Collaboration, bold thinking, and people-led leadership were just some of the key themes explored at the annual Hotel Leadership Conference hosted by the Master Innholders this week.
Over 500 hotelier professionals were present for the two-day event at London Hilton on Park Lane under the conference theme of ‘Stronger Together, Breaking the Mould’, which featured a lineup of expert speakers.
Opening the conference was Nigel Risner, who set the tone by encouraging leaders to look within and start with culture. He explained that being fully present and understanding your team’s individual motivations are key factors for leaders to pay attention to in 2026, particularly for those leaders looking to elevate their guest experience.
Change can be difficult however, especially as it requires us to rewire our brains, as Psychologist, Author and Educator, Dr Helena Boschi, explored in her session around the neuroscience of collaboration:
“Our brains resist change and love habit, but by harnessing attention, offering choice, and engaging emotion, we can overcome natural biases and make better decisions — for our teams, our guests, and ourselves.”
Bringing these very ideas into action was the focus of Former English Rugby Union Player and Coach, Sir Clive Woodward’s session. People-led leadership was personified in the concept of ‘teamship’, the integration of leadership and teamwork through shared principles where everyone has a voice.
All of these changes must be considered against the wider backdrop of the hospitality industry, particularly when it comes to the economy, as Emeritus Professor of Global Economy, Joe Nellis CBE, explained. He described that while inflationary pressures are easing, consumer and business confidence remains fragile, meaning measured decisions, alongside greater collaboration and bold thinking, will be needed to navigate uncertainty.
Echoing the theme of the conference to remain stronger together, Chair of UKHospitality, Kate Nicholls OBE, emphasised that hospitality must be recognised as a driver of growth, not merely a beneficiary, and uniting across the sector is essential in achieving this.
The evening of the conference also provided an opportunity to celebrate those championing collaboration, bold thinking and people-led leadership. Chris Turner, Hotel Manager at Dakota Newcastle was presented with the prestigious GM of the Future, the Neil Bannister Scholarship award on the night, while Franck Arnold MI, Managing Director of the Savoy, was presented the Hotelier of the Year award.
Summarising the conference was Hotel Leadership Conference chair, Francisco Macedo FIH IS MI, who reflected on the overall theme of ‘Stronger Together, Breaking the Mould’, and why true leadership is needed more than ever:
“Leadership in our profession is becoming more demanding, not less. The decisions carry greater weight. The consequences are more visible. And the expectations placed on us, by our teams, our guests, our owners and ourselves, continue to rise.
If there is one thing I hope you leave with, it is not a takeaway slide or a clever phrase. It is clarity about the culture you are actively shaping, whether you intend to or not. And clarity about the responsibility that comes with influence.”
Next year’s conference will be held on 11 and 12 January 2027 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London. For more information about the Master Innholders, visit the website or sign up for the newsletter for regular updates.
