The independent hotel community has applauded a successful 2024 edition of the Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, which saw thousands of hoteliers and interior designers descend on Olympia London for two days of networking, learning and discovering quality products and services.
The 12th edition of the show presented over 200 innovative suppliers, a comprehensive seminar programme dedicated to trends, challenges, case studies and opportunities in the independent hotel sector and countless opportunities for hoteliers to network with industry peers.
The show also welcomed a record number of design partners, who were asked to create the event’s features and stages inspired by the theme of ‘Escaping the hustle and bustle.’ Design partners for 2024 included Design Command, FIBI Interiors, Luke Edwards Interior Design, Anya Brakha Interiors, studio ATARA, Amit Dixit Design, OMO Interiors and Spacebrand.
Fido Fawo, Founder of FIBI Interiors, said: ““I recently partnered with the Independent Hotel Show for the first time and it was an outstanding experience. As the Founder of FIBI Interiors, we were thrilled to design an exclusive Members Suite for the event inspired by the concept ‘Beyond the hustle & bustle’.
“Seeing the Suite come to life and enjoyed by VIP guests was incredibly rewarding. Overall, the show was a brilliant showcase of creativity and innovation in the hospitality industry. Highly recommended for anyone in the industry. Thank you again for trusting our vision!”
Bev King, CEO of Z Hotels, commented: “The Independent Hotel Show is a great opportunity to discover new suppliers, see new innovations and meet industry colleagues all in one venue. Every year I have attended I have discovered new suppliers and agreed supply contracts as a result of my visit.”
Christopher Hurst, General Manager at Hambleton Hall, added: “So good to be back – feels like coming home! There was a great buzz, and it was so good to meet some new faces together with many from previous years!”
Hamish Kilburn of Kilburn Communications hosted a popular Trends Tour around the event highlighting a diverse range of exhibitors, trends and products. The tour showcased playful wallpaper designs by Asrin Wallprint and ATA designs were highlighted, refined and understated lighting from Corston, new bed technologies by Hypos, Naturalmat and Silentnight Group, versatile modular furniture from Swift, and much more.
The show’s two stages were packed throughout the two days of the event as hoteliers gathered to hear discussions between inspiring industry leaders and presentations from agencies including STR, PeoplePlacesSpaces, HotStats and 80 Days.
Highlights of the programme included a live question time with UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls OBE, a lively discussion on the power of accreditation schemes featuring James O’Donnell of Matfen Hall Country Hotel, Laura Sharpe of Firmdale Hotels, Simon Numphud of AA Media and Charlotte Evans of Condé Nast Johansens.
“It was a delight to be back at the Independent Hotel Show discussing some of the latest trends and developments in the industry. Independent hotels are a hugely important part of the hospitality sector and it’s fantastic to have an event dedicated to bringing this community together,” commented Nicholls.
Another standout session was a discussion around the power of partnerships with Chris Bancroft of The Newt, Kalindi Juneja of Pride of Britain, and Veryan Palmer of The Headland Hotel Cornwall.
“For any hotels looking to join a consortium, it’s important to be very clear on what you want to get out of it,” said Juneja. “We’re in a very fortunate position as a brand that we receive over 50 applications a year, but I’m often taken aback that hotels haven’t thought about what they want from PoB Hotels.
“It’s important to be open and honest about partnerships and expectations from year one, year two etc. We want to deliver well and make sure our partners are receiving a return on their investment.”
A breakfast to remember
The show’s exclusive Power Breakfast event, in partnership with Cloudbeds & Flexkeeping, saw a keynote interview with Pig Hotels and Hotel Du Vin Co-Founder Robin Hutson, who reflected on a hospitality career spanning over 50 years and the growth of iconic independent hotel brands.
Discussing his retirement as Chairman of Pig Hotels, Hutson said: “We’ll remain shareholders. We have, over the period of time we’ve been in business, developed a dream team of people headed up by CEO Tom Ross. He has the DNA of The Pig running coursing through his veins, as do many of our senior team. I’m hoping that the culture we’ve created dissipates throughout the entire organisation.”
Commenting on being the keynote interview for the Power Breakfast, he added: “It felt like a very easy thing to do – I guess I’m talking about my specialist subject! I love the Independent Hotel Show and think it’s really important for the sector. I’m pleased that in these difficult times it continues to thrive. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my lifetime in hospitality, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Vincent McGrath, Hotel Manager at The Dorchester, commented: “I would thoroughly recommend the Power Breakfast at the Independent Hotel Show to anyone who can attend. This year’s seminar with Robin Hutson was especially insightful.
“The event itself had a great flow and ran smoothly, it provided a perfect opportunity to connect and catch up with Industry professionals and allowed us all to collaborate and discuss some of the hot topics from the thought-provoking discussions of the various seminars I attended.”
Celebrating excellence in the independent hotel sector
The 2024 Independent Hotel Show Awards, held in partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, celebrated outstanding contributions in the independent and boutique hotel sector.
Among the winners were Grove of Narberth, which took home the prestigious Independent Hotel of the Year award, and the late designer Thierry Despont, who was recognised for his work on The Beaumont in the Hotel Design of the Year category.
Additionally, Event Sales Executive Nikola Mazurek from South Place Hotel won the Hotel Rising Star award, while Scottish hotelier James Thomson, owner of Prestonfield House Hotel and The Witchery by the Castle, received the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry award for his lifelong commitment to hospitality.
Thomson commented: “It’s very humbling to receive an award from your peers because there is so much talent in hospitality and tourism. I’m shocked and totally humbled. It’s very much a people industry and there are so many amazing people in it.”
To keep up to date with all the latest news and insights from the Independent Hotel Show, visit independenthotelshow.co.uk. The 2025 edition of the event takes place on 6-7 October at Olympia London.