Education & Content
Redefining hospitality – Recovering for future growth
Our series of seminars brought a dynamic mix of learning, development and in-depth industry debate from a range of leading thought leaders across the hotel and hospitality sector.
Attendees got the latest trends and key issues impacting the sector, discovered the latest innovations, creativity and knowledge to drive you and the hospitality community forward.
Event At A Glance
THURS – 18 MAY 2023
Feature
Audience
EXPO
ALL
INDOOR
OFFICIAL OPENING OF EXPO
OUTSIDE EXHIBITION 1
WORKSHOP CONTENT
ALL
WORKSHOP THEATRE EXPO FLOOR
EXPO FLOOR
EXPO FLOOR
FRI – 19 MAY 2023
Feature
Audience
EXPO
ALL
INDOOR
WORKSHOP CONTENT
ALL
WORKSHOP THEATRE EXPO FLOOR
EXPO FLOOR
EXPO FLOOR
SAT – 20 MAY 2023
Feature
Audience
EXPO
ALL
INDOOR
WORKSHOP CONTENT
ALL
WORKSHOP THEATRE EXPO FLOOR
EXPO FLOOR
EXPO FLOOR
2023 Hotel & Hospitality Show Workshop Agenda
*This is a provisional programme and subject to change
Day 1: Thursday, 18 May 2023
Sub-theme: Current state of business
10:30 – 11:30
Panel discussion: What lessons have we learned from the COVID era? What has changed and what are the numbers?
The pandemic taught us how to do more with less as we pivoted to new business models and focus more closely on the numbers. But the question remains how much of the old normal do you want back, or can you afford it? Join this session and hear industry leaders share key learnings and reflections on how they have adjusted to recover and uncover new opportunities in the current landscape.
11:30 – 12:30
Fireside chat: A lesson on authenticity – A Newmark Hotel case study
Join our speakers as they share their views, successes, and failures from hindsight into insight on unlocking new opportunities.
133:30 – 14:30
Expert panel discussion: Dealing with your energy problems: A practical guide by the experts on how you can immediately start addressing your energy constraints
South Africa is in the throes of an energy crisis experiencing the highest levels of ‘load-shedding’ with reports that this will continue for years to come. Hotels reported a 30% increase in operational costs, not to mention the loss of revenue when the power is out. Join our expert panel as they discuss the latest interventions to address soaring prices, efficiencies you can implement right now, and what you need to know when considering getting off the grid.
14:30 – 15:30
Panel discussion: Township economy – Building hospitality communities
If you own and operate a township-based tourism or hospitality establishment, or wish to do so, come hear firsthand about resources to assist, from the benefits of the grading system through licensing, payment, and financing options. Hear from those in the know how you can make the most of your business.
Day 2: Friday, 19 May 2023
Sub-theme: Practical steps on how to re-establish your business
10:30 – 11:30
Panel discussion: Pricing strategies – Past, present, and future
With margins tightening across the market, savvy hotel operators are analysing and rethinking all aspects of their operations and pricing to stay ahead. Join this discussion and uncover the latest trends, market analysis, forecasts, and realities of how to recalibrate your revenue management and pricing strategy.
11:30 – 12:30
Panel discussion: Becoming an incredible employer and solving the employment crisis – What steps are you putting in place to build a diverse workforce?
Join this discussion and hear from our experts as they discuss the challenges of retention in a churning market, steps how to find quality staff, and ensure their ongoing commitment.
13:30 – 14:30
Panel discussion: Sustainable hospitality – What, why, and how – Nice to have or essential for your hotel’s future?
There has been a remarkable increase in awareness and action toward more sustainable operations. Get the latest why what and how to meet new hospitality ESG standards and how easy it is to overhaul your procurement operations and choice of suppliers. Join this session and gain insights into the latest trends.
14:30 – 15:30
Panel discussion: F&B – Is experiential dining here to stay?
How dining is evolving depends on tweaking business models and innovations. Join this discussion and hear from design and culinary experts as they discuss the latest trends influencing tomorrow’s restaurants and bars.
Day 3: Saturday, 20 May 2023
Sub-theme: Future-proofing your business
10:30 – 11:30
Fireside chat: Travel recovery in Sub-Saharan Africa – is the resurgence real?
Join our expert speakers as they share their views on inbound leisure and business travel, what can be done by the public sector to provide further tourism incentives, update on the grading criteria, and investment into hotels. Hear insights from our Hospitality Confidence Index backing up the move to recovery.
11:30 – 12:30
Panel discussion: The role of AI and personalisation in growing direct guests – Innovation the new efficiency
The future of AI promises something bigger, think of AI-powered analytics that track, monitor, and predict future customer behavior – hospitality is headed towards a smart future satisfying guests, tracking buyer behavior, and forecasting trends. Join our expert panel as they discuss the latest innovations to improve your business performance.
12:30 – 13:30
Interactive futureproofing: Scenario planning – Planning uncertainty and possible futures for hospitality
Scenario planning is a valuable instrument for decision-makers to have in their tool kit. Join this session and make sure your voice is heard as we unpack several possible scenarios for the medium-term tourism and hospitality business. The report developed in this session will be released after the show.
*This is a provisional programme and subject to change
