
  • Overcoming real-world obstacles and constraints in AI adoption
  • Exploring the potential of AI in the years ahead from predictive services to sustainable practices

 

 

Speakers

10:30 AM

Designing the future of hospitality

  • Designing the physical guest experience alongside the digital journey
  • Digital development as a catalyst for brand evolution in design
  • The blended/bleisure traveller; designing the future of working areas in hotels for the digital era

Speakers

11 AM

Coffee Break

11:10 AM

Business meeting 10

11:45 AM

Business meeting 11

12:20 PM

Business meeting 12

12:55 PM

Reflective closing panel discussion

  • Reflecting in tech, sustainability and marketing advancements in the past year
  • Predicting the continuing shift in guest behaviours
  • Sharing experience and lessons learned from the industry’s response to adversity

Speakers

1:25 PM

Networking Lunch

2:25 PM

Close of Conference

8:50 AM

Chairs opening remarks

Speakers

9 AM

Panel Discussion: Revolutionising guest communication: Chatbots and beyond

  • Evaluating the role of chatbot communication in the hotel industry
  • Harnessing automation to create personalised offers based on visitor trends
  • Offering innovative guest service approaches including interactive greetings

Speakers

9:30 AM

Session reserved for sponsorship

10 AM

Localisation vs globalisation: Blending global branding and cultural identity

  • Establishing a worldwide presence while connecting with local audiences
  • Crafting memorable consumer experiences and showcasing a unique service
  • Customising brand messages and experiences and maintaining brand relevance in a changing landscape

Speakers

11 AM

Coffee Break

1:25 PM

Networking Lunch

Speakers

Select a speaker to learn more

Back
Roger Tabbal
VP Global Guest Technology & Innovation – Tech for Hotels, Accor

Session Details:

Keynote Address: Surfing into the future: Unleashing Accor’s guest Wi-Fi journey

2024-04-16, 11:15 AM

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Embracing the tech boom: Future-proofing hotel business models

2024-04-16, 1:15 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Diego Bivero
Volpe, Vice President Global Strategic Partnerships @ Four Seasons

BA, MA, MBA, Passionate about building companies and brands that inspire the world.

Founder of brand evolution agency; VOLPE.
Ex CMO of Cake (acquired by American Express) Has been featured in the Wall St Journal, GQ, Mr Porter, Sunday Times, Evening Standard, Bloomberg, Financial Times, NY Times, among many others.  Guest speaker/lecturer at universities from around the world.
Committee member of Unicef uk & The Elephant Family. Avid supporter of WE, AmFAR, the Leonardo di Caprio Foundation and other future-defining charities

Next speaker
Back
Mathias Althin
VP technology, Strawberry

As an experienced Vice President of Technology with a passion for technology, innovation, collaboration, and infusing a sense of fun into the workplace, I've had the privilege of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology and leadership.

With a career spanning over 20 years in the industry, I've leveraged my expertise to drive growth, foster strong teams, and create a workplace where both productivity and enjoyment thrive. My mission is clear: to drive technological excellence, empower my teams, foster collaboration, and make work an enjoyable journey for all.

Session Details:

Optimising technical product development for hotel strategy transformation

2024-04-17, 2:35 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Arnoud Heijnis
Senior Director, IT Hotel Openings EMEA, Marriott

Session Details:

From conception to completion: The IT journey in hotel openings

2024-04-17, 10:30 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Dario Artiola
Directore Revenue Performance, Radisson Hotel Group

Over 10+ years experience in the hospitality industry Dario has become a revenue expert, working in different companies, and has lived abroad in many European cities, from Milan to Wien and from Brussels to Madrid. Dario is currently Director of Revenue Performance at Radisson Hotel Group, responsible for the results of 150+ hotels together with 50 revenue managers and specialists. From April 22, Dario has been admitted to the Global Executive MBA ( worldwide ranking: 34# Financial Times/ 23# The Economist) of the prestigious WU Executive Academy in Wien, a double master degree in partnership with Carlson University in Minneapolis. Dario’s lifetime passions are Football, Formula 1, cinema and currently, he is very passionate about cyber security and data protection.

Session Details:

Unlocking growth strategies: Maximising hotel food and beverage revenue

2024-04-16, 6:05 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Riko Van Santen
CIO Kempinski Hotels S.A.

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Advancing hotel technology in a cost-efficient era

2024-04-17, 9:00 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Elena Martín Cuesta
Sustainability Director, ILUNION Hotels

Session Details:

Prevent, manage, repair: Aligning responsibility with people and the planet

2024-04-17, 10:30 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Chris Bowling
Head Of Digital Marketing & Ecommerce at Best Western Hotels GB Best Western

As a passionate digital marketer with a fascination for everything e-commerce, Chris currently leads the digital team at Best Western Hotels GB. Chris and his team have delivered strong performance in an ever-changing digital landscape. Originally joining Best Western GB as a website executive, Chris has progressed through a variety of roles that have allowed Chris to put passion into action. Whether this is CRO, project management or digital strategy Chris has consistently delivered business objectives. Chris is passionate about motivating his team to deliver exceptional results, be this by helping them as they grow there skillset or allowing them to take on new projects, Chris aims to create a team that works together in synergy.

Session Details:

Keynote Address: Branding in the digital age: Harnessing the power of multi-channel marketing

2024-04-16, 11:15 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Ester Abad
Head of Digital Change Management & Digital Transformation, Meliá Hotels International

Session Details:

Fireside chat: Navigating Transformation: Building a change-ready culture

2024-04-16, 6:05 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Christoph Peppers
Director E-Commerce H-Hotels.com

Session Details:

Affiliate E-commerce: Unearthing the hidden gems

2024-04-17, 2:35 PM

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Revolutionising guest communication: Chatbots and beyond

2024-04-18, 9:00 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Lucia Martinez Alvarez
CIO at AR Hotels & Resorts

CIO at AR Hotels & Resorts: Senior IT Manager specialized in banking industry with 15+ years of experience, delivering and implementing major core banking transformation programs, including the Digital Transformation program in Santander UK. During my career I had the opportunity to specialize my knowledge on CRM, Payments, back office/operation re-engineering and Digital Sales Processes, areas in which I have strong functional and technical knowledge (old and new technologies). Used to work in Agile environment, I achieved certifications as Scrum Master and Kanban professional

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Revolutionising guest communication: Chatbots and beyond

2024-04-18, 9:00 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Roberto Gobo
Director of digital strategy and technology Valamar Riviera

Roberto Gobo is the Director of digital strategy and technology in Valamar Riviera, the largest and leading tourism company in Croatia (7,000 employees), which – in its 61 hotels, resorts, camping sites – can simultaneously accommodate 58.000 guests. Roberto is highly technical, dedicated and result oriented senior software director with a successful track record in the sourcing and delivery of software projects, complex products and data services launches for Enterprise Clients. He has worked as Developer, Technical Lead, Architect, Delivery Manager, Director (in the USA, Ireland, India, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia) with HP, Vodafone, Mobitel, BT, O2, Danieli etc. in delivering outsourced software projects, setting up outsourced operations, improve development process, developing new products and introducing release process into organizations. His main focus in Valamar is digital strategy and transformation of the company, future software architecture, technologies and delivery of strategic digital projects. Roberto’s interests are enterprise architecture, emerging technologies, real time data streaming, Data platforms and adoption of AI/ML.

Session Details:

The power of personalization: Harnessing data to meet rising guest expectations

2024-04-17, 9:30 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Sanchit Juneja
Director-Product of Big Data & Machine Learning Platform

As the Director-Product of Big Data & Machine Learning Platform at Booking.com, I manage one of the largest home-grown data-lake and MLOps platforms in the travel industry. With over 10 years of experience in product management, customer success, and technical solutions, I lead a team of 20+ product managers and 150 developers to deliver data-driven and scalable solutions for Booking's ecosystem.My core competencies include data analytics, business analysis, team management, and stakeholder alignment. I have a strong background in electrical and electronics engineering, and a master's degree in business administration with a focus on marketing and analytical finance. My mission is to leverage data and machine learning to create value for Booking's customers, partners, and employees, and to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within my product group.

