Hospitality Exchange Programme
Tuesday 13th October 2026
Beyond the Booking
09.45 - £40
Future-proof your business with fresh thinking on leadership, innovation & how to make a lasting impression.
Does AI know your business?
Adam Hamadache explains how AI sees your business and how to improve its visibility, accuracy and chance of being recommended.
The F-Word
Pól Ó Conghaile on how “Friendliness” remains hospitality’s greatest competitive advantage.
Help or Hindrance?
Suzanne Speak and Claudia Ivanov Fotev of Radisson explore how hotels can embrace AI while keeping people their greatest asset.
Fearlessly Human Dr Paul Redmond explores why, in a rapidly changing world, the leaders who succeed will be those who care, connect and inspire.
The Leadership Lunch
13.00 - £60
Spencer Metzger, Michelin star chef talks about life and leadership.
Rising Stars
Hosted by Pamela Ballantine and featuring the Rising Star Awards supported by Alkimii and Excel Recruitment, this is a celebration of stellar talent and a fascinating insight into hotel life.
Delegate Lounge
All Day - Free
Networking before and after the seminars.
Member Mixer
14.30 - Free to Members
Sample some alcohol-free beverages in the Delegate Lounge.
AGM
15.30 - Free to Members
Annual General Meeting for NIHF Members.
Supported by Alkimii, Excel Recruitment, Bunzl Rafferty Guest Amenities, Calor, Classic Drinks, Coca-Cola HBC NI and Sysco.
Delegate Lounge supported by Bunzl Rafferty Guest Amenities, Coca-Cola HBC NI, Henderson Foodservice and SD Bell.
Wednesday 14th October 2026 - AM
Business Breakfast
08.00 - £40
Insight, intelligence and ideas for the road ahead with your host, Mark Simpson.
The Performance Picture
Aoife Roche reveals the latest hotel performance figures, bringing the story behind the numbers from global to local.
The Business of Breakfast
Rethinking the morning market with Scot Turner; looking at changing trends, guest expectations and the economics of eating.
Room for Growth?
An expert panel considers investment, expansion, market demand and the changing dynamics shaping hotel growth.
Talking Tourism
10.30 - £35
New perspectives on the future of Northern Ireland tourism.
The A-B-C of Economics
Andrew Webb examines the policies that could Add, Build and Create a stronger, more competitive tourism sector.
Island Opportunities
Industry leaders consider how we can unlock the island’s tourism potential and grow the visitor economy.
It’s Hip to Be Cool Dr Tara Shine considers whether cool summers could become our hottest tourism opportunity.
Going Places Laura McCorry and Alice Mansergh discuss Northern Ireland’s tourism ambitions and potential at home and overseas.
Supported by AIB Bank, Musgrave MarketPlace, Percipient, Savills, STR, Sumer NI and Visit Belfast.
Supported by Brother Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
Wednesday 14th October 2026 - PM
Speaker Lunch
13.00 - £60
Adriaan Bartels on luxury hotels and his journey to Cashel Palace.
The Gala Ball
19.30 - £129
A spectacular evening of flavours from around the world with delicious cocktails and fine wine.
Supported by Foot Anstey, Bibendum Wines, Coca-Cola HBC NI and Henderson Foodservice.
Supported by Linencare, Bunzl Rafferty Guest Amenities, Coca-Cola HBC NI, Diageo, Pattison & Co, SBD Events and Spiritly.
Additional Support
Bank of Ireland, Bunzl McLaughlin, Johnsons Belfast, Robb Brothers and Winterhalter. Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, Belfast City Council, Mid & East Antrim Borough Council and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council.