The 'HOSPA Spotlight' panel of industry specialists to discuss, explore and illustrate 'Hospitality and the Digital Challenge' at HOSPACE 2015 on 26 November, has been revealed.

The expert panel will examine – under the deft chairmanship Dr Crispian Tarrant, Chief Executive of BDRC Group, the UK's largest independent research consultancy, well known to large branded hotel groups – how the hospitality industry should embrace fast changing digital issues to maximise business potential.

The panellists – bringing their particular experience and expertise to the first in-depth, 70-minute 'HOSPA Spotlight' of the one-day HOSPACE 2015 Conference and Exhibition – will be: Stephen Minall, Owner/Director of Moving Food – specialising in the development of brands and product solutions for retail and foodservice companies; Mark McCulloch, Founder and Chief Executive of WE ARE Spectacular; Carson Booth, Vice President, Global Property Technology at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide; Irene Van Der Watt, Area Manager – Regional UK and Ireland, Expedia Lodging Partner Services; Tom Weaver, Chief Executive of Flypay – a new entrant into the 'Digital Payment' arena; and Dr Michael Toedt, Managing Partner of TS&C, which developed the dailypoint software – the Marketing and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution for independent and group hoteliers. Dr Toedt is also the author of a 2014 book on hotel 'Big Data', entitled 'Data Revolution –

How Big Data Will Change the Way of Doing Business' – copies of his book will be available at HOSPACE 2015.

Examples of key questions and subject areas they will be answering, and discussing in-depth, will include:

  • Why has the UK hospitality industry been so slow, compared with other service industries such as supermarket chains and the airlines, to embrace digital technology and the data insights revolution for developing effective customer relationship management and loyalty schemes? What does the industry need to do to address the situation?
  • How can an effective digital strategy have a significant impact on hotel security, payments, revenue management, marketing, guests (before and after they book) and staff?

"Introduced at HOSPACE 2014 to great acclaim, the in-depth, 70-minute 'HOSPA' Spotlight sessions have been designed to be highly topical, in-depth, wide-ranging discussions – embracing current key challenges," said HOSPA Chief Executive Carl Weldon. "In this respect, we are especially pleased to have such an excellent panel, with such a wide range of digital expertise and experience to bring to the 'HOSPA Spotlight' table. This will give our delegates an all embracing insight into the considerable fast changing digital challenges the industry presently faces, and what to do about them."

There will be a second in-depth 'HOSPA Spotlight' session at HOSPACE 2015, providing the centre-piece for the afternoon discussions; and this will focus on 'The Challenges of Effective Outward and Inward Hospitality Management'. Both 'HOSPA Spotlights' will be supported by the latest cutting-edge, interactive technology to ensure full delegate participation – including voting on issues raised.

Delegates, and those unable to attend HOSPACE 2015, can interact on the day with the Conference –to be held at the Sofitel London Heathrow, Terminal 5 – by tweeting on '@HOSPATweets', '#HOSPACE', or '#HOSPACE15'. HOSPA has over 15,000 followers on all social media platforms, and the Association would be delighted for industry members to join in the discussions via social media on 26 November.

In addition to the 'HOSPA Spotlight' sessions, there will be the traditionally popular annual 'Leaders Panel' discussion, setting the scene for the one day Conference and Exhibition; and two in-depth

face-to-face interviews with two of the hospitality industry's most influential and dynamic leaders – British Hospitality Association Chief Executive Ufi Ibrahim and citizenM hotels co-partner, founder and Chief Operating Officer Michael Levie.

As in previous years, delegates will have the opportunity to attend three half-hour 'HOSPACE Workshops and Technical Updates' – with a choice of one from up to eight available sessions per half-hour. Also, HOSPACE 2015 will be hosting its ever popular and growing exhibition of hospitality technology solutions – providing delegates with a 'one stop shop' to view and interact with the latest and 'best in class' technologies – covering all eventualities for any hospitality business, whether they be start-up, established independent, or multi chain-owned, operations.

The event's grand finale Gala Dinner – including the signature HOSPACE entertainment – is one of the traditional social networking highlights of the Conference.


For regularly updated information on HOSPACE 2015, visit the HOSPACE Website at: www.hospace.net . For bookings and further details for HOSPACE 2015, contact the HOSPA Membership and Events Office on telephone: +44 (0) 203 418 8196; or email: [email protected]

About HOSPA

HOSPA - the Hospitality Professionals Association - is a not-for-profit educational organisation, formed to bring together professionals involved in all things commercial within the hospitality industry in the UK. HOSPA is recognised as the UK's authoritative voice in the hospitality industry on financial management, technical accounting issues, as well as the leading arena for debate on investments, hospitality technology developments, revenue management and marketing. HOSPA's Professional Development Programmes provide rigorous and relevant education for all those seeking to further their careers in these important functions. It will also be launching its new course in Asset Management in September 2020. A regular programme of workshops and seminars provides the perfect opportunity for members to continue to develop their knowledge and network with colleagues. HOSPA is on all major social media channels, including Twitter on @HOSPATweets. For more information, visit: www.hospa.org

Julian Demetriadi
+44 1725 552835
HOSPA

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