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UK: The Independent Hotel Show London, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, has revealed its 2026 seminar programme based around the theme ‘Shaping Tomorrow’.
Taking place at Olympia on 5-6 October, the event will offer two days industry discussion across three stages:
- Hotel Business Stage – in partnership with eviivo, designed by Merav Bustan Design
- Innovation Stage – in partnership with Agilysys, designed by Obradov Studio
- Social Business Space – in partnership with Zennio, designed by Design Command
On the Hotel Business Stage, Allen Simpson, CEO of UKHospitality, will join Boutique Hotel News editor Eloise Hanson for a fireside chat exploring impending tourist taxes and its implications for hoteliers.
A series of 10-minute Power Hour presentations will also provide practical advice on capital allowances, AI and location data, multigenerational digital strategies, sensory branding, and more.
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.
The Social Business Space will offer practical sessions and workshops focused on the everyday challenges of operating a hotel and leading its people.
The wider 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.
Additional sessions will examine interiors for wellbeing, artificial intelligence, social media, team empowerment, and the commercial and cultural impact smaller independent hotels can achieve.
The first day will culminate in the Independent Hotel Show Awards 2026, in partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts. This year’s shortlist can be found here.
Register for your free trade ticket here.
Highlights:
- Scheduled for 5-6 October at Olympia London, the Independent Hotel Show 2026 has unveiled its two-day seminar programme themed ‘Shaping Tomorrow’.
- Delivered in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, the industry event will host panel discussions across three dedicated educational stages.
- Key discussions feature UKHospitality CEO Allen Simpson exploring impending tourist taxes alongside sessions on asset value, AI, and sustainability.
- The wider agenda includes practical workshops in the Social Business Space as well as 10-minute Power Hour sessions covering capital allowances, sensory branding, and digital strategy.
- Concluding the first day of the conference, the annual event will celebrate industry excellence by hosting the Independent Hotel Show Awards 2026.