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: From data to delight: Cultivating guest centricity through a data driven culture

2024-04-16, 1:15 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Oliver Benalal
Chief Commercial Officer, ILUNION Hotels

A dedicated and highly revenue-oriented Commercial Director with over 15 years of experience managing all aspects of the sales funnel and sales team as well as managing relationships with international clients

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: From data to delight: Cultivating guest centricity through a data driven culture

2024-04-16, 1:15 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Michael Schumacher
Brand Partnerships Lead - Travel & Mobility, TikTok

Session Details:

Keynote Address: TikTok short-form-video and the evolving travel marketing landscape

2024-04-17, 9:00 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Bojan Pavicic
Director Technology & Digital, citizenM Hotels

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Advancing hotel technology in a cost-efficient era

2024-04-17, 9:00 AM

Session Details:

Charting new territories: A fresh look at future hotel innovation and advancements

2024-04-17, 5:35 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Patrick Apostolo
Corporate Operations Manager EMEA
Next speaker
Back
Mustafa Gokcen
Head of Information Technology, Cheval Collection

Accomplished IT Leader with experience communicating IT strategies and goals to meet business demands. Highly motivated professional with over 15 years of experience in a variety of IT operational and leadership positions. Strong business acumen and technical knowledge with a strong background in managing teams across 100+ countries, and multi-million dollar budgets. Analytical and dedicated with the ability to deploy emerging technologies to optimize workflows and provide efficiencies. Proven success in shaping Global IT strategies and roadmaps. Leveraged excellent leadership skills to motivate teams to meet and exceed organizational objectives. Possess complementary strengths in designing and deploying key Infrastructure initiatives globally.

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Embracing the tech boom: Future-proofing hotel business models

2024-04-16, 1:15 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Stephen Danelian
CEO, NexGenGuest

Stephen is a serial entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience in the senior advertising and marketing industries. His extensive background in researching and studying consumer behaviors has allowed him to identify the architecture behind transforming maximum engagement into revenue. With acute skill in the world of digital engagement, Stephen has created and launched two successful platforms prior to NexGen Guest. Having traveled the world and stayed in numerous hotels, Stephen has always been obsessed with the hospitality industry and its transformative potential.

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Embracing the tech boom: Future-proofing hotel business models

2024-04-16, 1:15 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Patricia Diana
Area Manager, New Business EMEA, IDeaS Revenue Solutions

Having graduated in Tourism law and Online Marketing, Patricia began her career over 20 years ago at the corporate department of revenue management at Marriott International in Frankfurt. Following her passion for revenue management, she later joined Optims, to consult hospitality organisations around implementation of automated revenue management solutions. In 2003, Patricia founded a successful consulting and training company helping hotels to implement processes, culture, and revenue management technology. She brings her vast hospitality experience to IDeaS where she heads up new business development function for Western, Southern and Eastern Europe.

 

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: From data to delight: Cultivating guest centricity through a data driven culture

2024-04-16, 1:15 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Markus Mueller
Managing Director, GauVendi

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Guest behaviour in 2024 and beyond: Adapting strategies for changing behaviours

2024-04-17, 9:30 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Steven Bronken
Head of Global Hospitality, RUCKUS Networks

IT Executive providing Clients & Partners with the utmost in attention, service and experience, and amateur YouTube host of “The Corner Office”, an industry specific interview series with an informative and comedic tone. Specializing in all forms of IT & Communications, including Guest Networks, Networking Infrastructure, Enterprise Content Management, Software Development and IT Consulting. Understanding of the highly technical (Including WiFi / Ethernet / Networking / Bits & Bytes) to the everyday (including land line; data line, cellular, cellular data, smoke signals, etc...).

