2026 Program Overview
Co-Host
Tuesday 5 May 2026 | Adelaide Oval, South Australia
| 9:00am-5:00pm | Design Inn Symposium Additional registration required. Tickets can be purchased at https://designinnsymposium.com/ |
| 5:30pm-7:30pm | NETWORKING RECEPTION Adelaide Oval. (Available for Design Inn delegates, AHICE speakers and exhibitors). Pre-Registration required. |
| 7:30pm-onwards |
NETWORKING: AHICE ‘AFTER DARK’. Our networking continues at a venue to be revealed (drink on arrival and pay as you go).
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Note: Program is subject to change
Wednesday 6 May 2026 | Adelaide Oval, South Australia
| 7.30am onwards | REGISTRATION, coffee and tea in the exhibition showcases. |
| 8:15am-8:20am | BREAKFAST & INN TECH, our mini-Hotel Technology Summit with power sessions and a keynote Q&A to give you a flavour of what’s hot in tech, from revenue management to on-property tech and more. Served with a fresh breakfast to start the day. Presented by  |
| 8:15am-8:20am | WELCOME TO INN TECH by emcee JESS ADAMSON and AHICE Global Technology Advisory Board co-chair, ANDREW CAMERON. |
| 8:20am-8:40am | INN TECH PANEL SESSION: DESIGNING A FRICTIONLESS GUEST JOURNEY. Today’s guests expect a seamless, personalised experience from first search to checkout. This session looks at how hotels are connecting booking, CRM, messaging and in‑room experience – supported by data and emerging AI‑driven personalisation tools – to remove friction while keeping service authentic and human, so you can identify the next two or three upgrades that will genuinely improve your guest journey. Hosted by: • ANDREW CAMERON, Founder, Enzyme Consulting Speakers: • DANIEL MOURAD, General Manager – APAC, Canary Technologies • MICHAEL BONGIOVANNI, Enterprise Sales Director, Cendyn • MICHAEL JONES, Chief Operating Officer, Deltine Capital • PETER DIAS, Area General Manager – Sydney, Travel + Leisure Co |
| 8:40am-9:00am | INN TECH PANEL SESSION: TURNING EXPERIENCES INTO REVENUE – NEXT‑GEN PROFIT OPTIMISATION. As revenue management becomes more automated and data‑driven, the challenge is to optimise profit without compromising the guest experience. This discussion explores how leading hotels are using AI‑enabled revenue platforms, real‑time demand intelligence and PMS data to build more resilient, experience‑led commercial strategies across rooms, F&B and ancillaries, so you can stress‑test your own revenue strategy and tech stack against where the market is heading. Hosted by: • BENJAMIN KRIEG, Industry Consultant Speakers: • AMIT PESHAWARIA, VP of Sales, APAC, Duetto • ANNE GILL, Senior Vice President Commercial, Pacific – Accor • DAVID BARK, General Manager Asset Management, Mulpha Australia Limited • MURPHY MATHEW, Solution Engineering Manager, APAC, IDeaS Revenue Solutions |
| 9:00am-9:10am | INN TECH Q&A: SERVING YOUR GUESTS MORE EFFECTIVELY AND BOOSTING PROFITABILITY. Explore strategic approaches to heightening both guest satisfaction and the bottom line. Agilysys Director of Sales – Australia / New Zealand / Pacific, CRAIG DENNINGTON, in conversation with Mahala Projects Owner, BEN CHARLTON. |
| 9:10am-9:30am | INN TECH PANEL SESSION: AI INSIDE THE HOTEL – FROM HYPE TO EVERYDAY IMPACT. AI is moving quickly from concept to day‑to‑day tool in hotels, reshaping how teams work, how buildings perform and how guests interact with the property. This session focuses on practical examples across operations, buildings and service – housekeeping, maintenance, energy management, guest communication and more – highlighting where AI is already delivering value and which opportunities are realistic in the next three to five years, so you can separate near‑term gains from longer‑term bets. Hosted by: • ANDREW TURNER, Group General Manager Technology & Digital, EVT Speakers: • ANTHONY STEVENS, Regional Director Operations Hotels – AP and General Manager, ANZ, Shiji • CAROL NESBITT, Director – APAC, Flexkeeping • EMMA FRASER, Founder, Fraser Marketing International • ROBERT BELL, Director of Sales and Operations Australasia, HUB OS |
