Agenda
Subject to change - just like life…
Registration
07:45-08:30
Registration and coffee
Welcome and Opening
A warm welcome from the Global Revenue Forum team and thank you to our sponsors
08:30 - 08:40
Welcome and opening address from the founders of Global Revenue Forum in London, Milan and Stockholm
Ally Northfield, Managing Director Revenue by Design
Emanuele Nardin, Director Hotel Performance from Milan
Annemarie Gubanski CEO Taktikon from Stockholm
Keynote
Greg Land, Global Segment Leader, Accommodation, Lodging, Casino, Cruise for Amazon Web Services, will take to the stage on 30th January 2024 to open 'Roadmap to Resilience'.
Resilience is about travel & hospitality companies adjusting to fast-evolving market environments and seeking the key benefits of agility, cost savings, elasticity, and the ability to quickly scale.
But it is also about positioning these companies for business transformation and innovation. Despite the unprecedented disruption of the past 2 years, 94% of travel & hospitality leaders indicated that it is more important to proceed with digital-first business transformation post-pandemic, and 81% have increased their budgets for digital transformation.
New technologies from cloud computing to generative AI are allowing these companies to drive business transformation, accelerate innovation and drive new revenues for their business.
Greg will leverage his extensive industry expertise to share his insights on building resilience in the face of uncertainty and the role technology plays.
08:40 - 09:25
Streamed online to Milan, Stockholm
Road Map to Resilience - a journey from different perspectives
Michael Frenkel leads the discussion on how resilience is being built into the mindset of hospitality companies, how this translates into increased automation, efficiency and productivity, and how the revenue management landscape is changing to adapt to these needs. An innovative interview with Joe Pettigrew, Klaus Kohlmayr and Greg Land.
Klaus Kohlmayr, Chief Evangelist and Development Officer, IDeaS, Joe Pettigrew Chief Commercial Officer at Starwood Hotel Asset Management, Conversation led by Michael Frenkel, Principal, Travel Conversations LLC, MFC PR, joined by Greg Land, AWS
09:30 - 09:50
Streamed online and to Milan Stockholm
Data-Driven Resilience: A Framework for Trend Identification and Innovation
Juyo Analytics’ CEO Vassilis Syropoulos walks through the framework for trend identification and why, with the current pace of change, it's important that we operate on three different levels: Iteration, Innovation, and Disruption. This approach is crucial because resilience stems from more than just iteration.
Vasillis Syropoulos CEO Juyo Analytics
09:55 - 10:15
Is your team Leadership-Ready?
Sommet, owners of illustrious educational establishments including Glion, Les Roches, and Ecole Ducasse, explore how targeted education strategies can effectively bridge the educational skills gap in hospitality leadership, identifying essential hard and soft skills necessary for achieving operational excellence and fostering a positive organisational culture. Uncover educational methodologies and practices that empower leaders to drive innovation and efficiency, build teams that are leadership-ready, and capable of navigating through the complexities of an industry that is increasingly vulnerable to seismic shifts in business models, economic influences and internal resource challenges.
Conor Jackson, Associate Director of Post Graduate Admissions, Switzerland, UK, Southern Europe and MENA
10:20 - 10:35
Networking Break
10:35. - 11:00
Catch up with colleagues and friends
Under the Spotlight
The movement toward diversity and equity is helping reshape the hospitality landscape, bringing new voices forward and helping hoteliers as well as technologists more fully understand and serve key stakeholders - customers, employees and others - by creating opportunities for collaboration alongside healthy competition. Visual Matrix CEO Georgine Muntz is at the forefront of these issues in North America, and has convened a Women's Executive Innovation Working Group made up of industry leaders to address them. She shares learnings in dialogue with Michael Frenkel with whom she co-leads the working group.
Georgine Muntz, CEO at Visual Matrix, Michael Frenkel, Principal, Travel Conversations LLC, MFC PR
11:00 - 11:15
How retailing is enabling hoteliers to drive total revenue
Everyone talks about driving total revenue. What if you could easily drive far greater spend at the time of a customer booking? What if you went beyond the room and sold additional goods and experiences that also truly enhance guest satisfaction? Merchandising is changing hospitality as hoteliers drive new revenue streams to address total revenue management, in order to Go Beyond.
Guy Barnes Head of Sales Europe, Sabre Hospitality
11:20- 11:35
Keynote from Milan
Navigate constant change by embracing it, sparking creativity, and emerging stronger! Join our highly interactive session to unlock keys to success in this dynamic business world. Harness resilience, adapt, and innovate to elevate your personal and professional journey. Move forward confidently as you navigate the future!
Sean Worker, Founder and CEO T5 Strategies
11:35 - 12:15
Lunch
12:15- 13:15
Catch up and re-vitalise
Break Out Sessions Round 1
13:15 - 13:45 - Choose from four breakouts rr
Break Out Session 2
The role of AI in shaping the future of hospitality revenue management
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has raised profound questions about its potential to disrupt various industries, including hospitality. One area is revenue management. Join this session to delve into the advantages and potential drawbacks of integrating AI into pricing strategies, while gaining a comprehensive understanding of this rapidly evolving technology. This thought-provoking session aims to shape your perspective on the future of AI and revenue management.