Experience growing and leading a team that provides the best solution for the customers’ needs and budget; that not only meets requirements but exceeds expectations; providing clients with a solution we all can be passionate about. Building trusted, deep relationships with clients, partners and industry stakeholders.

Session Details:

Purpose-driven technology for HSP

2024-04-16, 1:45 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
João Pronto
Professor, ESHTE

Joao Pronto is IT Professor at ESHTE - Estoril Higher Institute for Tourism and Hotel Studies, the main Hospitality University in Portugal, since 1996. He teaches and research mainly the workflows of Hyper-personalization processes, Unified Communications, and tech innovations in the Hospitality Field, as In-Room entertainment innovation. His research in master’s degree, (2002) was about an Expert System (an Artificial Intelligence System) that provides to the Tourists a dashboard where they can choose thematic pics and videos, and the System reply to the Tourist, personalized tourist services based in the Tourist aims and behaviors. Now a days, we call to this approach hyper-personalization in tourism and hospitality. In the past 17 years, in the PhD studies, João Pronto his collaborating with some of the main Hotel Chains in Portugal. His main publications, and speech are: IGI Global Publication Book: Optimizing Digital Solutions for Hyper-Personalization in Tourism and Hospitality, 2022. Algarve Summit – Disrupt’22 – Hyper- Personalization in Hospitality, 2022. 7th Circle Conference – eServices and strategy in the Hospitality Industry: The Altis Hotels Business Case, 2010. Eyefortravel, The Empowerment of Internet 2.0 in Hospitality and Tourism, 2007. In www.turisver.pt writes opinion articles, in a monthly base, about tech applied to the Hospitality field.

Session Details:

Enhancing efficiency and experiences: Harnessing in room smart technologies

2024-04-16, 2:45 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Yessica Gonzalez
Director of Revenue & Yield Management

Senior Data Analyst💻 Master degree in Analytics & Comercial Management📊 Sales&Marketing Hotel tech specialist. I love challenges and new technologies📳. Passionate about travel and the world of tourism. Nothing is born or arises by itself, but everything is a consequence of our actions and projects.

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Guest behaviour in 2024 and beyond: Adapting strategies for changing behaviours

2024-04-17, 9:30 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Florian Hepp
Director of Employer Branding, Marriott

Session Details:

Case Study: Attracting top talent: Technology, employer branding and creative campaigns

2024-04-16, 2:45 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Evan Brown
CEO, Eng Infotech Corp

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Advancing hotel technology in a cost-efficient era

2024-04-17, 9:00 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Raimund Notz
Director, Hotel Revenue Optimization Central & Eastern Europe, Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Raimund has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years and has both strong on-property operational expertise as well as multi-property and regional capabilities. Raimund has worked in various roles during his diverse career including reservations management, conventions sales agent, and director of revenue management for hard brands including Hilton, Accor, and Starwood. In 2016, Raimund joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts as Director of Hotel Revenue Optimization, supporting over 45 independent member properties across Central & Eastern Europe. Raimund is CRME certified by HSMAI and has been a proud member of HSMAI DACH Advisory Board since May 2022. A keen coach and consult to hotels in the area of revenue management, he provides hotel members with global market intelligence data to increase business from both feeder and emerging markets in order to maximize the hotels but also the brand’s income and profit. Raimund lives in Munich with his family and has a BA in Business with a major in Finance Management and Sales & Marketing from Hamburger Fernhochschule.

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Guest behaviour in 2024 and beyond: Adapting strategies for changing behaviours

2024-04-17, 9:30 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Matthew Prosser
Senior Sales Director, Agilysys

Skilled over the past 20 years in Sales, Sales Management, Account Management, Team Leadership, and Strategic Planning. I have had the pleasure on working with and on some of the most iconic sporting venues known around the world. I continue to enjoy sharing those experiences with new and existing clients in order to promote best practice and customer engagement through innovative technology.

