HTNG Connect: Europe 2024

• Caroline Hobson, Partner, Cooley, LLP

Join us for an insightful presentation where we will explore the evolving landscape of algorithmic pricing in the hotel sector. This session will delve into the potential regulatory actions being considered across interest in the US, UK, and EU, examining the implications for hotel operators and technology providers. Caroline Hobson, partner with Cooley LLP, will provide an overview of current regulatory trends, highlighting which practices are of interest to regulators. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly regulated environment.

• Bryan Hammer, VP of IT, Belmond

Discover how cutting-edge technologies from the luxury retail sector can transform the hotel industry. This presentation will explore innovative solutions such as personalised guest experiences through AI, immersive virtual and augmented reality applications, seamless mobile payment systems, and advanced data analytics for customer insights. Learn how these technologies can enhance guest satisfaction, streamline operations, and create a bespoke experience in your hotel. Join us to stay ahead in the competitive landscape by integrating luxury retail innovations into your hospitality services.

• Mike Carlo, CEO, XanderPay

After listening to this morning's general session panel on payments, join your colleagues in a round-table format to brainstorm on how to fix the challenges and transform the guest booking and stay experience on payments.

• Greg Dawes, Sales Engineer, Advanced Media Technologies

A connected hotel requires the right infrastructure. We’ll share how the recently published Next Generation Infrastructure Technical Guide provides guidance on how to right-size a hotel’s infrastructure to ease onboarding of new technologies, improve the guest experience, and increase operational efficiencies.

• Cynthia Paynter

Embark on a journey through the shifting terrain of revenue management in hospitality, where we underscore the pressing imperative for standards to evolve harmoniously with industry needs. Delve into the proactive efforts of HTNG's Revenue Management Workgroup as they rise to the occasion, addressing these challenges head-on. Join us to gain invaluable insights and discover how collaboration and innovation are shaping the future of revenue management in hospitality.

It wasn't long ago when technologies didn't have to worry about climate control, boilers, and other systems that engineers managed. Times have changed because these systems have become highly automated and integrated with other systems. This session will introduce you to the latest tools and systems that make managing hotels easier and more efficient. Learn about smart devices like connected thermostats, energy-saving solutions, and guest service apps that simplify tasks for staff and create a more comfortable stay for guests. Industry experts will explain these innovations in simple terms, share real-world examples, and discuss what the future holds for hotel technology. This session is perfect for anyone new to these advanced systems!

• Lawrence Edwards, Director of IT Project & Portfolio Management, Belmond

Join us as we highlight Belmond's cutting-edge approach to enhancing Food and Beverage (F&B) profitability in the luxury hotel sector. Through the seamless integration of IT, Commercial, Finance, and Operations, Belmond has harnessed advanced insights to dramatically increase F&B revenue. They are at the forefront of advocating for 'technology parity' in F&B data, a game-changing concept traditionally applied only to room and in-house guest services. Their innovative strategies not only challenge outdated perceptions, but also position F&B as a highly profitable and immersive aspect of business, achieving a balanced profit while delivering 100% brand impact.

• Chistophe Ameline, Director of Product Marketing, Nomadix
• Fiona Moloney, CEO, HaloSOS

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on the essential role of staff alert devices in modern hotel operations. This session will provide a foundational understanding of the various types of staff alert systems available, their key features, and the benefits they offer in enhancing both staff safety and operational efficiency. Industry experts will share best practices, real-world examples, and implementation tips to help hotel managers and IT professionals make informed decisions about integrating these technologies into their properties. Whether you're looking to improve staff safety, streamline communication, or comply with emerging regulations, this session will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of hotel staff alert systems.

• Sandy Angel, Senior Director of Technology & Information, AHLA
• Bryan Hammer, VP of IT, Belmond

• Tristan Gadsby, CEO, Alliants (Moderator)
• Sanjay Sharma, CTO, Orascom Hotels Management

Join our expert panel as they delve into the transformative impact of AI on the hospitality industry. This session will highlight real-world examples of AI applications currently being utilized in hotels. Discover how AI is enhancing guest experiences, streamlining operations, and driving efficiency. Gain valuable insights from industry leaders on the practical uses of AI, and learn how to integrate these cutting-edge technologies into your own operations to stay ahead in the competitive hospitality landscape.

• Bartholomäus Regenhardt, Associate, Cooley, LLP

Explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence regulations in the EU and UK and their implications for the hotel industry. This presentation will provide an overview of current regulations, potential future developments, and practical guidance on compliance in relation to AI. Attendees will gain insights into how these regulations impact AI applications in hotel operations, from guest services to data management, ensuring both legal adherence and competitive advantage.

• Pascal Burg, Director, Edgar, Dunn & Company (Moderator)
• Sjoerd Brouwer, Director, Transformation Management Office, Operations, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
• Mike Carlo, CEO, XanderPay
• Manika Singh, Head of Product, Payments, Planet
• Riko van Santen, CIO, Kempinski Hotels

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring top hotel technology executives as we unravel the challenges hindering hotels from achieving Uber-like payment simplicity. Dive into the complexities of modernizing payment processes, exploring technological hurdles, operational barriers, and the crucial role of data security. Gain actionable insights and strategies to revolutionize payment systems in the hospitality industry. Don't miss this opportunity to drive innovation and enhance the guest experience.

• Joshua Ryan-Saha, Director, Traveltech for Scotland (Moderator)
• Sanjay Sharma, CTO, Orascom Hotels Management