| 9:30am-9:50am | INN TECH SESSION: VISION 2030 – FUTURE‑PROOFING YOUR HOTEL TECH STACK. New technology brings powerful capability—but also questions around integration, cybersecurity, investment and skills. This closing session looks at how owners and operators can phase upgrades, manage risk and design a coherent tech roadmap, covering cloud migration, access and security, data governance, ESG considerations and the evolving capabilities teams will need through to 2030, so you leave with a practical checklist for your next board or ExCo discussion. Hosted by: • RODGER L. POWELL, Managing Director, THSA – Hotel Advisors Speakers: • ALISTAIR ROBERTSON, Head of APAC Strategy Partnerships, Hospitality, Honeywell • ERIC WONG, Vice President, Hospitality – Asia Pacific, Infor • MICHAEL BENIKOS, Managing Director, ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Australia • MICHAEL KINLOCH, Global Head of Enterprise and Corporate Travel, SiteMinder |
| 9:50am-10:00am | WELCOME to AHICE ASIA PACIFIC 2026 by emcee JESS ADAMSON and AHICE Group President JAMES WILKINSON, including a welcome to country. |
| 10:00am-10:25am | PANEL SESSION: ASIA PACIFIC BY THE NUMBERS: ESSENTIAL INDUSTRY OUTLOOKS. We kick off AHICE 2026 with a ‘by the numbers’ market outlook for Australasia and the greater Asia-Pacific region. Hosted by: • JENNIFER DAVEY, Director, Research and Development, Horwath HTL Speakers: • ALLY GIBSON, Director, CBRE • MATTHEW BURKE, Regional Director – Asia Pacific ex China, STR • SHIKHA MENON, Director of Hotel Intelligence, APAC, HotStats |
| 10:25am-10:55am | NETWORKING: MORNING TEA. Enjoy coffee, tea and delights in our exhibition showcases in the East and West wings of the Adelaide Oval. Presented by  |
| 10:55am-11:10am | POWER SESSION: THE AUSTRALASIAN ASSOCIATION OUTLOOKS. The association leaders give us their expectations for the year ahead. Hosted by: • EMMA HYNES, Director of Operations – Australasia and Pacific, IHG Hotels and Resorts Panelists: • JAMES DOOLAN, Strategic Advisor, Hotel Council Aotearoa • JAMES GOODWIN, Chief Executive Officer, Accommodation Australia |
| 11:10am-11:30pm | KEYNOTE: Premier of South Australia, THE HON. PETER MALINAUSKAS MP. Peter Malinauskas is the 47th Premier of South Australia. Adelaide born-and-bred, Peter studied commerce at the University of Adelaide and has dedicated his working life to raising the standard of living for everyday South Australians. He was elected to State Parliament in 2015, became Labor Leader in 2018 and was elected Premier of South Australia in 2022. He recently returned the Labor Party to Government with a resounding victory in the March 2026 election. |
| 11:30am-11:45am | KEYNOTE Q&A: IHG Hotels and Resorts Managing Director – Australasia and Pacific, MATTHEW TRIPOLONE, in conversation with a speaker to be revealed. |
| 11:45am-12:10pm | PANEL SESSION: ASIA-PACIFIC INVESTMENT OUTLOOK. Leading investors take to the stage to look at the segments, destinations, and brands that are fuelling growth. Hosted by: • GUS MOORS, Managing Director, Hotels and Hospitality Group, JLL Panelists: • DAVID TOOMEY, Managing Director, Deltine Capital • DR JERRY SCHWARTZ, Director, Schwartz Family Co • LUCIA GRAMBALOVA, Chief Investment Officer & Head of Asset Management, Hotel Capital Partners • NIGEL GREENAWAY, Chief Financial Officer, Crystalbrook Collection • Speaker to be announced |
| 12:10pm-12:25pm | HOTELIER Q&A: Marriott International APEC President, RAJEEV MENON, in conversation with HM Editor-In-Chief and AHICE Group President, JAMES WILKINSON. |
| 12:25pm-12:45pm | PANEL SESSION: TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT. This session will look at futureproofing our workforce – shaping the future of tourism and hospitality education, training and development. Hosted by: • PROF. SIMON PAWSON, Associate Dean, Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School Panelists: • BELINDA McPHERSON, Educational Manager – Hospitality, Cookery, Tourism, and Events, TAFE SA • LYNDA UGARTE-CARRAL, Board Member, SACSA • MARCUS HANNA, Head of Hotels, Hospitality and Leisure, Mulpha International • NICOLE DOWNS, Managing Director, Ovolo |
