Now in its 22nd year, the Annual Hospitality Conference (AHC) returns to Manchester Central on 29–30 September. Widely recognised as the UK’s leading hospitality investment event, the AHC gathers senior decision-makers, investors, owners, operators, and developers to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector.
This year’s theme (Reset, Rebuild, Rise) could not be more timely. Against a backdrop of economic and political uncertainty, shifting consumer behaviours, and growing demand for new models, the conference is set to provide clarity, vision, and inspiration for what comes next. Far from simply recovering, the programme encourages delegates to rethink and re-engineer the future of UK hospitality.
With over 100 industry leading speakers across hotels, F&B, alternative living, pubs, branded residences and more, the agenda is packed.
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Here are five sessions that stand out as essential:
1. Behind the Headlines: Balancing Global Shocks, Domestic Policy and Economic Resilience
Monday 29 September | 10.45 – 11.25
What economic and political shifts are really shaping the UK’s business outlook? This interactive scene-setting session will explore the forces driving global volatility and domestic decision-making — from inflation and interest rates to geopolitics and growth forecasts. With audience questions at the heart of the discussion, it’s a rare chance to unpack what others might not ask, and to understand what it all means for business confidence and investment in the UK.
Speakers: Anand Menon (UK in a Changing Europe, King’s College London), Chris Hare (HSBC Global Banking and Markets)
Host: Andrea Carpenter (Diversity Talks Real Estate)
2. Rising Leadership: Making Bold Moves in a Changing Market
Monday 29 September | 12.30 – 13.00
Hospitality is in flux, and leadership has never mattered more. This high-level panel brings together some of the sector’s most influential CEOs to discuss how they’re rethinking strategy, embedding sustainability, and leveraging technology. Expect a candid conversation on how to reset priorities, rebuild resilience, and rise as leaders with clarity and purpose.
Speakers: Gilles Clavie (Essendi), Dave Hart (RBH Hospitality Management), Tim Rumney (BWH Hotels GB)
Host: Siobhan Wilson (Oracle)
3. In Conversation with the Leader: Growth, Guests and Getting It Right
Monday 29 September | 16.20 – 16.40
F&B remains one of hospitality’s toughest arenas, where costs are high and guest expectations higher. In this audience-led discussion, John Vincent (co-founder of LEON Restaurants) shares what “good” really looks like when scaling operations without compromising values. From inspiring teams to ensuring business returns, this session offers a practical playbook for anyone looking to reset and rebuild their approach to food and guest experience.
Speaker: John Vincent (LEON Restaurants)
Interviewer: Julie Rey-Gore (Questex)
4. Hospitality at Home: What Makes Branded Residences Work in the UK?
Tuesday 30 September | 11.20 – 12.00
As demand for flexible living models accelerates, branded residences are gaining serious momentum. This interactive session opens the floor to audience questions as experts unpack the operational models, investment strategies, and placemaking principles behind successful schemes. It’s a must for investors, developers, and operators exploring the intersection of living and hospitality.
Speakers: Louis Keighley (Savills), Maria Ashton (Accor), Barry Landsberg (Landsberg Residential Consulting)
Host: Peter Sugden (Clyde & Co)
5. Question Time: Reset, Rebuild and Rise
Tuesday 30 September | 12.50 – 13.30
Bringing together owners, operators and asset managers, this interactive Q&A promises to be one of the most dynamic sessions of the conference. Tackling real-time challenges around alignment, value creation and partnership models, the panel will face audience questions head-on. Expect frank, practical insights into what it really takes to rise in today’s evolving hospitality market.
Speakers: Li Zhang (Brookfield), Ronen Nissenbaum (Fattal Hotels), Rebecca Kate Burton (Oak View Group), Lionel Benjamin (go2 Hotels)
Host: Marcus Kinsella (Newmark)
Why These Sessions Matter
The 2025 agenda reflects an industry that is no longer content to wait for change, but determined to drive it. Each of these sessions embodies the spirit of Reset, Rebuild, Rise whether it’s bold leadership in uncertain times, innovative growth models, or the evolution of investment and partnership strategies.
As always, the AHC is about more than just discussion. It’s a chance to forge connections, share practical insights, and leave with strategies that can be applied immediately.
For those shaping the future of UK hospitality, this is a conference not to be missed.
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Save 10% on your registration and join over 1,100 senior leaders, including hotel owners, investors, developers, and operators by registering here
Image credit: Simon Callaghan Photography