CONFRENCES: AHICE

The Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) – the hotel event where deals get done – returns to the Adelaide Oval this May 2-4 with a spectacular line-up of local and global speakers.

The sell-out event, now in its 14th year, will draw over 1400 delegates including leading owners, investors, hoteliers, executives, and suppliers from around the world.

At a time when industry recovery is going from strength to strength, the conference will see top tourism and accommodation leaders discuss innovative ways to propel the industry forward, under the theme, Inspiring Success.

Among the global keynote speakers at AHICE this year will be Hilton President – Asia Pacific, Alan Watts; IHG CEO – Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, Kenneth Macpherson; Marriott International President Asia Pacific (Excluding Greater China), Rajeev Menon; and Travel and Leisure Co’s President and Managing Director International Operations, Wyndham Vacation Clubs, Barry Robinson.

TFE Hotels Chief Executive Officer, Antony Ritch, will discuss the company’s global expansion, and there will be a global keynote interview on The Future for Accor.

Hotel design will be put in the spotlight with a presentation from international designer and author Tim Kobe – the designer behind the original Apple Store.

The conference will feature top local talent including Crown Resorts’ new Chief Executive Officer, Ciarán Carruthers, who will discuss the future of the business. There will be one-on-one interviews with EVT Chief Executive Officer Jane Hastings; Ascott Australia Managing Director, David Mansfield; and Hostplus CEO, David Elia.

Vista Hospitality Group Australasia Chairman, Patrick Imbardelli, and Pro-Invest Group Deputy Chair and CEO APAC, Jan Smits will be interviewed as well as 1834 Hotels’ Chief Executive Officer And South Australian Tourism Chair, Andrew Bullock.

A keynote speech on Australia’s Tourism Opportunities will be led by Senator, The Hon. Don Farrell, Minister for Trade And Tourism And Special Minister Of State.

An industry outlook will share insights from Accommodation Australia Incoming CEO, Michael Johnson; Hotel Council Aotearoa Strategic Director, James Doolan; and STR Regional Manager Pacific, Matthew Burke.

The CEO Sessions will see a number of highprofile chief executives gather for thought-provoking conversation, while a two-part Operators Outlook will feature leaders from Hilton, Wyndham, IHG, Choice Hotels Asia-Pac, Hyatt, and more.

Other panel sessions will include a Regional Tourism Outlook, Boutique and Lifestyle Brands in Fashion; Luxury Brands in Focus; Marketing and Loyalty: Upping the Ante; The White Label Rules; The Essential Real Estate Outlook; The Asset Managers’ Outlook; and much more.

The event’s popular Drinks with the Bosses panel has been revamped this year to spotlight emerging leaders in the industry. Drinks With Future Leaders: What Rising Stars Want will see young talent express their views. On Day 2, you can expect further insights on the investment front with Drinks with The Investors – The Essential Outlook.

Following its successful debut in 2022, the Future Leaders Forum makes a return to AHICE on the afternoon of Tuesday May 2 (3pm-5:30pm) at SkyCity Adelaide.

The Future Leaders Forum is an under-35s leadership summit that spotlights the industry’s brightest stars. This exclusive, invite-only event will feature keynote addresses from global and local CEOs and think tank sessions on everything from higher learning to owners’ forums and rising the ranks.

Networking opportunities abound at AHICE – and not just in the conference hall. On Tuesday May 2, following Design Inn Symposium and the Future Leaders Forum, a gala networking reception will be held at SkyCity Adelaide. At the conclusion of the first day of AHICE, a 2023 Gala Reception will be presented by the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) followed by an AHICE ‘Tiki Lounge’ at Sol atop Eos, presented by Wayfarer. n

For more information on AHICE and the Future Leaders Forum, visit ahice.com.au