The Annual Hotel Conference (AHC) returns on 11-12 September 2023, once again bringing a wealth of hospitality expertise, insight and knowledge to Manchester’s Central Convention Complex.

Attracting over 1,000 attendees from across the UK, the event will see the biggest names in the hospitality industry come together to discuss key challenges and opportunities for the industry within a difficult economic climate.

Underpinned by key analysis from Questex’s advisory board on how, and where, is best to invest across the next 12 months, the four core themes of the conference revolve around how businesses, whether owners, investors, or developers, must Adapt to Thrive.

Confirmed headline speakers include hospitality icon and Chef Patron Michel Roux Jr; James Pomeroy, Global Economist at HSBC; Tom Ross, CEO of The Pig Hotels; David Anderson, President for EMEA at Aimbridge; Matt Luscombe, CEO of Cycas Hospitality; Kenneth Macpherson, CEO for Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts; and TV presenter Gethin Jones.

Themes to be discussed and debated include the rise of revenge travel and the opportunities it presents for inbound tourism, as well as the evolution of hospitality to meet changing guest demand, and how the industry can drive positive social change. There will also be an exploration of investment opportunities, data studies and a sharing of growth strategies by industry leaders.

Delivering the closing keynote, Michel Roux Jr will give his perspective on sustaining excellence, developing and nurturing talent, and space optimisation. The hospitality icon, who runs one of the world’s leading restaurants in London, will also share practical guidance in an invitation-only Q&A session titled Check On! Michel Roux Jr F&B Clinic on Tuesday 12 September at 11am.

As well as offering a plethora of insightful talks and discussions, the AHC 2023 provides multiple opportunities to network, including at a reception at Society on the evening of Monday 11 September.

---

Economy, strategy, and performance

Monday 11 September –

12.40 – 13:00 Stats to Strategy: Applying the Data

A hospitality investor and seasoned hotelier discuss how the statistics are likely to shape their respective business plans for the year ahead.

14:00 – 14.40 Capital Talks: Leading the Way in a New Hospitality Investment Landscape

Lack of quality stock means investors need to look beyond the classic investment options to deploy their cash, while those in the broader real estate market are taking a keen interest in alternatives including hotels. A panel of committed UK hospitality investors will share their thoughts on what makes a good transaction in the current climate, how to extract value, and where they expect the next acquisition opportunities to present.

Tuesday 12 September –

09:00 – 09:45 Driving Alpha: Enhancing Asset Output

Part of the Driving Alpha series on beating the benchmark, this asset management session showcases the best British examples of how to maximise the performance of a property – from wholesale change to marginal gains.

10:15 – 11:00 To Buy, Build or Refinance: Mapping the UK Debt Landscape

Traditional and alternative financiers share thoughts on where owners and investors can access debt for a range of strategies, how to be a more appealing borrower, and the true value of relationships.

---

Revenge Travel

Monday 11 September –

11:30 – 11:55 Revenge Travel or Dampening Desire? The Travel Trends Affecting Destination UK

Inflation and higher living costs weigh on consumers’ wallets, but many have so far refused to cut back on travel. Can we expect an end to revenge spending in the months ahead, and are consumers becoming more discerning? What of inbound flows, Asian travel and domestic substitution?

16:50 – 17:30 Crown Jewel: The importance of the UK Market for Global Expansion Strategies

Wrapping up day one, the panel of experienced CEOs will examine just what makes the UK marketing uniquely attractive and how the industry can overcome currently challenges including labour and economic uncertainty, to develop a vision for the future.

---

The importance of F&B

Tuesday 12 September

11:30 – 12:15 Check On! Michel Roux Jr F&B Clinic (Invitation Only)

What have you always wanted to know about F&B but were afraid to ask? In this Question Time format, the audience can ask Michel Roux Jr any question, whether it is developing the right menu for guests, how to build a performing team, how to make your F&B more profitable or more.

13:30 – 14:00 Leadership Keynote: In Conversation with Hospitality Icon Michel Roux Jr

The conference wraps up with the Leadership Keynote, in which Questex are privileged to be in conversation with Michel Roux Jr, as we get his perspective on sustaining excellence, developing and nurturing talent and space optimisation, as well as insights into his experiences working with the most iconic brands.

---

The full programme can be viewed here

Commenting on the challenges within the hospitality industry this year, Joe Stather, VP Market Lead, Operational Real Estate at Questex, said: “The UK hospitality industry is facing its own unique set of challenges as we head deep into 2023. For two days in September, we expect over a thousand senior industry stakeholders to gather in Manchester for the 20^th Annual Hotel Conference, for networking, expert insights and case studies on how to succeed against a challenging macro backdrop.

“Our theme this year is Adapt to Thrive, and we’ll be showcasing business strategies which are delivering and anticipating, growth despite tightening consumer conditions and stubborn cost inflation. On the current trajectory, we are anticipating more exhibitors, owners, investors and asset managers to be in attendance than ever before, which demonstrates the continued relevance of the AHC some 20 years after the event first started.”