Seminars:

Your seminar host:

Devina is an experienced hospitality moderator and chairs the sessions at TO THE TABLE MEA.

Devina Divecha Writer, Editor, MC and Media Consultant

Tuesday 8th October

9:00 - 10:00

Seminar Presentation: Forecasting the Future of Hospitality in the MEA Region

Olivier Harnisch Founder - Lunasole Hospitality

Tony Chisholm Vice President Food & Beverage, MEA & Asia, Premium, Midscale & Economy Hotels – Accor

Johan Scott Valentine Vice President of Food & Beverage - Rotana Hotels

The opening session will be focusing on emerging trends in the hospitality industry across MEA, looking at the latest innovations, award-winning design, mega projects, operational excellence and seeing what the vision for the future entails across the region. Our industry experts will cast their experienced eyes over development taking place from Saudi Arabia, to the UAE and to Africa, looking at the difference demographics, tourism trends, future potential and opportunities of each. They will identify key factors influencing these elements and highlight examples that are driving performance.

Tuesday 8th October

13:50 - 14:50

Seminar Presentation: Navigating towards Responsible Hospitality Procurement in the Middle East

Sebastien Brunel Senior Vice President Procurement, Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Asia-Pacific – Accor / Astore

Liviu Raulea Director International Procurement - Marriott International

Noel Attard Chief Executive Officer - Kempinski Trading

Experts in the hospitality procurement arena will discuss the importance of sustainable procurement practices, and how to overcome key challenges to ensure an ethical supply chain. They will also look at the latest innovations in the sector that help to create value in the procurement process. They will be focused on the Middle East and covering the specific solutions for this region.

Wednesday 9th October

9:00 - 10:00

Seminar Presentation: Engaging with Environmental Targets for a More Sustainable Future

Constance Maillard de la Morandais Director of Sustainability, MEAT - Accor

Philip Halanen Head of Sourcing & Sustainability - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Amruta Kshemkalyani Managing Director - AK Sustainability Advisory

Our environmental experts will be focusing on identifying sustainability targets set either at international events like COP28 or at a country level to meet tourism goals or within hotel groups or megaprojects. They will discuss the practical ideas of ways to reduce emissions, decrease environmental impact and minimise waste. They will look at creating and promoting key environmental projects, to broaden the environmental tourism sector and enable the hospitality industry to protect environments and focus guests on improving the planet. They will guide us through the processes, how to quantify results, what should be done better and what the industry should really be aiming for.

Wednesday 9th October

13:50 - 14:50

Seminar Presentation: Technology as a Driving Force in Hospitality

Roger Tabbal Vice President Global Guest Technology & Innovation, Accor

Antonio Ducceschi Chief Commercial Officer, Starhotels Group

Ally Northfield Managing Director, Revenue by Design Ltd

The session will be focusing on the latest developments in technology that are driving front-of-house solutions such as guest engagement, communications, loyalty and how hospitality brands can digitally transform for maximum efficiency while keeping the human interaction that the industry is built upon. We will look at how to capture the hearts and minds of the next generation of travellers, as well as the buzz of interest around AI, how it can be used and practically applied for hospitality. With a few future predictions thrown in, this session promises to be enlightening.