Jens Munch co-founder and CEO of FLYR Hospitality (formerly Pace Revenue), Louise Mitchell Commercial Director, Hamilton Pyramid, Moderated by Kelly Cronin, Revenue Director, Village Hotels
13:15 - 13:45
Location - Ballroom 2 Streamed Online
Breakout Session 1
Building the leadership of tomorrow: Adaptable, Agile, Innovative and Transformative
Our panel will discuss the pivotal role of sustainable practices and innovative strategies in the hospitality industry and explore how education can nurture future leaders to drive resilience and growth in this sector. Experts will discuss integrating sustainability into core business models and leveraging innovation to adapt to the rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.
Julie White, Chief Commercial Officer Accor, Premium Midscale Economy Brands, Europe North Africa, Conor Jackson Sommet Education, Maribel Esparcia Pérez, Sustainable Hospitality Club
Discussion led by Rita Varga CEO RaizUp
13:15- 13:45
Location - Ballroom 1
Breakout session 4
1.5 hour Pricing masterclass with Danilo Zatta, author of the international pricing best seller 'The Pricing Model Revolution'
13:15 -15:00
Note this session covers ALL THREE breakouts and offers a unique opportunity to spend time in an intense workshop on pricing with Danilo. A further option exists to attend a one day workshop in late March 2024 in London, if you don’t get into this session. Seats limited to 25.
The workshop will cover
Introduction to pricing in the hotel industry
Hotel pricing dynamics
Impact of pricing why is this important?
Defining your USP i.e. How do I define the value for my offering and then how do I go about pricing to value?
Types of pricing, Competitor Cost plus and Value-based pricing - why it is relevant, how it works + examples from real life application and potential
Dynamic pricing - why it is relevant, how it works + examples from real life application and potential
Pricing levers to implement independently from pricing approach
Surcharging & Bundling
Location - Globe 1&2
Breakout Session 3
How to Maximise incremental revenue opportunities from data-driven Digital Marketing Strategies.
We focus on how data driven personalisation transforms digital marketing strategies and drives bottom line profitability, through nurturing the development of guest relationships with tailored marketing campaigns for increased engagement and loyalty, and how creating a revenue-focused culture fosters helps align the objectives of both marketing and revenue teams.
Allan Nelson Founder, CEO, and Board Director of For Sight, Gemma Hynes, Client Services Director Net Affinity, Debbie Neate Head of Marketing, Sutton Hotel Collection
In conversation with David Ohandjanian Company Founder Up Hotel Agency
13:15- 13:45
Location Ballroom 3
Break Out Sessions Round Two rr rrrr
13:45- 14:20 Choose from four breakouts
Breakout Session 6
AI in hotel distribution and guest communications 2024 - what role will it take?
80% of hotels expect to have integrated some form of AI by now. This session will highlight the pivotal role of AI in revolutionizing hotel distribution and guest communication iin the year ahead. We will discuss the advancements in AI technologies for the hotel industry, and their impact on enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency. Let's discuss how to evaluate AI potential across different areas of business.
Brendan May, Managing Director, Hotel Resbot, Benjamn Devisme Vice President Sales, Quick Text
Led by Rita Varga CEO Raiz Up
Location Ballroom 2
13:45- 14:20 Streamed Online
Breakout Session 5
Exploring resilience in the Luxury market
Post pandemic the demand for luxury goods is outpacing growth of many other sectors. Luxury in hospitality means immersive experiences, emotional connections and personalised itineraries. Flip the coin however and the sector is facing changing customer travel sentiments, regional travel restrictions, demands for greater efforts around sustainability and a more educated luxury traveller in the face of a cost of living crisis. What does it take to build resilience in this dynamic market ?
Martine de Gues, Director of Marketing & Communications at Mayfair’s Beaumont Hotel, Linden Beattie, General Manager Down Hall Hotel, Christina Deeny Managing Director, Sales and Revenue at Soneva, Susanne Williams, Director Consulting Services, Journey
In conversation with Catt McLeod, Vice President Brand Development, Elegant Hotel Collection.
13:45 - 14:20
Location Ballroom 1
Breakout Session 7
Enhancing Digital Performance through optimising the customer Journey
Creating a frictionless customer journey and leveraging customer data to boost the impact of promotional strategies are critical to enhancing digital performance. We show how practical personalisation strategies enhance the customer journey and provide insights into tailoring approaches for different markets and segments.
Jakob Lindh Tripolis, Head of Ecommerce at Nobis Hospitality ND,Sonia Paulina Merena, Market Director at The Hotels Network
13:45- 14:20
Location - Ballroom 3
Breakout Session 8
Danilo Zatta Expert Pricing MasterClass
Note this session covers ALL THREE breakouts
Introduction to pricing in the hotel industry
Hotel pricing dynamics
Impact of pricing why is this important?
