2025 Program Overview

Please see the 2025 Aotearoa Hotel Industry Conference & Exhibition (AHICE) program overview below.

MONDAY, 11 AUGUST 2025

Drifter Christchurch
6:00pm-8:00pm NETWORKING: AHICE AOTEAROA ‘AFTER DARK’ NETWORKING BAR at DRIFTER CHRISTCHURCH.
(complimentary drink on arrival and then pay as you go).
Presented by

Note: Program is subject to change

TUESDAY, 12 AUGUST 2025

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
2:00pm-3:00pm AHICE AOTEAROA 2025 REGISTRATION, AFTERNOON TEA and coffee in the exhibition.
3:00pm-3:15pm

WELCOME TO AHICE AOTEAROA 2025 with emcee NICKY STYRIS, Hotel Council Aotearoa (HCA) Strategic Director JAMES DOOLAN and AHICE Group President and Chair and Convenor, JAMES WILKINSON, including a pōwhiri Māori welcoming ceremony.
3.15pm-3.30pm KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: What to expect in 2025 and beyond by STR Regional Director, MATTHEW BURKE.
3.30pm-3.40pm KEYNOTE ADDRESS: The Mayor of Christchurch, PHIL MAUGER, welcoming delegates to the city.
3:40pm-5:40pm AHICE ‘POWER SESSIONS’: An afternoon of quick-fire, 20-minute sessions ‘on the clock’ on key topics.
3:40pm-4:00pm POWER SESSION 1: THE DEVELOPERS’ OUTLOOK. New Zealand developers talk about future opportunities and projects.
Hosted by:
• NICK THOMPSON, Director – New Zealand, JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group
Panelists:
• BEN BRIDGE, Executive Director, Mainland Capital
• IAN WILSON, Director, Title Hospitality
• NIC SMITH, Managing Director, Alfred Taylor Development
• PIENAAR PISO, Hotel Developer and Founder, Vision Complete Earthworks
4:00pm-4:20pm POWER SESSION 2: FRANCHISING: MARKET EXPECTATIONS. Franchising is again set to grow in Aotearoa in 2025 and beyond.
Hosted by:
• ALISTAIR LAW, Partner, Anthony Harper Lawyers
Panelists:
• DANESH BAMJI, Vice President Franchise, Pacific, Accor
• JAMES SHIELDS, General Manager of Growth and Capital Strategy, The Ascott Limited
• JONATHAN GELL, Regional Director, Brand Performance Support, Australasia, South East Asia, Hilton
• JOSIE HUNGERFORD, Director of Growth and Corporate Affairs, Trilogy Hotels
4:20pm-4:40pm

POWER SESSION 3: RISING STARS. Several of the industry’s rising stars talk about their expectations in the industry.
Hosted by:
• GINNI POST, Director, GP Communications
Panelists:
• ANMOLE GULATI, General Manager, Abstract Hotel Auckland
• JENSON JOS, Operations Manager, Sudima Christchurch Airport
• SHAISHAV MEHTA, Business Development Australasia – BWH Hotels
4:40pm-5:00pm POWER SESSION 4: REGIONAL GROWTH. A dive into the new projects and development opportunities for key regional areas across Aotearoa.
Hosted by:
• MONIQUE ENOKA-DAVIDSON, Partner, Space Studio
Panelists:
• CALLUM KENNEDY, Group General Manager, EVT
• DANILO CURCURUTO, Director, Development, Australasia, Radisson Hotel Group
• PETER DOHERTY, Development Director, Choice Hotels APAC
• TAYLOR O’BRIEN, Development Manager, Accor
5:00pm-5:20pm

