Design and innovation are at the core of every Independent Hotel Show. Simply take a look at the brilliant line-up of curated exhibitors, from interiors, tech and wellbeing, to F&B, marketing and finance, plus more. Every year the Show works with amazing design partners to create special spaces for people to have a chat, meet or network, and every year, an unmissable programme of seminars delivers sharp insight into trends and practical solutions.
A vision
Keep ahead of the game and see the ‘Hotel Room of the Future’ at this year’s show. Designed in partnership with Two’s Company Interior Design, the ‘Hotel Room of the Future’ is the sequel to 2017’s ‘Perfect Hotel Bedroom’ installation. If you’re keen to know what’s around the corner, step inside. If you want to know more, read the dedicated report containing research gleaned from roundtables with tech, design and hospitality thought-leaders.
An eye for design
Displaying the latest and most innovative products on the market, the line-up of 300 premium exhibitors has been carefully-curated so that it’s focused and relevant for the UK’s best luxury boutique hoteliers.
Engage with interior designer, stylist and insightful blogger Interior Spy or be enchanted by the eclectic designs of Abigail Ahern. Fancy a snooze? Try out a hand cast antique bed crafted by artisans from the Cornish Bed Company or see how Heritage Bathrooms can help you create distinctive designs for your discerning guests. Touch fabulous textures with Jacaranda, who hand weave natural materials to produce bespoke carpets and rugs or explore marketing opportunities with designer luxury jewellery brand Tatteossian.
Have a chat with Square Design Interiors, who provide complete design solutions for clients all over Europe or get smart with Avanti and see how connected and intelligent lighting can improve alertness. Get hooked on wallpaper design during a conversation with Nina from Woodchip & Magnolia and speak to Vivid Systems, now integrated with Amazon Alexa, allowing guests to control lighting, air conditioning, blinds, underfloor heating and more with their own dulcet tones. Be inspired by Hotelhero’s integrated platforms for next generation hotel software or be privy to what’s new at Panasonic.
What’s on at the show
Find a feast for the eyes in every corner of the Show, thanks to the design partners providing a backdrop of creative furnishings and innovative visuals for the Show’s main features.
Central networking space The Lobby, powered by Criton and designed by Cappellini, whose furniture can be found in permanent collections in museums around the world, promises to take visitors to a place ‘between imagination and reality’ with their chosen design.
In The Suite, a haven of calm for VIP hoteliers, speakers, Show partners and their guests, see furnishings and interiors featuring bold colours, luxe finishes and eccentric prints thanks to partner Valdivian.
Over on the Innovation Stage, in partnership with eviivo, you’ll find tropical murals and clever colour palettes designed by Elli Pop. Creative Director Katja Behre describes it as a 1920s/30s look with a modern twist and floral displays.
Against this stimulating kaleidoscopic backdrop, listen to the journey of the ‘Hotel Room of the Future’, and hear panel discussions on ‘Designing the 21st Century’ and digital capitalization. Feeling a bit fatigued by the term ‘experience’ used by PR and marketing consultants? Hear refreshing opinions about what ‘experience’ really means to today’s consumer.
It’s all about on-trend tactile velvets and metallic accents at the sofa.com designed Business Theatre, in partnership with Sky. Hear how to create an authentic brand through design, how to play the reservation game to get the most out of your booking technology and how to embrace ‘place making’ giving your hotel personality and purpose.
Be bold in the new and unique Meeting Space, designed by Galapagos, and take part in facilitated ‘speed networking’ sessions. With a reassuring glass of complimentary fizz in hand, learn how to engage better with industry peers. If you’re a young hotelier, a female entrepreneur, seeking financial guidance or aiming to build relationships with regional businesses and more, there will sessions for everyone. Don’t hold back. See what’s out there. Expert schmoozers are more than welcome to join the conversation!
Talking tech
If technology is at the top of your list, tune into IHTech Quest. Another new concept for this year, IHTech Quest, powered by innovative hotel management software providers NewBook, shines a spotlight on the latest market-leading technology and solutions to improving the guest experience. Get crystal clear guidance on the latest technology available from partners such as Hotelhero, Avvio, Vivid, Criton Apps, Core Optimisation, eviivo, Hoteltime UK and Panasonic.
From tech to tea. Often the first and last touchpoint hoteliers have with guests, it is vital that the tea experience makes and leaves a lasting impression. Tea is on the same trajectory that coffee has travelled on in the past decade, with consumers demanding premium, ethically sourced leaves. Quench your thirst and satiate your appetite to know more about tea at the new National Tea Day Pavilion, where tea and food pairings, tea on social media, serving suggestions and tea cocktail making are there to be savoured.
To showcase excellence from across the independent, boutique and luxury hotel market, the Independent Hotel Show Awards, in association with Sky, return to the show again.
On Tuesday 16 October, find out who are 2018’s Independent Hotelier and Outstanding New Hotel at these prestigious awards.
Recognizing the passion, commitment and dedication of hoteliers who propel the industry into the future, be sure to vote for the Independent Hotelier and Outstanding New Hotel 2018 from a shortlist chosen by industry experts.
To register to attend the Independent Hotel Show 2018 and submit your votes, visit the website.