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Guest behaviour in 2024 and beyond: Adapting strategies for changing behaviours

2024-04-17, 9:30 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Paloma Zapata
Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Travel International

s CEO of Sustainable Travel International Paloma leads the organization's global efforts to maximize tourism's contribution to conservation and development in order to protect destinations, preserve natural environments, and improve community well-being. With over 15 years of experience in sustainable tourism and economic development, Paloma has designed and implemented impactful initiatives and projects in 25 nations across the globe. Her work has ranged from addressing the shortcomings of the current tourism supply to deriving sustainable development strategies and formulating policies. Some of her achievements include contributing to the creation of sustainable tourism master plans for Belize, Bermuda, Colombia and Panama, as well as developing a plan to link disenfranchised communities in Cambodia’s Siam Reap region to the tourism value chain. Paloma joined Sustainable Travel International in 2015 and previously served as Vice President. Prior to joining Sustainable Travel International, she served as a Senior Consultant for Tourism & Leisure consulting, leading numerous transformative tourism development projects around the world. Earlier in her career she worked for IBM's microelectronics division as Staff Industrial Engineer and registered three patents.Paloma holds a master’s in business administration and a postgraduate degree in tourism management from ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. She is a native speaker of Spanish and English.

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Fostering ESG responsibility across the hotel ecosystem

2024-04-17, 9:30 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Elin Penttilä
Sustainability Manager - Climate & Building, Strawberry

As a sustainability advocate and engineer, I am committed to driving innovation and sustainable development. With a Master's degree in Energy and Environmental Engineering, I have gained in-depth knowledge and skills that enable me to contribute to a greener world.Currently, I am leading the climate and sustainable building initiatives at Strawberry (formerly Nordic Choice Hotels). My passion for creating a more sustainable future has allowed me to take on this role with a sense of purpose and dedication. In this position, I am responsible for developing and implementing strategies that reduce the environmental impact of the hotel's operations while enhancing guest experience.I believe that sustainability is a critical aspect of any business, and I am always looking for new and innovative ways to make a positive impact. I am a strong communicator and collaborator, with a proven track record of building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Fostering ESG responsibility across the hotel ecosystem

2024-04-17, 9:30 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Jeff Karlson
VP - Commercial & Strategic Partnerships, iOL Pay

Session Details:

Unravelling the chaos: The impact of traditional payment solutions on hotels

2024-04-17, 10:00 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Joost Doevendans
Head of Sales, Proposales

Hospitality enthusiast with a demonstrated history of working with travel tech companies, always looking for the latest innovations to move the hotel industry forward, enabling hotels to create modern guest experiences! Loves a round of cycling, golf and a game of padel!

Session Details:

Modernising the MICE & group buyer experience

2024-04-17, 10:00 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Sofía Muntaner Ordinas
Senior Brand Marketing Manager, Meliá Hotels International

Session Details:

Attracting the new wave of guests

2024-04-17, 10:30 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Piergiorgio Schirru
EVP, Head of Revenue Management and Research & Development, Blastness

Passionate, positive and hard worker with over 20 years' experience in Revenue Management & Digital Marketing, Piergiorgio started his career working for airline companies on intercontinental markets, switching to the hospitality industry in 2009 and since 2011 he applied his knowledge to create in Blastness the largest italian independent team of Revenue Management with focus on direct bookings.

In Blastness Piergiorgio developed the next step of “Web Revenue Management” as it plays a crucial role in the process of boosting direct sales. With a degree in Economics, a Master in Big Data, and an MBA, he is also one of the most quoted professors in LUISS Business School for over than ten years

Session Details:

Boost direct bookings and transform your website into a profit machine

2024-04-17, 11:10 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Veryan Palmer
Director, The Headland Hotel

Session Details:

Case study: Commitment to the community: Inspiring the next generation of hoteliers

2024-04-17, 2:35 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Diogo Vaz Ferreira
Head of Commercial, Clink Hostels

Currently serving as the Head of Commercial at Clink Hostels, Diogo oversees all commercial teams and has spearheaded the implementation of various tools and systems, enhancing operational efficiency and performance. Clink Hostels are pioneers in the early adoption of numerous hospitality systems such as Mews, Pace, Groupcorner, HiJiffy, and more. The goal for the future is a seamless integration of BI Tools to facilitate data-driven decision-making.

