Independent Hotel Show 2026 puts people, performance and technology in focus

The Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, returns to Olympia London on 5–6 October, bringing together the independent and boutique hotel community for two days of insight, networking and product discovery.

Under the theme ‘Shaping Tomorrow’, the 2026 edition will explore how hoteliers can respond to new technology, changing guest expectations and commercial pressures while retaining the creativity, individuality and personal service that distinguish independent hospitality.

For HOSPA members and hospitality decision-makers, the show offers an opportunity to examine the ideas and solutions influencing hotel performance across technology, revenue, finance, operations and people development.

Empowering hospitality’s managers

 Janel Clark, Head of Professional Development at HOSPA, will join the panel for ‘The happy team advantage: Empowering managers, empowering teams’ on 6 October at 11:45 on the Innovation Stage.

Moderated by Peter Hancock of Hancock Speaks, the session will also feature Paul Sadler, Hotel Director at Calcot Hotels, and Robert Richardson, Chief Executive of the Institute of Hospitality. Together, they will explore how businesses can give managers the confidence, skills and support to lead motivated and resilient teams.

Clark says: “The Independent Hotel Show is always a great opportunity to bring people from across the industry together, and I’m particularly looking forward to being part of ‘The happy team advantage’ panel.

“My focus is hospitality professional development, so I’m passionate about helping people build the confidence, skills and knowledge they need to succeed. I’m looking forward to sharing ideas, hearing different perspectives and, hopefully, giving attendees some practical things they can take away.”

The discussion will consider career development, management confidence and the importance of creating teams in which people feel trusted, valued and heard.

Clark adds: “I will be talking about what it really means to empower managers and why investing in them has such a big impact on the wider team. We’ll talk about developing people rather than simply managing performance, giving managers the confidence to lead, creating opportunities for career development and building teams where people feel trusted, valued and listened to.

“I’ll be bringing a strong learning and development perspective to the discussion, particularly around giving people the tools and support to grow.”

Insight for hotel decision-makers

 Commercial performance will be examined in ‘STR Insights: What’s driving UK & European hotel performance – and what’s next?’ Michal Rao of STR will share the latest market intelligence on the Hotel Business Stage at 10:45 on 5 October.

Finance professionals can also join Joshua Thomas of TCM Capital for the Power Hour session ‘Capital Allowances: Is your hotel sitting on untapped value?’ The presentation will explore an area of potential value that can sometimes be overlooked by hotel businesses.

Later that day, ‘What’s the secret ingredient to profitable F&B?’ will bring together Anthony Cox of Clermont Hotel Group and Simon Elliott of Profit Hound. Moderated by Peter Hancock, the panel will consider how hotels can turn food and beverage into a stronger contributor to revenue and profit.

On 6 October, UKHospitality Chief Executive Allen Simpson will join Boutique Hotel News Editor Eloise Hanson for ‘Tourist tax incoming: Is the hotel industry ready?’ The conversation will examine the implications of potential visitor levies for hotel operators and the wider sector.

Finding the right role for technology

 Technology and automation run throughout the programme. In ‘The hotel that never sleeps: Using AI and automation around the clock’, Gwénaël Merlin and Lee Bryan of eviivo will explore how technology can support hotel teams and operations.

‘Bots and beds: How far should hospitality automate?’ will take the debate further, bringing together operators from across the accommodation and hospitality sectors to consider where automation can add value and where human interaction remains essential.

Visitors will also be able to meet technology providers including Agilysys, Alkimii, BITELUXE – WhatsApp for Hotels, Snapfix, Sweeply and Trybe, and explore solutions designed for different areas of the hotel business.

For Clark, the future lies in combining technological progress with continued investment in hospitality professionals.

She says: “What excites me most is the opportunity to put people at the heart of shaping the future. Technology will undoubtedly continue to change how hotels operate, but great hospitality will always depend on people who can connect with guests, lead teams and make good decisions.

“Independent hotels have a fantastic opportunity to develop their own talent, create more flexible career paths and give the next generation of hospitality professionals a real voice in shaping what comes next.”

The Independent Hotel Show takes place on 5–6 October at Olympia London. Hospitality professionals can register for a free trade ticket at independenthotelshow.co.uk.