Events

📅 September 28-29, 2026, Orlando, Florida: The Digital Travel Summit will feature industry leaders discussing how social media, AI, and technology can enhance the traveler journey. Emma Shaybani of HEI Hotels & Resorts will attend, focusing on digital marketing and event-driven travel, reflecting trends like the Taylor Swift effect. HEI, now with over 100 hotels, emphasizes AI in marketing, balancing automation with human creativity for guest experience. 📍 Stay tuned for insights on AI's role in hospitality.

📰 August 18, 2026, Europe: OpenAI launches ChatGPT Ads in 31 countries next week for free-tier travelers, including Germany, France, and Spain. Initially, ads are sold through OpenAI's own sales team and partners, with self-service options coming later this summer. In the U.S., the self-serve Ads Manager launched on May 5, running cost-per-click campaigns. Click-through rates range from 1.6% to 1.9%, costing $3-$3.50 per click. European cost data is yet unavailable.

📅 On November 9th, 2026, the BDNY Power Players: Women Leaders in Hospitality Breakfast will be held at River Pavilion, Javits Center, New York. The event features eight industry leaders, including Alison Bowman Sobeck from Marriott and Sarah Dusek from Few & Far. Running from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., attendees will enjoy breakfast, a NEWH presentation, and a panel discussion moderated by Alissa Ponchione, BD's editor in chief.

🏨 Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple Hotels Inc., will be a special guest at the Independent Hotel Show Miami 2026, happening in just over a month. Staypineapple Hotels emphasizes boutique experiences with a personal touch, highlighted by their "naked experience" and pet-friendly focus, offering a 14-day free trial of calming pet sounds. The hotel brand operates under the philosophy of being "unchained," promoting creativity and individuality in hospitality without standard operating procedures. Staypineapple encourages authenticity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence in its staff.

🏨 June 3, New York: The Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA) hosted its investment conference, themed "The Third Space Renaissance." Led by Ariela Goharik Kiradjian, the event emphasized authenticity and a move away from hustle culture. Panels included Shane Davis's Public Records highlighting cultural authorship, and discussions on wellness misconceptions by industry leaders. Predictions suggest the "third space" concept could become mainstream by 2028, challenging Kiradjian to adapt.

🍴 Tom Kerridge, a Michelin-starred chef, will host a dinner event at Old Course Hotel's Road Hole Restaurant on 14 November 2026, showcasing Scottish ingredients. Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean baker, will host a Scottish-inspired afternoon tea on 17 October 2026, featuring family recipes and island storytelling. These events are part of a Chef series, following previous ones with chefs Rachel Allen and Alex Dilling, aiming to offer unique culinary experiences at this iconic St Andrews location.

🏨 Birmingham hotels saw a 62.5% rise in room nights during the European Athletics Championships from August 10-16, compared to last year. This increase is linked to more bookings and longer stays, with the average length of stay increasing from 1.38 to 1.67 nights. The event has significantly boosted hotel activity in the area.

📅 In November 2026, the Hotel Owner Conference will be held in London. Shonali Devereaux, an advocate for the business meetings and events sector, highlights challenges in 2026, including staffing, consumer expectations, and rising operational costs. She emphasizes integrating events into hotel strategy to optimize yield. The conference aims to address these issues and foster resilience and leadership in the evolving hospitality landscape. Devereaux recalls career milestones, such as contributing to the Sydney 2000 Olympics and the UK smoking ban.

🎉 On Thursday, 29th October, the 21st annual MHA ball will take place at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, attended by over 800 guests. The event aims to surpass last year's £45,000 charity funds for Barnabus, the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, Wood Street Mission, and Hospitality Action. The Roaring 20s-themed ball will feature MHA’s awards with nine trophies, supported by sponsors like WGC, Expedia, and MMU. Key partners include Nespresso, Silentnight, and others.