With a background in business management, hospitality, and asset management, complemented by a Certificate in Real Estate Investments and Asset Management from Cornell, Diogo brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. He holds a Master's in Hospitality Management from the Glion Institute of Higher Education and a Bachelor's in Business Management from the University of Coimbra.

Session Details:

Technology, tactics and profit optimisation: Boosting revenue management strategies

2024-04-17, 5:35 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Nicholas Wyatt
Head of RA Travel & Tourism, GlobalData

Session Details:

Chairs opening remarks

2024-04-17, 8:45 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Daniel Lister
CEO, DanMagi

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Revolutionising guest communication: Chatbots and beyond

2024-04-18, 9:00 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Uri Yeger
Design Director, citizenM Hotels

Session Details:

Designing the future of hospitality

2024-04-18, 10:30 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Henrique Tiago de Castro
General Manager, EVOLUTION Cascais-Estoril Hotel

Dynamic and "disruptive" lifestyle hotels lover with the ambitious urge to shake & stir an F&B and lifestyle-centric hotel. My path starts with an amuse-bouche in cookery and is followed by a 7-course meal – having worked in hotels across 7 (very different) countries –, this is paired with a full-bodied hotel management diploma. In simple terms, these experiences made me fluent in 4 languages (PT, DE, EN & ES). Far beyond this, living within different communities has refined my natural adaptability and contributed to my deep appreciation of cultural differences. I thrive during high-pressure periods and never shy away from a challenge. I think my biggest asset is the ability to use my "always ready" attitude into bringing energy and progress to any project I become part of. However, I also believe that achieving peak performance is impossible without a strong team spirit, where everybody feels empowered.

Session Details:

Localisation vs globalisation: Blending global branding and cultural identity

2024-04-18, 10:00 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Ted Horner
Owner E Horner & Associates
Next speaker
Back
Ryan Haynes
Director Haynes MarComs

Session Details:

Chairs opening remarks

2024-04-16, 11:00 AM

Session Details:

Chairs opening remarks

2024-04-17, 8:45 AM

Session Details:

Chairs opening remarks

2024-04-18, 8:50 AM

Session Details:

Reflective closing panel discussion

2024-04-18, 12:55 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Cinta Massó
CCO, Hotelverse

Cinta Massó serves as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Hotelverse, a technology company that aims to revolutionize the hotel room reservation model and enhance the digital customer experience. She is responsible for leading and managing the company's commercial strategy on an international level. With a professional career spanning over 15 years in the tourism sector, Massó brings extensive expertise in strategic management of online sales, online hotel distribution, e-commerce, customer loyalty strategies, and brand image enhancement. Prior to joining Hotelverse, she held various leadership positions at renowned organizations and companies in the sector, including The Hotels Network and Booking.com.

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Guest behaviour in 2024 and beyond: Adapting strategies for changing behaviours

2024-04-17, 9:30 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Charlotte Newton
Senior Analyst, Thematic Intelligence, GlobalData

Charlotte is an Senior Analyst with GlobalData’s Thematic Research Team. Since joining the team, Charlotte has written on important technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, ESG, Internet of Things, and Augmented Reality. Her comments regarding the Metaverse have also appeared in Time magazine. Prior to joining GlobalData, Charlotte studied for an MSc in Political Science, with a focus on Russia and Eastern Europe.

Session Details:

The ages of AI: How will generative AI affect the hotel industry?