Defining your USP i.e. How do I define the value for my offering and then how do I go about pricing to value?
Types of pricing, Competitor Cost plus and Value-based pricing - why it is relevant, how it works + examples from real life application and potential
Dynamic pricing - why it is relevant, how it works + examples from real life application and potential
Pricing levers to implement independently from pricing approach
Surcharging & Bundling
Location - Globe 1&2
13:45- 14:20
Breakout Session 11
How technology is leading the way in gaining better engagement and conversion from today’s demanding customer
We explore how the role of technology is driving customer engagement and impactful experiences at different customer touch points, and ultimately more direct bookings. The panel will discuss how hotels can leverage advancements in improved opportunities to engage with customers through use of AI, enhanced personalisation techniques, and the role of integrated technology platforms. The discussion will provide insights into how technology can be used to optimise the data available for better visibility on customer booking behaviour, and how to leverage technology for competitive advantage.
John Mullen, Senior Territory Sales Manager, Revinate. Moderated by Amrita Makkar, Director of Revenue Virgin Hotels
14:20 - 15:00
Location Ballroom 3
Breakout Session 12
Danilo Zatta Expert Pricing Master Class continues
Introduction to pricing in the hotel industry
Hotel pricing dynamics
Impact of pricing why is this important?
Defining your USP i.e. How do I define the value for my offering and then how do I go about pricing to value?
Types of pricing, Competitor Cost plus and Value-based pricing - why it is relevant, how it works + examples from real life application and potential
Dynamic pricing - why it is relevant, how it works + examples from real life application and potential
Pricing levers to implement independently from pricing approach
Surcharging & Bundling
14:20 - 15:00
Location Globe 1&2
Break Out Sessions Round Three rr rrrr
14:20 - 15:00 Choose from four breakouts
Breakout Session 10
Maximizing Guest Engagement and Conversion
The session unpacks how Artificial Intelligence and personalized guest engagement strategies can transform the guest experience and booking conversion. The panel will share insights on how to use AI to create customised guest experiences and the importance of hyper-personalization in building lasting guest engagement and as a result greater loyalty. We will also discuss the integration of advanced digital tools to optimize hotel operational workflows, enhancing both guest satisfaction and business efficiency.
Frank Reeves Chief Evangelist SHR Group, Roeland Verhamme Chief Executive Officer, Expect Me, Nick PIlbeam Commercial Director Hotels Queensway, Jonathan Liu Chief Commercial Officer, Verdi Hotels.
A lively, cross-discipline, relatively unmoderated discussion between tech creators and tech users ..not to be missed.
14:20 - 15:00
Location Ballroom 2 Streamed online
Breakout Session 9
How M&E technology advancements are supporting the drive for optimal revenues from M&E strategies
This session explores advanced approaches to maximizing group business revenue, encompassing room bookings and ancillary services focusing on the importance of understanding market dynamics and demand patterns to refine sales strategies. Pivotal to this is the role of technology and automation in enhancing revenue management, streamlining operations, and driving profitability through strategic pricing and event space optimization.
Joonas Ahola CEO and Founder Meeting package, Harriet Ruby, Head of Marketing Thynk Cloud, Moderated byTom Finn CEO Edwards and Finn
14:20 - 15:00
Location Ballroom 1
Networking Break
Relax, Rejuvenate and Revive
Sponsored by Edwards and Finn
15:00 - 15:25
Keynote from Stockholm - Christina Stielli
Distinguished award-winning speaker, author, and lecturer, Christina will draw on her extensive background in behavioural science, leadership, communication, and psychology and combine this with her own experience working in travel and hospitality to deliver an inspiring and fresh perspective to the conversation on building resilience within the workplace.
15:40 - 16:25 Plenary
Sustainability and its core relation to Profitability
Thrust Carbon builds technology that enables the world's most forward thinking companies to offer green products, and to operate sustainably. Kit Aspen talks us through the initiatives they have built for the travel industry and how we can engage with sustainability in line with profitability
Kit Aspen, Founder Thrust Carbon
15:25 - 15:40
Building Resilience - Data insights into hospitality performance
16:25 - 16:45
What did they think? No.. what did they really think?
Our Final panel of experts sum up the day with key takeaways
Julie White Chief Commercial Officer, Accor Premium Midscale Economy Brands, Europe North Africa
Christina Deeny Managing Director, Sales and Revenue at Soneva
Guy Barnes Head of Sales Europe, Sabre
Dan Zatta, Pricing Expert, Author and Sales Director Valcon
Moderated by Joe Pettigrew, Chief Commercial Officer at Starwood Hotels Asset Management
16:45 - 17:10
A note from Our Charity Room to Reward
17:10-17:20
Please take the time to hear about this amazing charity and how you can get involved
Conference Close … finally!
17:20-17:25
Networking Drinks … really finally!
17:30 - 19:30 ish