| 12:45pm-1:35pm | NETWORKING LUNCH. Enjoy lunch in our exhibition showcases in the East and West wings of the Adelaide Oval. Presented by  |
| 1:35pm-1:55pm | PANEL SESSION: ASIA-PACIFIC FRANCHISING OUTLOOK. Franchising continues to grow at a rapid rate and this panel will look at expectations for the segment. Hosted by: • RUWANI WEERASINGHE, Director of Asset Management & Acquisition, La Vie Hotels Panelists: • CYRILL CZERWONKA, Managing Director Development APAC, BWH Hotels • DANESH BAMJI, Vice President Franchise, Pacific, Accor • JAMES SHIELDS, General Manager of Growth & Capital Strategy, The Ascott Limited • SAM DAVIES, Director of Operations – Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts |
| 1:55pm-2:10pm | GLOBAL Q&A: Accor Premium, Midscale & Economy Brands Global Chief Development Officer, CAMIL YAZBECK, in conversation with AHICE Group President and HM Editor-In-Chief, JAMES WILKINSON. |
| 2:10pm-2:30pm | PANEL SESSION: AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL TOURISM OUTLOOK. From hotel performance to growth areas and solid demand, what to expect in the regions this year. Hosted by: • ANDREW McEVOY, Chairman, Luxury Escapes Panelists: • CRAIG HOOLEY, Chief Operating Officer, Minor Hotels • ROD MUNRO, Managing Director, BWH Hotels Australasia • JOHN ZECKENDORF, Principal, Mandala Management • TASH TOBIAS, Chief Executive Officer, Salter Brothers Hospitality |
| 2:30pm-2:40pm | LEADERSHIP Q&A: Travel + Leisure Co President and Managing Director International Operations, BARRY ROBINSON, in conversation with AHICE Group President and HM Editor-In-Chief, JAMES WILKINSON. |
| 2:40pm-3:10pm | NETWORKING: AFTERNOON TEA. Enjoy coffee, tea and delights in our exhibition showcases in the East and West wings of the Adelaide Oval. Presented by  |
| 3:10pm-3:35pm | PANEL SESSION: ASIA-PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK. The Asia Pacific region continues to have major demand from a growth standpoint and this session will look at hot destinations, brands and market segments. Hosted by: • TONY RYAN, Chairman, Trilogy Hotels Speakers: • JOHN SUTCLIFFE, Director of Development, TFE Hotels • MARIA ARIIZUMI, Vice President of Development, Southeast Asia & Australasia, Hilton • OMAR ROMERO, Chief Development and Luxury Officer, Minor Hotels • RAMZY FENIANOS, Chief Development Officer, Development, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group • Speaker to be announced |
| 3:35pm-3:55pm | PANEL SESSION: THE OTAs & GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION OUTLOOK. Where global and local travellers are targeting for their next trip in 2026 and some top trends you need to know. Hosted by: • DANIELLA TONETTO, Senior Director, Commercial, Australasia, Hilton Speakers: • ADAM SCHWAB, Chief Executive Officer, Luxury Escapes • DARREN KARSHAGEN, Senior Director, Market Management, Oceania and APAC Regional Chains, Expedia Group • TELENA FROST, Director of Distribution and Revenue Management, Choice Hotels APAC • TODD LACEY, Regional Manager – Oceania, Booking.com |
| 3:55pm-4:15pm | PANEL SESSION: NEW ZEALAND & PACIFIC MARKET OUTLOOK. A snapshot of what to expect in New Zealand and the South Pacific this year. Hosted by: • Speaker to be announced Speakers: • DANILO CURCURUTO, Director, Development – Australasia, Radisson Hotel Group • DAVID SILCOCK, Senior Manager, Development, Choice Hotels APAC • LINDSAY LEESER, Chief Development Officer Pacific & Head of Apartments and Leases, Accor • PETER HAMILTON, Director of Hotels, New Zealand, CBRE |
| 4:15pm-4:30pm | KEYNOTE Q&A: Talking music, travel and more with GARRY GARY BEERS, bassist and founding member of INXS with over 80 million albums sold, in conversation with Accor Hotels Chief Operating Officer PM&E – Pacific, ADRIAN WILLIAMS.