POWER SESSION 5: THE INTERIOR DESIGN RULES. Hot design, architecture and more.
Hosted by:
• RUTH HOGAN, Editor, HM magazine
Panelists:
• CHRIS STEVENS, Owner, Ctrl Space
• TAREK ADASI, Design & Projects Director, Hilton 
• RICHARD DALMAN, Managing Director, Dalman Architects
• TRACEY WILES, Principal, Woods Bagot
5:20pm-5:40pm POWER SESSION 6: FOOD & BEVERAGE. New benchmarks to expect for 2025 and beyond.
Hosted by:
• MICHAEL STAMBOULIDIS, General Manager, QT Auckland
Panelists:
• ALISON HULM, Director ‑ Development, Australasia, Langham Hospitality
• JONATHAN BOWMAKER, Senior Manager, Food & Beverage Operations, Australasia, Hilton
• LENNY O’CONNELL, Director, Marlborough Food and Wine Experience
• SABRINA MATAI, Director of Food and Beverage, SkyCity Auckland
5:40pm-5:55pm KEYNOTE SPEECH: New Zealand Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Deputy Leader of the House, the HON. LOUISE UPSTON.
6:00pm-8:15pm NETWORKING: GALA NETWORKING EVENT at RYDGES CHRISTCHURCH LATIMER SQUARE.
Presented by

Supported by

               

           
8:15pm-onwards NETWORKING: AHICE AOTEAROA ‘AFTER DARK’ NETWORKING BAR at RYDGES CHRISTCHURCH LATIMER SQUARE.
(pay as you go)
Presented by

Note: Program is subject to change

WEDNESDAY, 13 AUGUST 2025

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
8:55am-9:00am

WELCOME TO INN TECH by emcee NICKY STYRIS and our expert host, technology and sustainability advisor, Singapore-based Enzyme Consulting Founder and CEO, ANDREW CAMERON. INN Tech is our all-new, mini Hotel Technology Summit with a keynote outlook and power sessions and to give you a flavour of what’s hot in technology.
9:00am-9:10am WELCOME KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Hotel technology expectations for 2025 and beyond – where are we heading? By Singapore-based Enzyme Consulting Founder and CEO, ANDREW CAMERON.
9:10am-9:35am INN TECH SESSION 1: ON PROPERTY TECHNOLOGY. The latest technology for hotel guest rooms.
Hosted by:
• ANDREW CAMERON, Founder and CEO, Enzyme Consulting
Panelists:
• ARMAND BEZUIDENHOUT, National Sales Manager, Dormakaba
• PIENAAR PISO, Hotel Developer and Founder, Vision Complete Earthworks
• JUSTIN DELILLE, Director, Liverton
• MICHAEL BENIKOS, Managing Director, ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Australia
• MIKE BAKER, Managing Director, TM Consultants
9:35am-10:00am INN TECH SESSION 2: THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS. Uncovering the latest technology you need to know.
Hosted by:
• ANDREW CAMERON, Founder and CEO, Enzyme Consulting
Panelists:
• CRAIG DENNINGTON, Sales Director, Agilysys
• ROBERT BELL, Director of Sales and Operations – Asia and ANZSP, HUB OS Australia
• MARTIN CARRÉ, Customer Success Manager, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, FutureLog
• MICHAEL BONGIOVANNI, Enterprise Sales Director, Cendyn
• DOUGALL LOVE, Director of Operations, Mews
AHICE DAY 2 RESUMES
10:00am-10:25am PANEL SESSION: THE INVESTORS’ OUTLOOK. An essential investment outlook for the coming years.
Presented by

Hosted by:
• NICK THOMPSON, Director – New Zealand, JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group
Panelists:
• BRETT RUSSELL, Director, Russell Group
• NIGEL GREENAWAY, Chief Financial Officer, Crystalbrook Collection
• SUDESH JHUNJHNUWALA, Founder, Owner & CEO – Sudima Hotels and Hind Management
• UDAI SARIN, Chief Executive Officer, Sarin Investments
10:25am-10:35am HOTELIER Q&A: Accor Chief Operating Officer – Pacific, ADRIAN WILLIAMS, in conversation with AHICE Group President, JAMES WILKINSON.
10:35am-11:00am PANEL SESSION: THE AOTEAROA GENERAL MANAGERS’ OUTLOOK. General Managers look at their expectations for 2025 and beyond.
Hosted by:
• RONNIE RONALDE, Advisor, Hotel Council Aotearoa
Panelists:
• BRUCE GARRETT, General Manager, The George Christchurch
• CLINTON FARLEY, General Manager, The Hotel Britomart
• JEREMY SAMUELS, General Manager, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa
• SHANNON CRAIG, Area General Manager, EVT
• SCOTT THOMSON, Regional General Manager – North Island, Hilton and General Manager, Hilton Auckland
11:00am-11:30am NETWORKING: MORNING TEA.
Presented by
11:30am-11:45am KEYNOTE SPEECH: The rise of user-generated design and experiences in the New Zealand market by LyLo Managing Director, TIM ALPE.
11:45am-12:10pm

PANEL SESSION: VIEW FROM THE TOP: THE LEADERS’ EXPECTATIONS (part 1) An essential outlook for the year ahead from leading hotel executives.
Hosted by:
• STEPHEN HAMILTON, Director, Horwath HTL
Panelists:
• BEN SCHUMACHER, Vice President Operations – South East Asia Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
• LUKE MORAN, Chief Executive Officer, LA Co / Drifter hotels
• PAUL HUTTON, Area Vice President & Head of Australasia, Hilton
• RACHAEL NICHOLSON, Head of Commercial – New Zealand, Accor
• ROD MUNRO, Managing Director, BWH Hotels Australasia
12:10pm-12:30pm KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: The essential keys to sustainability in hospitality by Hind Management Chief Sustainability Officer, KANIKA JHUNJHNUWALA.
12:30pm-12:40pm HOTELIER Q&A: IHG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director – Australasia and Pacific, MATTHEW TRIPOLONE, in conversation with AHICE Group President, JAMES WILKINSON.
12:45pm-1:00pm TOURISM LEADER Q&A: Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, RENÉ DE MONCHY, in conversation with Hotel Council Aotearoa Strategic Director, JAMES DOOLAN.
1:00pm-2:00pm NETWORKING LUNCH
Presented by
2:00pm-2:25pm PANEL SESSION: ESSENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK. What to expect in 2025 and beyond.
Hosted by:
• RUTH HOGAN, Editor, HM magazine
Panelists:
• CAMERON BURKE, Director of Development – Australasia and Pacific, IHG Hotels and Resorts
• JOHN SUTCLIFFE, Director of Development, TFE Hotels
• LINDSAY LEESER, Chief Development Officer Pacific and Head of Apartments and Realty, Accor
• RICHARD CRAWFORD, Vice President – Hotel Development, Australia, NZ, and Pacific, Marriott International
• TUSHAR RANIGA, Regional Director, Development – Australasia, Hilton
2:25pm-2:50pm

PANEL SESSION: THE GREATER AUSTRALASIA-PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT & INVESTMENT TRENDS OUTLOOK. Key investment and development trends and expectations from across Australasia and the Pacific.
Hosted by:
• JAMES DOOLAN, Strategic Advisor, Hotel Council Aotearoa
Panelists:
• ANDREW TURNER, Head of Development – Australasia, Minor Hotels
• MATT HOLMES, Vice President of Development – South East Asia and Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
• SURESH SUBRAMANIAM, Head of Development New Zealand and South Pacific, BWH Hotels
• TRENT​​​​ CONROY, Head of Investments and Portfolio Growth, Choice Hotels Asia PAC
• VICTOR KONDARIOS, Director – Development, Australasia, Radisson Hotel Group
2:50pm-3:20pm NETWORKING: AFTERNOON TEA.
Presented by
3:20pm-3:45pm PANEL SESSION: HUMAN RESOURCES. The essential Human Resources outlook for 2025 and beyond.
Hosted by:
• KELLY DODD, Director – Hotels, Resorts & Accommodation, Tourism Talent
Panelists:
• CRAIG BINNEY, Head of People and Culture, Scenic Hotel Group
• MARY HOGG, Senior Director, Human Resources, Australasia, Hilton
• PHILLIPA GIMMILLARO, Chief People Officer, Sudima Hotels
• SCOTT BARTON, Group Head of Talent Acquisition, EVT
• WARWICK KAHL, Director of Operations – NZ, TFE Hotels
3:45pm-4:10pm PANEL SESSION: THE AOTEAROA TOURISM OUTLOOK. Industry leaders look at their tourism market expectations for 2025 and beyond.
Hosted by:
• MARCUS REINDERS, Chief Executive Officer, NZ Hotel Holdings
Panelists:
• LISA HOPKINS, Chief Executive Officer, Business Events Industry Aotearoa
• LOREN ABERHART, General Manager – Destination, Christchurch NZ
• PAUL GORMAN, General Manager, Luxury Escapes
4:10pm-4:25pm

KEYNOTE Q&A: THE LOCAL MUSICIANS RULE: ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCES IN HOTELS by Los Angeles-based musician TOBY RAND, in conversation with AHICE Group President and HM Editor-In-Chief, JAMES WILKINSON.
Presented by
 

Lead singer of Ashenmoon, RadioXX and Juke Kartel, LA-based Toby Rand started his career in Melbourne and has gone on to be an acclaimed artist in the United States and Australia.

