The Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam, welcomes hoteliers back to Olympia London on 16-17 October for two days of networking, learning and product sourcing.

Each year the show brings together a carefully curated selection of suppliers to the independent hotel sector, providing the ultimate opportunity for hoteliers to refine their business and elevate their customer experience.

Design is at the heart of the Independent Hotel Show, which aims to go above and beyond in emulating the high level of service and design provided by hotels that visit the event.

This year the show has partnered with a record number of design agencies and suppliers to elevate the visitor experience, including Cocoon & Bauer, Design Command, New Heritage Design, Studio Clementine, Moritz Waldemeyer, Rosendale Design, Wellbrook Hospitality and sofa.com to create a truly immersive and unique trade show experience.

The event will also feature an exciting partnership with LEVEN Hotels to showcase the LEVENverse, a ‘visually fantastical’ virtual hotel in the metaverse, where people from around the world can network.

Timothy Griffin, Co-Founder of LEVEN Hotels, commented: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the Independent Hotel Show this year and showcasing the possibilities of the metaverse for the hotel sector.”

The event will also be partnering with sustainability consultant Sarah Duncan to launch the ESG Hub, where hoteliers can meet with experts from organisations including mission: net zero, PlanetMark and Green Key for bespoke, practical advice and guidance on all aspects of corporate sustainability.

Plus, returning for a second year, the Business Solutions Bar presented by HOSPA & HMA will have consultants across a number of specialisms on hand to answer questions and provide advice to hoteliers at this year’s event.

Loved by independent and boutique hoteliers

The Independent Hotel Show attracts the who’s who of the UK independent hotel community, with everyone from owners and managing directors to rising hospitality stars, descending on the show to network and make lasting industry connections.

In addition to working closely with organisations including HOSPA, AA Media Group, the Institute of Hospitality, VisitEngland, The Master Innholders, PoB Hotels, Preferred Hotels and many more, the show is also delighted to have the support of leading hoteliers across the UK and Ireland.

Sue Williams, General Manager at Whatley Manor, commented: “In these rapidly changing times, attending the Independent Hotel Show is a great opportunity to find out about the industry’s innovations all under one roof. It is a well laid out event with a great variety of suppliers, all reflecting what’s new in the hospitality landscape. Not to mention the great number of quality speakers that you can listen to discussing the key topics concerning us all today.”

Josh Chadwick, General Manager at The Tawny Hotel added: “The Independent Hotel Show is the must visit exhibition each year. From the informative panels where the latest information can be learnt, to building relationships with new and current suppliers. The quality of exhibitors and choice is always brilliant, there is a supplier for every area in a hotel!”

Stephen Fearnley, General Manager at Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, concluded: “The Independent Hotel Show is an incredibly valuable opportunity to hear and see the latest trends in the hotel sector, network with industry peers and meet with a wide range of new and existing suppliers. It’s a must-attend event for me and I’d recommend the show to any hoteliers looking to grow their business and make lasting industry connections.”

The Innovation Stage, in partnership with eviivo and designed by New Heritage Design

The Innovation Stage at this year’s show is a must-attend for hoteliers looking to hear about the latest innovations in design, guest experience, technology and much more.

Day One of the show will kick off with sessions from VisitEngland’s Head of Business Support Transformation Janet Uttley and UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls OBE, who will be providing updates on the latest legislation, support and initiatives relevant to the independent hotel sector.

Plus, the stage will feature a session on eliminating the ‘first night effect’ and ensuring guests return time and time again. Panellist Stuart Godwin, Managing Director of Lamington Group, commented: “Hotels have a couple of must deliver points. A good night’s sleep is one. Forget the rest of the customer journey if guests don’t have a good night’s sleep, we will be out of business!”

The stage will also see a session on ‘sensory-centric creation’, examining how appealing to all the senses can create the ultimate customer experience.

Panellist Ryan Thompson, General Manager of Forty-Seven, commented: “In a hotel setting, the guest journey covers a huge array of touchpoints and many standalone hospitality experiences in one, at times we need guests to relax while at others we need guests to be excited to purchase more, both needing the senses to subconsciously work in different ways to help the commercials of the hotel and overall guest satisfaction and experience.

“Designing and opening Forty-Seven this year we have worked tirelessly to carefully consider how all of the senses influence our commercial strategy.”

The Independent Hotel Show has partnered with New Heritage Design to bring the look of the Innovation Stage to life, with something truly unique planned to delight and intrigue visitors to the event.

