Independent Hotel Show Day Two: Seminar Programme

Seminar Programme - Independent Hotel Show
960 726 Daniel Fountain
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Featuring talks from hoteliers, journalists and industry leaders, the 30 seminars at Independent Hotel Show aim to guide independent hoteliers to improving their business, find out about new trends and initiatives, and learn first-hand from some of the biggest names in the business.

Tailored to the needs of the independent and boutique hotelier, all the sessions cover a range of topics and advice to help build and grow a successful hotel business, from marketing and sales support, business, investment and growth insight, design and technology trends, to staff and service best practice.

Day Two’s programme includes:
• The New Service Culture – a masterclass in service, presented by Peter Hancock, chief executive of Pride of Britain Hotels; Oliver Williams, general manager of Ellenborough Park; Stewart Davies, group operations director of GG Hospitality; Kate Levin, general manager of the Capital Hotel; and Paul Milsom, managing director of Milsom Hotels
• OTAs – The best of frenemies is discussed by Steve Lowy, MD and co-founder of Umi Digital; Simon Bennett, owner of Augill Castle; Dori Stein, CEO of Fornova; Jonathan Raggett, managing director of Red Carnation Hotels; and Serena von der Heyde, owner of the Georgian House Hotel
• Hotels for locals – how to tap into your local customers. Speakers include: Tom Bell, editor of Alastair Sawday’s British Hotels & Inns; David Timmis, managing director of Aubrey Park hotel; Will Ashworth, managing director of Watergate Bay; and Justin Salisbury, co-founder of Artist Residence
• Learn how to win at content marketing, from Richard Fraiman, CEO of the Good Hotel Guide; David Petitt, group marketing manager of Elite Hotels; and Petra Clayton, managing director of Custard Communications
• Finding sanctuary: How to set up a spa with Brian Hunter, director of BHSL Concepts; Jill Russell, spa director of Ramside Hotel & Spa; Mark Chambers, managing director of Eden Hotel Collection; and Mark Boler, CEO of the Mere
• Clean Bill of Health: Spas and business, led by Helen Merchant, director of Helen Merchant International Spa Consultants, aims to provide expert insight into how to make your spa profitable. Further speakers include Lina Lotto, spa director of SenSpa at Careys Manor, and Simon Kerr, chief marketing officer of Yoo Hotels

Daniel Fountain / 19.10.2016

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.