Still time to book for HOSPACE 2016 on 10 November

There is still time to book for HOSPACE2016 – the annual Conference and Exhibition of HOSPA, the Hospitality Professionals Association for Finance, Revenue Management and IT - to be held on 10 November at the Sofitel London Heathrow, Terminal 5.

In the current uncertain post-Brexit world, there are many challenges facing the hospitality profession and some of the most pressing issues in this respect will come under scrutiny at HOSPACE2016. Perhaps the hottest subject for discussion will be: 'The consequences of leaving the EU on the UK hospitality industry', where the speakers will include: Martine Ainsworth-Wells, Head of European Destination Engagement, ETOA (European Tour Operators Association); Jeremy Robinson, Partner, Watson, Farley & Williams – specialising in EU and UK competition law across all sectors; and Mark Essex, Director, Public Policy, KPMG, who has written on the impact on business of Britain leaving the EU.

Commenting on the HOSPACE2016 programme, HOSPA Chief Executive Jane Pendlebury said: "As ever, we have some of the industry's most respected names giving their views on current challenges, innovations and developments affecting the profession. For instance, Jonathan Raggett, Managing Director, Red Carnation Hotels, and Steve Cassidy, Senior Vice President, Hilton Worldwide, will be addressing the long-standing issue of 'How to attract and retain talent'. Also there will be expert panelists imparting knowledge on key specialist areas – such as Benedetta Cassinelli, Partner and Business Development Director, Considerate Hoteliers Association, discussing sustainability. In addition, there will be an opportunity for delegates to take centre-stage in what should prove a hotly contested debate, under the skillful chairmanship of specialist hotel consultant Melvyn Gold, on the motion: 'This house believes corporate chain hotel brands tend to suppress value, rather than create it'. Speaking for the motion will be Robin Sheppard, Chairman, Bespoke Hotels; and opposing it will be Surinder Arora, Founder and Chairman, Arora Group.

"We are also delighted to welcome the Hotel Marketing Association (HMA) to HOSPACE2016. We work hand-in-hand with the HMA and the HOSPA membership now encompasses the HMA's. We look forward very much to their break-out session on 'The benefits of gamification'."

The wide range of highly relevant 'HOSPACE Workshops and Technical Updates' for delegates to choose from will additionally include: 'Keeping confidential data safe'; 'Online presence – increasing the property wallet'; and a HOSPA Professional Development presentation on the 'Apprentice Levy'.

As in past years, HOSPACE's ever popular exhibition of hospitality technology will provide delegates with a 'one-stop shop' to view and interact with the latest and 'best in class' technologies, suitable for all sizes of operation and types of ownership.

The event's grand finale Gala Dinner will witness a first for HOSPACE2016. HOSPA's prestigious annual Hospitality Finance, Revenue Management and IT 'Professionals of the Year' awards will be presented at the Dinner, instead of HOSPA's traditional annual Christmas awards lunch. Indeed, HOSPA's eagerly awaited 'Annual Student Awards' have also been given their own stand-alone event. The first 'HOSPA Annual Students Awards Ceremony' – celebrating achievements of all the Association's highest achieving learners on the 2016 Revenue Management and Financial Management programmes - will take place on 25 January 2017 at the Hilton on Park Lane, London. The event will begin at 2pm with a panel debate, chaired by HOSPA Professional Development Chairman Professor Peter Jones MBE, on 'Developing the hospitality professional – the next generation'.

For regularly updated information on HOSPACE2016, visit the HOSPACE website at: www.hospace.net. For bookings and further details, 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

Jane Pendlebury
Chief Executive
+ 44 (0) 203 418 8196
HOSPA