‘Expect the unexpected’ is the line from Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam this year, which takes place March 14 – 15 at the RAI Amsterdam. With more than 200 exhibitors, along with industry leaders who will highlight the latest developments from across the hotel industry, Hotel Designs will be there with a major role, on and off the Innovation Stage, as a proud media partner…
The Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam (IHA) has set itself the ambitious agenda of exploring generational intelligence, sustainable design and sensory experiences. To facilitate discussion and debate, stages have quite literally been redesigned and reshaped to ensure guests leave feeling supported, inspired, and ready to make essential changes to keep your hotel ahead of the curve.
On the Hotel Business Stage in partnership with RoomRaccoon and designed by Riviera Maison, will be presentations and panel discussions outlining business-led solutions to grow and develop hotel offerings. The Hotel Innovation Stage in partnership with HotelPartner, is where experts and innovators will discuss and highlight the latest trends set to impact the hotel sector through inspirational TEDx style sessions. The Social Business Space in partnership with Swiss Sense, remains a dedicated area to learn, network and share insights with like-minded hoteliers and industry leaders.
During the two days, the extensive seminar programme will be presented by an array of industry experts, including Hotel Design’s very own Hamish Kilburn who will be hosting one of the most anticipated panel discussions on a topic that will explore fashion’s role in hospitality design while promising something audience members won’t be expecting over on the Innovation Stage. Body language – reimaging hospitality design will include visionaries Nicholas Oakwell, Founder, NO Uniform, Robert Spijkers Suwarni, Manager Operations, OGER Corporate Fashion Statements and Sofie Rockland, Founder, By Rockland to understand how fashion is becoming a vital tool to extend a design narrative when telling a brand’s story.
The potential for some mischief aside, the line-up will be covering a myriad of compelling topics, from multi-generational talent, branding masterclasses, European hotel market forecasts and trend tours. Seminar highlights include, People First – lessons from another industry, The expectations of the evolving traveller, presented by Google, Generational intelligence, unpacking all talents of all generations, Destination gastronomy: re-designing and re-thinking your F&B offering.
On the second day, Kilburn will return to stage to deliver a TEDx style session on hotel design disruptors, which is expected to look at what makes a hotel exceptional on the global hospitality map. From creating and nurturing robust and memorable spaces that reflect a unique brand identity, to injecting quirky design details that excite and make sense. The session will challenge the pre-conceptions around what a ‘disruptor’ is in today’s world, while sharing tips on how designers and brands can stand out without having to inflate their ego.
Elsewhere, the Circular Lab has been designed to showcase a collection of inspiring start-ups ready to present eco-friendly innovations and sustainable design solutions. The HR Quarter and the Energy Saving Quarter are also freshly added to the shows key features. These show sections have been created to demonstrate tangible and cost-effective solutions to today’s two most pressing challenges – HR & growing energy costs. Here you can find pioneering suppliers and experts who can help a hotel meet its sustainability and recruitment goals.
When the shift comes in for a late night opening, get ready for an extended evening of unique experiences, networking opportunities, celebratory drinks, and live music. And, guests attending the show will also get the chance to see the winners announced for the inaugural Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam Awards
Hotel Designs is attending Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam as a proud media partner of the show.
Main image credit: Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam
