Agenda
8:00AM TO 8:50AM
Welcome Oasis: Registration, Breakfast, and Networking
Begin the day with registration, a delicious breakfast, and the opportunity to meet industry professionals, sponsors, and exhibitors from the hotel sector. Establish connections that will set the foundation for a productive day.
8:50AM TO 9:00AM
Opening Address
9:00AM TO 9:30AM
Keynote Panel: Shaping the Future of Hotel Guest Experiences – Innovation and Evolution
This panel brings together leading voices from the hotel industry to explore how innovation and evolving market trends are redefining the guest experience. From shifting guest expectations to cutting-edge technologies and regional influences, the discussion will uncover transformative strategies that are shaping the future of hospitality. Attendees will gain actionable insights and real-world examples to inspire innovation in their own operations.
Anna Abou Assaf, Global Director of Rooms and Guest Experience, KERZNER INTERNATIONAL
9:30AM TO 10:00AM
Case Studies by Hoteliers and Industry Leaders:
Addressing Current Trends and Challenges shaping the future of Hotel Guest Experience
Case Study 1: Smart Rooms and Beyond – The Future of Guest Comfort
Case Study 2: Pricing Strategies for Regional and Global Competitiveness
Case Study 3: Delivering Personalised Stays – The New Standard of Luxury
Mirza Ibracevic, Complex Director of Recreation & Spa, LE MERIDIEN DUBAI HOTEL + CONFERENCE CENTRE
Networking Slot - 1-2-1 Pre-Arranged Meetings between Hoteliers & Suppliers
10:05AM TO 10:20AM - 1-2-1 Meeting Slot 1
10:20AM TO 10:35AM - 1-2-1 Meeting Slot 2
Arrange your 1-2-1 meeting via our App, 4 weeks before the event.
• This networking session provides a unique opportunity for hoteliers and sponsors to collaborate on shaping the future of guest experiences. Use our event app to schedule personalised 1-2-1 meetings to discuss innovative strategies, share insights, and explore solutions that enhance the guest journey.
• The meeting scheduling feature will go live 4 weeks before the event. Please ensure you download the app, complete your profile, and plan your meetings in advance to make the most of this valuable networking opportunity.
• The App is only available for registered attendees.
10:35AM TO 11:00AM
Morning Coffee Break: Connecting Over Conversations
Recharge with a coffee break and explore exhibitor solutions designed to enhance hotel operations and elevate guest satisfaction.
11:00AM TO 11:15AM
Innovation Spotlight Presentation: Creating Seamless Guest Journeys – Revenue Beyond The Room
As guest expectations evolve, hotels are encouraged to adopt a holistic approach to deliver seamless journeys while maximising revenue opportunities.
In this Innovation Spotlight Session, Niraj Nadkarni, General Manager – MENA, Agilysys will explore how creating frictionless, guest-centric experiences can unlock Revenue Beyond The Room.
From innovative technologies to operational strategies, this session will demonstrate how hotels can enhance their offerings, personalise guest interactions, and boost profitability.
A real-world case study will showcase actionable insights and measurable results, offering inspiration for hoteliers to implement in their own operations.
Niraj Nadkarni, General Manager – MENA, AGILYSYS
Networking Slot - 1-2-1 Pre-Arranged Meetings between Hoteliers & Suppliers
11:20AM TO 11:35AM - 1-2-1 Meeting Slot 3
11:35AM TO 11:50AM - 1-2-1 Meeting Slot 4
11:50AM TO 12:05PM - 1-2-1 Meeting Slot 5
Arrange your 1-2-1 meeting via our App, 4 weeks before the event.
11:55AM TO 12:30PM
Panel Discussion: Cross-Departmental Collaboration – Building the Ultimate Guest Experience
Hear from industry experts representing operations, IT, marketing, revenue management, wellness and F&B as they discuss strategies for breaking silos and fostering collaboration to deliver outstanding guest experiences.
Custódio Barreiros, Founder & CEO, EIP MGT
Wael AlKhadraa, Director of Housekeeping, Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Joseph Choueiri, Group F&B Director, Kerten Hospitality
12:30PM TO 1:30PM
Lunch and Networking
Enjoy a diverse culinary experience while connecting with peers, sponsors, and exhibitors in a relaxed setting.
1:30PM TO 1:45PM
Innovation Spotlight Presentation
Hoteza & Roomio
• Explore how sustainability initiatives are being implemented in hotels across the Middle East, from energy-efficient operations to environmentally friendly guest offerings, without compromising service quality.
Nikolay Beloshitsky, CEO, Hoteza
1:45PM TO 2:15PM
Fireside Chat: Redefining Guest Journeys for a Diverse Market
• Fireside Chat: Casual conversation with industry leaders on successful collaborations.
- Audience Q&A: Attendees engage directly with speakers at the end of the session
Networking Slot - 1-2-1 Pre-Arranged Meetings between Hoteliers & Suppliers
2:20AM TO 2:35PM - 1-2-1 Meeting Slot 6
2:35PM TO 2:50PM - 1-2-1 Meeting Slot 7
2:35PM TO 2:50PM - 1-2-1 Meeting Slot 8
Arrange your 1-2-1 meeting via our App, 4 weeks before the event.
2:55PM TO 3:30PM
Panel Discussion: What Do Guests Really Want? Understanding Evolving Expectations
• This panel brings together industry experts to explore the ever-changing expectations of modern hotel guests. Panellists will share insights and case studies on how hoteliers can adapt to trends such as personalisation and seamless digital experiences. The discussion will address key questions, including:
- What do guests value most in their hotel experience today?
- How can hotels balance technology and the human touch to exceed expectations?
- What innovations are reshaping the guest journey?
3:30PM TO 3:50PM
Afternoon Coffee and Networking
• Recharge during the afternoon coffee break and connect with fellow attendees, peers, and suppliers. Use this time to explore tailored strategies and experience cutting-edge technology in action, designed to enhance your guest experience and streamline hotel operations.
3:50PM TO 4:20PM
Panel Discussion: Guest Loyalty Redefined – Strategies for Revenue and Satisfaction
• This panel will highlight the critical role revenue management plays in driving profitability while ensuring guest satisfaction. Panellists will share case studies and insights into:
- Balancing dynamic pricing strategies with guest value perception.
- Utilising data analytics to optimise room revenue and ancillary sales.
- Encouraging direct bookings through targeted pricing, loyalty programmes, and personalised offers to maximise margins and build stronger guest relationships.
- Coordinating with marketing, sales, and operations teams to align revenue goals with guest-centric strategies.
Lucy Wilson, Senior Director Brand Loyalty, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts
Jerwin Ebora, Head of Hotel Performance & Quality, Ishraq Hospitality
4:20PM TO 4:50PM
Panel Discussion: Marketing Hotels to Modern Travellers – The Art of Storytelling
Discover how hotels are leveraging storytelling, personalisation, and digital campaigns to engage with experience-driven travellers. Learn from marketing leaders about crafting campaigns that turn inspiration into bookings.
4:50PM TO 5:20PM
Closing Panel: Hotels 2030 – Future Trends in Hotel Operations and Guest Expectations
This forward-looking session will bring together general managers, operations leaders, and guest experience experts to discuss the innovations and trends that will shape the future of the hotel sector.
Antonio Mangeruga, Global Director of Finance, Operations and Cost Management, Kempinski Hotels S.A.
Qasim Sharif, Director of Finance EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts