HOSPACE 2021, the annual conference of the Hospitality Professionals Association, is offering hoteliers complimentary tickets to the event – as it seeks to increase access to hoteliers looking for support and guidance around the factors impacting the sector.
With hospitality hard hit by the pandemic and many other issues buffeting the industry, HOSPA is offering hoteliers complimentary access to HOSPACE for the first time as it seeks to facilitate improved accessibility for operators looking to learn from the expertise on offer.
The event, which is set for the Royal Lancaster London on Thursday the 18th November, will focus on a variety of topics, including the impacts of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, emerging trends in technology, sustainability and climate change, staffing and engagement issues, decentralised identification and more.
While the official programme is still being finalised, leading hoteliers such as Harry Murray, Chairman of Lucknam Park, Sally Beck, General Manager of the Royal Lancaster Hotel and Sue Williams, General Manager of Whatley Manor are already confirmed for the day, as is Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality.
Speaking of the decision to allow free tickets for hoteliers, Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA,(pictured), said, “Hotels have had an enormously challenging 18 months, with many in the process of rebuilding. Given HOSPACE offers unparalleled access to a range of hospitality expertise, we’re looking to allow more hoteliers to tap into this.
'With budgets and margins tight in the wake of the pandemic, by waiving the ticket fee for operators, we’re hoping to encourage more to attend – either in person or virtually – enabling them to benefit from the knowledge and experience included in the programme.”
Pendlebury added, “As an industry, it’s never been more important to work collaboratively and pull in the same direction, and this is part of that. By allowing greater access to our offering, best practice and guidance can more easily reach those who need it.”
The 2021 edition of HOSPACE is set to be a dual affair, with HOSPA partnering with HTNG, a leading US trade association, to share hosting responsibilities, as is seeks to build upon the success of the 2020 hybrid event, with the 2021 edition set to consist of physical attendance and the option to attend virtually for international delegates.
Initial planning for the event estimates 400 guests will attend in person, with capacity for another 500 to attend remotely thanks to the use of virtual technology.
Alongside the day conference, HOSPA will also be hosting an evening dinner event, during which a series of awards will recognise inspirational leaders of the industry, with categories focusing on finance, revenue manager, marketing, technology, COVID heroes and more.
Pendlebury commented, “The evening dinner is always a hugely popular aspect of HOSPACE and that’s likely to be even more the case this year, given it wasn’t possible at last year’s event.
'The awards add a celebratory element as we champion those who’ve made a difference. Recognition is so important, and it will provide a wonderful opportunity to commend those who go above and beyond within the hospitality industry.”