He shot to fame on the TV show Rockstar: Supernova and now has residencies in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Having regularly performed in hotels like Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, he’s a strong advocate of the power of supporting local artists.

In this enlightening discussion he will look at the opportunity hotels have to support local artists and in turn provide guests with fantastic entertainment, night-in, night-out.
4:25pm-4:50pm

PANEL SESSION: WHITE LABEL’S GROWTH CONTINUES. Third party management companies are all seeing increased demand as the platform continues to grow and this session will uncover how, why and where.
Hosted by:
• RUWAN PEIRIS, Chief Executive Officer, THSA – Hotel Advisors
Panelists:
• ANDREW BULLOCK, Chief Executive Officer, 1834 Hotels
• CLARE DAVIES, Managing Director, Capstone Hotel Management
• RUWANI WEERASINGHE, Director of Asset Management & Acquisition, LA Vie Hotels
• SCOTT BOYES, CEO, Trilogy Hotels
• THOMAS JOHN, Vice President Strategy and Development, Panache Hotel Group
4:50pm-5:00pm HOTELIER Q&A: EVT Director of Hotels and Resorts, NORMAN ARUNDEL, in conversation with HM Editor, RUTH HOGAN.
5:00pm-5:25pm

PANEL SESSION: VIEW FROM THE TOP: THE LEADERS’ EXPECTATIONS (part 2). An essential outlook for the year ahead by leading hoteliers, with a glass of wine or two.
Hosted by:
• JAMES WILKINSON, AHICE Group President & JAMES DOOLAN, Strategic Advisor, Hotel Council Aotearoa
Panelists:
• CRAIG BONNOR, Managing Director, Cordis Auckland
• EMMA HYNES, Director of Operations, Australasia and Pacific, IHG Hotels and Resorts
• KARL LUXON, Chief Executive Officer Scenic Hotel Group
• LACHLAN HOSWELL, Managing Director, Business Unit Australasia, Radisson Hotel Group
• SIMON WHITE, General Manager Hotel Operations New Zealand, EVT
5:25pm-5:30pm WRAP-UP by Emcee NICKY STYRIS and AHICE Group President JAMES WILKINSON.
5:45pm-7:45pm NETWORKING: FAREWELL NETWORKING EVENT.
including local food, wine and spectacular entertainment.
Rivers Room, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
(additional registration required)
Presented by
         
7:45pm-onwards AHICE AOTEAROA ‘AFTER DARK’ NETWORKING BAR at DRIFTER CHRISTCHURCH.
(complimentary drink on arrival and then pay as you go).
Presented by

Note: Program is subject to change

IMPORTANT: THE AHICE HOUSE RULES

A note from the organisers: Due to a number of unofficial invite-only events taking place during conferences in recent years, we would ask that businesses and individuals please do not host any events during the above times as a courtesy to other sponsors of AHICE Aotearoa.

We all know that without sponsors, events like this cannot happen and we ask that our request is respected. If unapproved events do take place during the official times, the organisers and representatives of those companies will not be able to attend any AHICE sessions and are at the risk of passes being revoked.

We are also requesting that supplier and adviser attendees that aren’t sponsors of the event do not canvas for business with sales materials and documents at AHICE Aotearoa events. Those that do will be at the risk of passes being revoked.

To find out how you can be involved in the program, please contact:

HOTEL OWNERS & CHAINS

James Wilkinson, AHICE Chair & Convenor: jwilkinson@intermedia.com.au

SUPPLIERS & ADVISERS

Tara Ducrou, Group Commercial Manager: tducrou@intermedia.com.au

Get in touch

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