As hoteliers descend on the Independent Hotel Show from around the country, the design will reflect this diversity of locale by moving throughout the day across themes of countryside, coastal and city.

The day will conclude with the Independent Hotel Show Awards presentation set against a cosmopolitan night time cityscape, utilising a sustainable cork wallpaper and a city scene illustration by Drew Millward of The Monkey Puzzle Tree.

New Heritage Design champions’ sustainability through the revitalisation and reuse of classic vintage pieces, demonstrating that vintage can still mean luxurious.

Creative Director, Hannah Lohan, commented: “At New Heritage Design we work on many different projects, from boutique hotels, to pubs, restaurants and spas. We love to weave vintage furniture into our design schemes as a sustainable solution to create unique interiors, which not only look beautiful but add character and an interesting narrative to a property.

“Our design ethos will be reflected in the spaces we have been invited to design at this year’s Independent Hotel Show.”

The Hotel Business Stage, in partnership with HotelPartner and designed by Design Command

The Hotel Business Stage at this year’s event will be a hub of practical advice and actionable insights for visitors to the show. Building authentic brands, delivering world class service, mastering hospitality recruitment, refinancing, outsourcing F&B and the potential applications of AI for hotels, these are just some of the topics up for discussion on this busy stage.

Design Command has returned to the Independent Hotel Show for a second year as a design partner, this year transforming the Hotel Business Stage into a striking space inspired by formalism, a stylised form of filmmaking.

Using a colour palette of greens, pinks and oranges, Design Command will be playing with warm and cool colours and using light to create a sense of depth, perspective and contrast. This resulting design will be visually stunning, and the use of colour will create a vibrant and eye-catching space, stimulating insightful discussion and debate.

Founder, Clare McDonald, commented: “Design Command is thrilled to partner with the Independent Hotel Show to design the Hotel Business Stage for 2023. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our skills and expertise in creating spaces for the hospitality industry.

“We believe that this stage will be a vibrant and inspiring space for speakers and attendees to gather and exchange ideas.”

Quality suppliers to the independent hotel sector

This year’s edition of the show is packed with unique suppliers showcasing their latest exciting products and innovative services. Visitors can meet with the likes of luxury linen and bedding supplier AURA DEMI, who source only the finest fibres and collaborate with professionals to craft luxurious, comfortable, and bespoke bed linens and bedding products.

Also at the show are SWYFT, the furniture brand that believes in great design that’s thoughtful, comfortable and that will last a lifetime. For hotels looking to revitalise their spa offering, SPA CREATORS, comprises a leading team of designers and procurement specialists who have created award-winning spas in the luxury and boutique hotel sector in the UK and around the world. The business also offers a modular spa concept – SPAshell TM – which offers a brilliant solution for hotels wanting to add a spa and wellness business.

For visitors interested in sourcing amenities, Branche d’Olive offer home fragrances, curated lifestyle accessories and naturally derived bath & body products, with a commitment to less waste and products packaged in 97% recycled and 100% recyclable plastic.

GAIA Skincare will also be on hand with their skincare range made from natural ingredients, made with certified organic plant extracts, many of which are fair trade and sourced from small farms and producers. Their formulations have been created using traditional artisan methods, blending the finest ingredients, plant actives, and essential oils, to produce a range of products with intention and integrity.

Celebrating excellence in the independent hotel sector

The Independent Hotel Show Awards, in partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, now in their 11th year, celebrate pioneering hospitality businesses and hotel professionals in the UK & Ireland.

The Independent Hotel of the Year Award recognises a truly special establishment embodying an independent spirit and demonstrating excellence and innovation in creating exceptional guest experiences. These are hotels that are committed to the development of their team and the wider success and betterment of the independent hotel sector.

  • The Atlantic Hotel, Jersey
  • Aviator Hotel, Hampshire
  • The Cottage In The Wood, Malvern
  • The Fish Hotel, Broadway, Cotswolds
  • The Grand, York
  • Grove of Narberth, Pembrokeshire
  • The Headland, Newquay
  • Ness Walk, Inverness

The winner of Independent Hotel of the Year, along with the winner of GM of the Future, in partnership with The Master Innholders, will be unveiled on the evening of 16 October at the Independent Hotel Show in an exclusive event, open to senior hoteliers and hospitality professionals.

The Independent Hotel Show returns to Olympia London on 16-7 October for the boutique and independent hotel community.

To find out more about everything happening at this year’s edition, and to register for your complimentary trade ticket, visit independenthotelshow.co.uk