Meet the speakers

We talk to some of the panellists and presenters of The Vision Conference, which is set to take place on September 18-19, 2016; they reveal what’s on top of their minds when it comes to hospitality in the region and what to expect from their panels

The Hotel Show’s Vision Conference is a forum for experts in the hospitality and leisure industry across the Middle East and Africa to present, discuss, and debate current trends. After a focused day one of the conference this year (September 17) where a digital marketing masterclass will take place in partnership with Modul University Dubai, across September 18-19, more than 50 international experts will present to thousands of delegates.

Sharing knowledge, best practice and vision on a diverse range of topics at the conference, key themes this year include updates on the market and consumer patterns and trends, new brands, new types of accommodation, ways to ensure maximum occupancy, funding for new projects or refurbishments, how to win future guests, F&B, HR & training, investments, and more.

The Hotel Show Dubai event director Gary Williams said: “This year’s Vision Conference will address future trends and emerging topics that will affect this industry as we grow closer to Dubai 2020. The programme will also address digital marketing in more detail than ever before, tourism infrastructure and theme parks, plus exceptional dining experiences to drive revenue.”

Kai Schukowski, general manager at the Kempinski Hotel Ajman and one of the Vision Conference speakers for 2016 added: “I believe it’s vital and always a privilege to participate in such conferences, to meet up with like-minded industry experts and to exchange thoughts, new ideas and best practices with a goal of further elevating and getting new ideas in order to reach the next level of the industry.”

Caroline List, international sales manager, Tophotelprojects

“Trends in the Middle East in terms of construction clearly are mixed-used facilities, buildings that combine hotels, entertainment venues, and shopping malls and additionally serviced apartments/residences. According to the latest Tophotelprojects hotel construction report, the top countries in this region with regards to the amount of hotel construction underway include: UAE (178 projects); Saudi Arabia (140 projects); and Morocco (56 projects). Countries witnessing significant growth include Oman (36 projects) and Nigeria (35 projects).”

Kai Schukowski, GM, Kempinski Hotel Ajman

TOPIC: The GM debate — ten ways to ensure maximum occupancy even during off-peak times

“The key point for occupancy is finding equilibrium between demand and supply. We have to find common ground, as the UAE market is growing rapidly and we have to find the way to keep up with the demand, and to make sure that we maximise the occupancy for the property itself. I believe the UAE and Middle East is seeing its ups and downs, but I see a buoyant market ahead, definitely with an upswing, despite the obvious challenges of Brexit. The European market and the CIS markets are slowly recovering and we see an upswing in that segment, in addition to the influx of the Asian market, which is also elevating performance.”

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