As the bass player and founding member of international hit makers INXS, Garry has had a lifetime devoted to what he does best – playing bass in what is regarded as one of the best rhythm sections ever. Garry’s rhythmic and powerful bass playing was an important part of the INXS success story that saw them sell 80 million albums and sell out the biggest and most prestigious Stadiums and Arenas and Festivals around the world. A Manly native, Garry has lived in Los Angeles for 20 years and his new LA-based band is a partnership with his mate and songwriting partner Toby Rand called – AshenMoon. Presented by |
| 4:30pm-4:45pm | LEADERSHIP Q&A: Minor Hotels Chief Executive Officer, DILLIP RAJAKARIER, in conversation with AHICE Group President and HM Editor-In-Chief, JAMES WILKINSON. |
| 4:45pm-5:05pm | PANEL SESSION: FOOD & BEVERAGE TO THE FOREFRONT. The food and beverage offerings at hotels continue to evolve and this session is a snapshot of the hottest trends right now. Hosted by: • STEVE FINLAYSON, General Manager, Playford Adelaide, MGallery Speakers: • DOMINIC ROSE, General Manager, QT Gold Coast • PAT NEALE, Founder, Florcita • ROBERT DAVIES, Global Segment Development Leader – Hotels, Unox • Speaker to be announced |
| 5:00pm-6:00pm | AHICE ‘Apero’ hour with cocktails and hot topics Presented by
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| 5:05pm-5:20pm | INDUSTRY TALKS: EVT Director of Commercial and Connect Hospitality, MATHEW DUFF, in conversation with CBRE Managing Director Capital Markets, Hotels, MICHAEL SIMPSON. |
| 5:20pm-5:40pm | PANEL SESSION: THIRD PARTY MANAGEMENT. 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: • ROBERT WILLIAMS, Head of Hotels & Hospitality Asia Pacific, Watson Farley & Williams Speakers: • ANDREW BULLOCK, Executive Chairman, 1834 Hotels • JERRY XU, Chief Executive Officer, La Vie Hotels • SCOTT BOYES, Chief Executive Officer, Trilogy Hotels • THOMAS JOHN, Vice President Strategy and Development, Panache Hotel Group |
| 5:40pm-5:50pm | INDUSTRY Q&A: Outrigger Hospitality Group President & CEO, JEFF WAGONER, in conversation with HM Editor-In-Chief and AHICE Group President, JAMES WILKINSON. |
| 5:50pm-6:15pm | PANEL SESSION: THE OPERATORS OUTLOOK. Leading executives look at the top trends at present in the region. Hosted by: • DORA STILIANOS, Partner, Baker McKenzie Speakers: • DAVID TONKIN, Country General Manager – Australia, Pan Pacific Hotels Group • GEOFF YORK, Chief Executive Officer & Group Director, Hotels, Crystalbrook Collection • JASON NUELL, Area Vice President – Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International • MINA LI, Regional Vice President & Country Manager, Hyatt • NORMAN ARUNDEL, Director of Hotels and Resorts, EVT Hotels & Resorts |
| 6:15pm-8:15pm | NETWORKING RECEPTION at the Adelaide Oval. Presented by
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| 8:30pm-onwards | NETWORKING: AHICE ‘AFTER DARK’. Our networking continues at the Playford Hotel MGallery (drink on arrival and pay as you go). DELEGATE PASS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY. Presented by    |
Note: Program is subject to change
Thursday 7 May 2026 | Adelaide Oval, South Australia
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7:30am-onwards |
REGISTRATION, coffee and tea in the exhibition showcases. |
| 8:20am-9:00am | BREAKFAST MASTERCLASS. Join us for another exciting breakfast masterclass to kick off AHICE 2026 in Adelaide. Topic and speakers to be revealed soon. Presented by  |
