Europe's first b2b conference for boutique and lifestyle hotel sectors attracts capacity international audience to London

Boutique Hotel Summit Europe's first ever b2b conference for the boutique and lifestyle hotel sectors, drew a capacity audience of hotel professionals from around the world to London's St Ermin's Hotel to engage in lively debate over the future of the industry.

The event started with a tour of the newly reopened St Ermin's and the nearby St James' Hotel and Club, followed by a cocktail reception on the St Ermin's impressive terrace and mezzanine.

The 150-strong delegate presence came from as far afield as Brazil, the US and Sweden; and featured representatives from both independent hotel groups and major international brands alike, including InterContinental, Morgan Hotels, Alrov Luxury Hotels, Amerimar, Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants, Firmdale, Marriott, Rezidor, Accor and GLA Hotels.

Also present were bankers, consultants, PR and marketing professionals, consultant and other service providers, as well as a healthy contingent of trade and consumer press.

Panels of industry experts debated topics such as the definition of a boutique hotel, marketing and PR, food and beverage, mixed-use developments and finance. A stellar cast of speakers included Peter Tyrie MBE, founder of The Eton Collection; yoo CEO Chris Boulton, James Lohan, founder of Mr & Mrs Smith; and Ben Elliot, founder of Quintessentially.

Event organiser Piers Brown said: "We knew there was a gap in the market for an event where boutique and lifestyle hotel professionals can get together, make new business contacts and learn from their peers. The reaction we have had since launching the event has surpassed expectations, and it was great to see so many people creating a real buzz at the conference. The feedback from delegates and sponsors has been very positive and we look forward to a bigger and better event next year."

Sponsors for the event were HVS, BLLA, Fractional Life, Amerimar, St Ermin's Hotel, yoo, Cardola, Howard Kennedy, BAHA, BHA, The FT, Luxury Society, Mr & Mrs Smith, Worldhotels, Hotel Indigo, and Patron Spirits, with media partners Sleeper magazine, Hotel Analyst and Hospitality.net.

For more information, and for speaker and sponsorship enquiries for the 2012 event, contact Piers Brown: [email protected], +44 (0)208 340 7989

Delegate and speaker feedback

"A very useful forum for all those involved in the Boutique Hotel sector with an excellent delegate list and well planned sessions. Our team learnt a lot and made some good new contacts."

Chris Boulton, CEO, yoo

As a first time event, the Boutique Hotel Summit hit all the right notes in attracting an appreciably large number of delegates who were attracted by an impressive array of knowledgeable speakers and panellists, all experts in their own right and with lots of opinions to contribute on the boutique and lifestyle sector of the hotel industry. There were also innovative touches, such as tours around a couple of hotels, as well as lively interaction between the speakers and delegates throughout the day. Everyone seemed to be asking when next year's event is to be held!"

Russell Kett, managing director, HVS London

"For a small conference it had heavyweight speakers and guests, an interesting range of speakers and a diversity of attendees. Well done."

James Fry, founder, SSAP LLP

"Excellent content, great networking opportunities and very good value for money."

Ricky Kapoor, commercial director, The Edinburgh Collection

"An excellent networking opportunity - especially the cocktail reception. Good to have something specific to the boutique market rather than big chains."

Caroline Cooper, hospitality business and leadership coach, Zeal Coaching