2024-04-18, 10:00 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Piotr Lipiec
Senior Hotel TV BDM Europe, Samsung
Next speaker
Back
Frank Wagner
Director -International Sales, Advanced Computer Technology

Frank is part of the hospitality IT world since the early days of Fidelio Software, where he initially joined in 1995. Since then, he held various managerial roles at Micros and Oracle Hospitality,  before joining ACT International as its Director International Sales for ACT’s Hospitality Group.

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: Advancing hotel technology in a cost-efficient era

2024-04-17, 9:00 AM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Sal Capizzi
VP of Marketing, Book4Time

Sal is a spa and wellness operations expert, he has a rich background in business management and elevating guest experiences. His leadership transformed wellness programs at Equinox and NEXUS Club New York. Recognizing technology's potential, he joined Book4Time in 2020, enhancing operational efficiency, customer engagement, and growth through software solutions and insights. Sal continues to innovate in technology, SaaS, and wellness.

Session Details:

Panel Discussion: From data to delight: Cultivating guest centricity through a data driven culture

2024-04-16, 1:15 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker
Back
Carsten Wernet
CEO, SIHOT Group

Passionate about technology and dedicated to the hotel industry.

CEO and board member of SIHOT Group, owner of the SIHOT hotel management system, since 2019, having previously led the company as Support and General Manager since 2008. Also, Addipos director since November 2022.

He has led the company through its digital transformation, evolving its platform to meet the traveller’s technological expectations, improving the guest experience and bringing greater efficiency to hotel operations.

He has also been involved in its international expansion (for example, as Project Manager in Australia) and the development of new products (such as SIHOT.SAAS and SIHOT.CLOUD).

Session Details:

How to compete with the big players in the digitalisation of the hotel industry

2024-04-17, 3:05 PM

View In Agenda
Next speaker

Plan Your Visit

Venue

Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower

Avinguda de la Granvia de l’Hospitalet, 144, 08907 Barcelona, Spain

Sponsors

Select a sponsor to learn more

HEADLINE SPONSOR

COFFEE SPONSOR

WIFI SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

EXHIBITORS

NETWORKING SPONSORS

Why Partner?

BRANDING

Build brand awareness among the prospective customer base.

Get your brand front of mind and gain authority.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Promote your unique solutions and demonstrate impact.

Directly address your audience.

LEAD GENERATION

Meet people you would not otherwise have met.

Create viable new business opportunities with decision makers.

Gain ROI.


IHTF23 Audience

The 2023 edition of the International Hotel Technology Forum brought together decision-makers from the world’s best hotels, including:

  • Accor
  • IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Radisson Hotels
  • Hilton
  • Valamar Hotels & Resorts
  • Rocco Forte Hotels
  • Wombat’s City Hostel
  • Falkensteiner Hotels
  • Danubius Hotels

By partnering with us, you can expect fruitful opportunities to network and connect face-t0-face with key decision-makers within the industry. Extended networking breaks, a dedicated exhibition area within the venue and one-to-one business meetings all ensure meaningful conversations and networking with prospective buyers can take place.

 

 

 

 


HEAR FROM OUR 2023 SPONSORS

View more videos from IHTF 2023 on our Youtube Channel


CONTACT US HERE TO BECOME A PARTNER

BROWSE OUR CURRENT SPONSORS

 

Industry News

Media Centre

Hospitality Business Review

Hotel Magazine

Become A Media Partner

Enquiry

Contact Us

SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES

Herdip Kaur

+44 207866 9436

SPEAKING ENQUIRIES

Ruth Atterbury

Portfolio Manager

+44 (0) 204 540 7766

MARKETING ENQUIRIES

Moona Popal

Marketing Manager

DELEGATE ENQUIRIES

Lisa Wright

VIP Delegate Manager

SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES

To enquire about sponsorship opportunities for the conference, please contact:

Herdip Kaur

Sales Manager


+44 207866 9436

SPEAKING ENQUIRIES

To enquire about speaking opportunities for the conference, please contact:

Ruth Atterbury

Portfolio Manager


+44 (0) 204 540 7766