Events

🏨 June 3, 2026, New York City – The Boutique Hotel Investment Conference, organized by the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA), will be sponsored by Blank Rome LLP at Convene 237 Park, Midtown Manhattan. Now in its 14th year, this exclusive event unites owners, investors, and developers. Blank Rome, a Partner-Level sponsor, brings strategic insights into hotel growth and complex transactions. An After-Party at Neuehouse Madison Square follows the one-day conference.

🏝️ 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.