Bench Events has announced that it has acquired southeast Europe's leading hotel investment conference, Adria Hotel Forum, as it expands its global presence as a trusted organiser of hospitality investment forums and business events.

Having co-founded the globally renowned International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin, Bench Events chairman, Jonathan Worsley, has continued to develop and deliver some of the most impactful hospitality investment and aviation conferences globally. These include the Africa Hotel Investment Forum, the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, the Global Restaurant Investment Forum and AviaDev.

Adria Hotel Forum (AHF), which was founded in 2013, has encouraged the development of the hotel industry in the southeast Europe region. The event sees key hotel investment decision makers gather every year to discuss the latest investment trends and projects while exchanging sustainable ideas to foster the development of the industry. Marina Franolic, CEO of AHF said: "With this acquisition, we have proven our excellence in business delivery while harnessing a unique opportunity to grow AHF internationally. I have always admired Bench Events and this is just the beginning of our journey. We are now better equipped to deliver the great plans we have for our industry."

Bench Events Chairman, Jonathan Worsley commented: "We are delighted to add the Adria Hotel Forum to our portfolio and I'm thrilled that AHF's Marina Franolic has joined our rapidly expanding team. With her experience, we are adding a whole new dimension to the development of our business across Europe."

Bench Events has recently welcomed Hugo Worsley to its team, joining the company's restaurant investment events division. Hugo received formal training from École hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland and is passionate about the food business, having worked his way up from being a kitchen porter and commis chef to becoming a general manager and owner of his own restaurants in London.

With new products added to a growing portfolio, Bench Events has also expanded its marketing expertise with the hiring of Rinoy Varghese as Senior Marketing Manager. Rinoy will be working within the company's marketing team to support and enhance online and offline marketing activities while adding enhanced content value to event sponsors, speakers and delegates. Rinoy brings with him over ten years of international and diverse marketing experience, having worked in Canada, Australia and the United Arab Emirates, and sectors such as fashion, technology, non-profit, consultancy and events.

About The Bench

The Bench is a leading organiser behind some of the most influential investment event brands across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The company is renowned for guiding businesses towards investments, connections and insights that shape the future of their industries. Known for crafting events with significant economic impact since 1996, The Bench's event participants include government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel and tourism associations, leading hospitality brands, hotel owners and investors, top restaurant groups, airlines and aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants. These stakeholders participate to achieve their specific goals, leveraging platforms such as AHIC, now known as FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia, AHIF, IDEEA, and AviaDev. The Bench's events serve as pivotal venues for industry leaders to exhibit their brands, establish themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and forge connections with valuable opportunities and insights.

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Jonathan Worsley
The Bench