Hospitality Exchange

Big issues, hot topics and lively discussion are all on the agenda at Hospitality Exchange 2022. After a turbulent two years, it’s great to have an exceptional speaker line-up to focus on the issues affecting the industry!

People are a central theme of Hospitality Exchange. This along with industry restoration and recovery along with sustainability form the framework for the conference programme.

Gareth Hetherington, Director, Ulster University Economic Policy Centre has been working on a specially commissioned study about The Labour Market from a hotel and wider industry perspective which he will present as part of the People Power session. Gareth has used his considerable local knowledge as well as data gleaned from local businesses to create a presentation that highlights constraints, challenges and the supports required to address the challenges of post pandemic employment.

Dr Paul Redmond returns to Northern Ireland to bring us his highly informative vision of the future of work. He’ll be talking zombie’s (hopefully there’ll not be an invasion on the day) and how to engage with a multi-generational workforce. Famed for his tips on communication, Paul’s enthusiastic approach will instil a passion that you never thought possible for the people problems you face daily. 

Davina Saint shares thoughts on retention, recruitment, and the need for work life balance as we strive to create a sustainable workforce. An insightful presentation from a champion of diversity with some interesting anecdotes along the way.

The future of the industry has exercised everyone’s minds over the last year, and as we look towards recovery and restoration, there’s lots on the 2022 programme to inform and inspire

It’s all about the data as Sarah Duignan, Director of Client Relationships STR,  reveals where’s hot and what’s not unravelling the nuances on hotel performance, recovery around the globe and thoughts on the year ahead. Come along and see how your business measures up as we take a deep dive into the Northern Ireland hotel market, a must attend session for operators, suppliers and supporters of the sector. 

Michael Williamson, Consultant, ASM Belfast, combines experience with expertise in his session on cost control with a presentation designed to help businesses navigate turbulent times and fiscal challenges. Content that includes cost free solutions, measuring performance and emphasis on taking control will resonant well with those trying to cope with an ever-changing cost base.

After turbulent times will more “For Sale” signs start to appear? Neal Morrison, Director Savills, joins this year’s line-up to give his thoughts on selling, valuations, and the current commercial position. Recent sales and big-ticket prices in the local market have caused a bit of a stir and he has his finger on the pulse of the local market.

A large part of the success of the sector has been a buoyant staycation market, the use of digital technology and the adoption of new communication techniques.

Pól Ó Conghaile, award winning travel writer, analyses the effect of two successful staycation summers, and ponders on the future of this phenomenon, its potential for growth and the challenge of keeping staying at home fresh and interesting. As choice grows will demand fall? Come along and hear what the sector can do to maintain local business.

Making digital deliver, understanding data, and providing a personalised experience may seem overwhelming but Caroline Dunlea, CEO Core Optimisation, will walk delegates through this virtual world using examples drawn from her extensive knowledge of the sector. A big investment but those who’ve spent well are reaping the benefits of being on and open twenty-four hours a day.

Sustainability isn’t a buzz word, it’s now an integral part of doing business and runs through all elements of the 2022 programme from staffing to promotion. This year, we’ve gone ticket free, moved to a digital programme and are keeping an eye on food waste. 

Mick Boyle, the Founder & Managing Director of Killeavy Castle Estate, is a man with a vision and a commitment to sustainability. He restored and created Killeavy Castle Estate using drones to monitor its progress from his home in Australia. The operation has expanded to include a farm, a garden to supply produce and the planting of a native deciduous forest in a bid to achieve a carbon neutral operation. Mick Boyle speaks about his global career, building better communities, the founding of Killeavy Castle Estate and its legacy.

Talking Tourism 

It’s always good to talk and at Hospitality Exchange 2022, we have three great panels lined up.

Michelin v Microwave

Guest Chef, Jose Pizarro, will be joined by acclaimed Irish Chef, Noel McMeel all the way from Lough Erne Resort and Food Critic, Joris Minne. On the menu, as they talk with Tim Browne will be the future of food, staffing challenges and the need for sustainable trading. 

Skills Solutions

Industry initiatives, sector image and collaborative working are on the agenda for this panel firmly focused on addressing the skills crisis. Denyse Campbell, IHF President, brings her passion for hotels and first-hand knowledge of opportunities to the table. Ionnais Pantelidis blends his operational knowledge and educational expertise to give his expert opinion on the future. A combination of over twenty years’ experience in skills, an in-depth knowledge of policy and training coupled with her role as project director of the HATS collaborative network, gives Roisin McKee the inside track on current issues, possible solutions and best practice from abroad. 

The Industry Debate

Tourism and hospitality is a myriad of businesses woven together to make a great destination and we’ve brought together a panel who understand the travails of travel, levers for growth and the multifaceted nature of the sector. The discussion will be animated, informative and hopefully interactive as you’ll come along and ask a question on the day.

As an island, it’s imperative that we have good transport links. Steve Frazer, MD at City of Derry Airport, brings over three decades of aviation experience as well as an understanding of the need for regional connectivity to the panel. A real passion for tourism and events is the foundation for Judith Owen’s successful career which includes managing the award-winning Titanic Belfast, and chairing NITA. Her breadth of vision and experience will bring a multifaceted dimension to the panel line-up. Economist, Andrew Webb has extensive experience in economic and business development along with a good working knowledge of government which will bring a commercial awareness to tacking economic recovery and industry restoration. 

No Hospitality Exchange line up would be complete without an insight from Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland. Niall Gibbons and John McGrillen will talk with compere Mark Simpson on thoughts for the year ahead, opportunities in the post pandemic era and challenges on the horizon.  

Don’t forget you’ll have the chance to pose your own question when we open the panel sessions up to the audience.

Book your tickets now at:

hospitalityexchange.org.uk