Events

🏝️ May 15, 2026, at Sandals Grande Antigua, the Direct Booking Summit Caribbean returns, focusing on boosting direct bookings with over 50% conversion rates. It offers AI-driven marketing insights and strategies to reduce third-party channel reliance. Charlie Osmond of Triptease highlights the summit’s growing community and ambition. Registration is open for CHTA members and non-members, with limited capacity following high demand in 2025. Visit DirectBookingSummitCaribbean.com for more details.

☕ From April to July 2026, Julius Meinl hosts national Barista Cup competitions in 17 countries, including Austria, Italy, and the USA. The Grand Finale is set for 4 September 2026 in Vienna. Baristas compete in Espresso, Cappuccino, and Signature Drink categories using Gloriette Gold blend, with top scorers winning trips to coffee origins. Supported by partners like Rancilio and Fiorenzato, the event highlights barista skills and sustainable coffee culture.

🌍 FHS Africa 2026, happening in Nairobi from 31 March to 1 April, will honor Vimbai Masiyiwa, CEO of Batoka Africa, and Colin Bell, CEO of Natural Selection. Masiyiwa will receive the Leadership Award for her work in sustainable tourism in Zimbabwe, and Bell will get the Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award for his conservation efforts. Both will share their journeys in exclusive interviews, showcasing their impact on African hospitality and conservation tourism.

📅 March 16-18, 2026, Atlanta: The 37th annual Hunter Conference takes place at Signia by Hilton Atlanta, attracting over 2,300 hospitality professionals. Founded by Bob Hunter in partnership with Georgia State University's Cecil B. Day School, the conference promotes networking and education, featuring 12 Focus Sessions, special guests like Tony Ressler, and an award for Glade Knight. New features include The Hub and late-night events. Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta and AHLA President Rosanna Maietta are among the speakers.

🍳 The Craft Guild of Chefs has opened entries for the National Chef of the Year 2026 in the UK, with the theme "Our Sustainable Future." The competition includes 40 chefs advancing to semi-finals on June 24th at Sheffield College and July 1st at Capital City College. The final with 10 chefs will occur on October 6th, 2026, at Le Cordon Bleu Cookery School. Chefs must create a three-course menu in three hours, focusing on seasonal, sustainable ingredients.

📅 Who? ITB Berlin 2026 attendees, ReGuest & opensmjle booth team. When? During the ITB Berlin event in 2026. Where? Berlin, Germany. What? The booth was busier than ever despite the event's smaller scale; celebrated the first-ever Partner Event with nearly 60 partners. How? Through the introduction of a new Partner Program and hosting numerous events and reunions. The team's energy and collaboration highlighted the event, making it a memorable and successful experience.

📅 Since its 1990 debut, Ambiente in Frankfurt has become a key international trade show for consumer goods, featuring Dining, Living, and Giving sectors. In 2026, industry giants like Marriott and Caddie Hotel attended, alongside Lodge Manufacturing, exhibiting for over 30 years. Shane Miller from THE CUSTOM CHEF highlighted its role in international growth, sparking partnerships with IMERCO and Macy’s. Joelle Mertzel's Kitchen Concepts debuted internationally, securing orders across Europe and interest from Japan, Australia, and more.

📅 Suzanne Speak joins the Hotel Owner Conference on 3rd November 2026 at Prince Philip House, London. As Radisson Hotel Group's UK&I managing director, she oversees 44 hotels, expanding to 48 by year-end. With nearly 30 years in hospitality, Speak will share insights on hotel acquisitions, revenue strategy, and owner relations, amidst the sector's growth. Michael Northcott, editor of Hotel Owner, highlights her expertise in portfolio management and brand standards. Full details are on the event's official website.