From flexible hotel spaces and wellbeing-led interiors to AI, sustainability and evolving luxury travellers, the Independent Hotel Show has unveiled a future-focused seminar programme for its return to Olympia this October…
The Independent Hotel Show has revealed its 2026 seminar programme, bringing hospitality, design, technology and commercial thinking together under this year’s theme, ‘Shaping Tomorrow’.
Taking place at Olympia London on 5–6 October, the two-day programme will span three dedicated spaces – including an Innovation Stage designed by Obradov Studio, a Hotel Business Stage by Merav Bustan Design, and a Social Business Space by Design Command – as independent hoteliers explore how to respond to changing guest expectations without losing the individuality that defines the sector.
On the Hotel Business Stage, STR’s Michal Rao will examine the factors driving hotel performance across the UK and Europe, while Allen Simpson, CEO of UKHospitality, will join Boutique Hotel News Editor Eloise Hanson for a fireside chat exploring impending tourist taxes and their implications for hoteliers.
Further discussions will address profitable food and beverage operations, sustainability, automation and the relationship between refurbishment and asset value. Edward Adshead of Wotton House Hotel and Thomas Greenall of Bespoke Hotels will consider how independent properties can retain their identity when operating within a management company.
A series of focused 10-minute Power Hour presentations will provide practical advice on capital allowances, AI and location data, multigenerational digital strategies, sensory branding and using a hospitality business to support an owner’s wider ambitions. Simon Numphud of AA Media will also explain how properties can make the most of AA accreditation.
The Innovation Stage will look at the ideas and expectations shaping the future of hospitality. Davin Reid-Montanaro of Agility Research and Strategy will explore the evolving behaviour of UK luxury travellers, while Marie-France Perrel of the MICHELIN Guide will lead a discussion on the forces influencing luxury travel today.
Independent Hotel Show Stage | Image credit: Independent Hotel Show
The programme will also consider how hotels can prepare for the next generation of travellers, with speakers including Nuno César de Sá of Grantley Hall and Rose Webb of Clermont Hotel Group.
Design will form another central strand of the Innovation Stage programme. A panel moderated by Vicky Doe of Hospitality Interiors will explore the future of flexible hotel spaces, featuring Ben Harper of Watergate Bay Hotel, Another Place and SeaSpace; Francesca Toman of Ches & Co; Jordan Parke of Wayfair Professional; and Matt Hulme of Dynargh Design.
Further sessions will examine interiors for wellbeing, artificial intelligence, social media, team empowerment and the commercial and cultural impact smaller independent hotels can achieve.
The Social Business Space will offer practical sessions and workshops focused on the everyday challenges of operating a hotel and leading its people.
Hospitality Action’s Camila Woods will deliver a session designed to help managers build confidence around mental health, while another discussion will examine how investing in talent can strengthen guest experiences and support business growth.
The programme will also address accessible hospitality design, marketing, meetings and events, energy reduction and additional revenue opportunities. Shonali Devereaux of The Meetings Industry Association will explore how properties can build business beyond bedrooms, while Ryan Haynes of Haynes MarComs will examine opportunities to protect margins and generate additional revenue before guests arrive.
The first day will culminate in the Independent Hotel Show Awards 2026, in partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, recognising the people, properties and design projects making an outstanding contribution to the UK’s independent luxury hotel sector.
Register for your free trade ticket at independenthotelshow.co.uk.
Main image credit: Independent Hotel Show
