PROGRAM
6th INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY FORUM
10 FEBRUARY 2023 | METROPOLITAN EXPO
Securing resources addressing today's major challenge in hospitality10.30-11.00
REGISTRATIONS
11.00-11.30
OPENING REMARKS
11.30-12.00
RESEARCH PRESENTATION
Hospitality Reboot: Embracing Trends / Facing Challenges
The industry may be back, but it must take into account new trends in traveler behaviour. Though the hospitality sector is embracing high demand, it also faces new challenges such as a shortage in labor, an energy crisis and a demanding audience, all of which threaten the recovery. Staying on the sidelines is not an option as this reshaped dynamic comes into focus. Phocuswright will deliver a research presentation highlighting the latest trends and changes in traveler behaviors, so that travel businesses can better prepare for existing and upcoming challenges and embrace new opportunities in 2023.
PRESENTER
Florence Kaci | Director, EMEA Business Development and European Market Specialist, Phocuswright Inc.
Mrs. Kaci joined Phocuswright in 2010 and heads business development for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Florence spreads knowledge of Phocuswright's research, events and PhocusWire news products and services, and creates strategic partnerships throughout EMEA. She also speaks regularly at industry events presenting the latest Phocuswright research and discussing how distribution trends are changing the way consumers search, shop, buy and share travel. For ten years prior to Phocuswright, Florence held various positions in London, U.K. with Pegasus Solutions focused on sales, account management, implementation services and service delivery. Prior to that, she held positions within the travel and hospitality industry in New York, Mauritius and Paris before landing in London. Florence holds an M.B.A. in tourism from the ESCAET business school in Aix en Provence. Florence is based in France and enjoys swimming, skiing and cycling when not running after her three children.
12.00-12.30
FIRST PANEL DISCUSSION
Rethinking hotel organization and staff engagement- How to address industrywide staff shortage
Hospitality is facing an unprecedent staffing issue challenging the industry organization, requiring urgent reorganization and focus on staff engagement. In this session, Hospitality leaders will share best practices to simplify processes, and their vision of the future hotel leadership approach.
MODERATOR
Cristina Polo | Market Analyst EMEA, Phocuswright Inc.
An unequalled authority on revenue generation and optimization, openings, distribution, digital marketing, business reviews, strategic planning and training, Cristina has successfully worked with global and regional multi-brand groups building and optimizing their performance within the global marketplace.
Cristina's experience spans more than 20 years within the hospitality industry across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. She started as a sales executive for Le Meridien Hotels in Paris, moving to a cluster sales role for Hilton Hotels in Paris and then joining the opening team for the Rezidor Hotel Group where she led the sales, meetings & events departments for an airport hotel. Her re-location to Dubai coincided with a move to revenue management at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dubai Media City, where she was later promoted to Regional Director of Revenue Optimization with responsibility for thirty properties.
In her most recent hotel role, Cristina led the sales, revenue, distribution and digital marketing teams for HMH Hospitality Management Holdings. She holds a post-graduate degree (DESS) in international trade, a master's degree in international economics, and two professional certifications: CRME, and CHDM, from HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International). Cristina brings a great wealth of knowledge to the team and delivers a holistic approach to sales, revenue and distribution.SPEAKERS
Anna Gauthier | Global Sales Luxury, Leisure, Lifestyle & Airlines, HYATT
Janet Blasius | Director Talent Programs, Learning & Development EMEA, Mariott International
Francis Louis Passerini | Managing Director Italy, D-Edge
Yannis Mpatsis | Learning & Development Partner, EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
12.30-12.45
BREAK
12.45-13.15
SECOND PANEL DISCUSSION
Steps to address the energy crisis for hotels now and
for the futureThe panel, made of external and hotel industry experts, will focus on practical steps hoteliers can take immediately as well as how to build a longer term strategy to tackle the energy crisis.
MODERATOR
Linda Fox | Senior Reporter, PhocusWire
Linda Fox has been writing about technology, distribution and the digital economy in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry since 1998, in roles across B2B media including senior reporter at Travolution and most recently, managing editor at tnooz. She began her career as features writer on Caterer & Hotelkeeper, before doing a stint on the news desk and then moving to Travel Trade Gazette. Linda has a degree in History and French
SPEAKERS
Graeme Jackson | Head of Strategic Partnerships, The Travel Foundation
Carlos Paredes | Director Hotel Development EAME, Inclusive Collection (AGL) HYATT
Maria Mavroudi | Co-founder of Kallichoron Art Boutique Hotel
13.15-13.45
EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW
Roberta Possenti | Vice President Europe, Preferred Hotels & Resorts
MODERATOR
Linda Fox | Senior Reporter, PhocusWire