| 9:00am-9:25am | PANEL SESSION: LUXURY MARKET OUTLOOK. What to expect for 2026 and beyond for one of the world’s most resilient sectors, luxury. Hosted by: • DR ANITA MANFREDA, Senior Lecturer and Researcher, Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School at Torrens University Australia Speakers: • CAMERON BURKE, Director of Development – Australasia and Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts • RICHARD CRAWFORD, Vice President – Hotel Development, Australia, NZ, and Pacific, Marriott International • MARKUS KELLER, Global Chief Operating Officer, Sofitel, Mgallery, Emblems, Maison, Accor • NIALL KUMAR, Associate Director – Hotels & Hospitality, Savills Australia and New Zealand • TUSHAR RANIGA, Regional Director, Development – Australasia, Hilton |
| 9:25am-9:45am | PANEL SESSION: MIDSCALE & UPSCALE DRIVING GROWTH. The phenomenal growth of midscale and upscale projects is firmly continuing and this session will uncover the destinations and brands attracting significant demand. Hosted by: • ARNAUD MILLÉCAMPS, Group Managing Director, Gatehouse Hospitality Speakers: • ALEX THORPE, Director, Veriu Group • BRETT FORER, Vice President Development – Pacific, Accor • GADI HASSIN, Chief Executive Officer, Helios Hospitality Management • MONIQUE JEFFREY, Director – MainStay Suites, Choice Hotels APAC |
| 9:45am-10:00am | INDUSTRY TALKS: Lancemore Group Chief Executive Officer, JULIAN CLARK, in conversation with Luxury Escapes Chief Executive Officer, ADAM SCHWAB. |
| 10:00am-10:25am |
PANEL SESSION: THE AUSTRALASIAN CAPITAL MARKETS OUTLOOK. There’s been a flurry of deals in recent months and this session will look at the key destinations across the region where there’s demand for transactions ahead. • KAREN WALES, Head of Hotels – Australia, Transaction Services, Colliers
• MICHAEL SIMPSON, Managing Director Capital Markets, Hotels, CBRE
• NICHOLAS LOWER, Co-Head, Aus & NZ Hotels & Hospitality, Hotels, Savills Australia • PETER HARPER, Managing Director – Head of Investment Sales Australasia, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group • Speaker to be announced |
| 10:25am-10:35am | INDUSTRY TALKS: TFE Hotels Chief Executive Officer, ANTONY RITCH, in conversation with Time and Place Creative Director, EDWARD PEARSE. |
| 10:35am-11:10am | NETWORKING: MORNING TEA. Enjoy coffee, tea and delights in our exhibition showcases in the East and West wings of the Adelaide Oval. Presented by  |
| 11:10am-11:35am | PANEL SESSION: SUSTAINABILITY TO THE FOREFRONT. Expectations for 2026 with sustainability and examples of best practice in the industry. Hosted by: • CASPAR SCHMIDT, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, QCC Collection Speakers: • DONOVAN STEVENS, Vice President & General Manger Institutional ANZ, Ecolab • EMMA SOUTTER, Regional General Manager NSW / ACT, TFE Hotels • JEROEN MEIJER, Cluster General Manager – Sydney, Pan Pacific Hotels Group • MARCEL FUHRER, APAC Business Development Manager, Candela • NIKO STACHER, Senior Manager, Sustainability APACx, Hilton |
| 11:35am-11:50am | LEADERSHIP Q&A: IHG Hotels and Resorts’ SVP & MD EAPAC, RAJIT SUKUMARAN, in conversation with HM Editor-In-Chief and AHICE Group President, JAMES WILKINSON. |
| 11:50am-12:05pm | INDUSTRY TALKS: THE ANATOMY OF THE HOTEL. Schwartz Family Co Director, DR JERRY SCHWARTZ, in conversation with Hilton Surfers Paradise General Manager, FIONA PRYDE. |
| 12:05pm-12:25pm | PANEL SESSION: PANEL SESSION: ASIA-PACIFIC AVIATION & TOURISM OUTLOOK. More flights, cruise ships and private jets are on the way and what you can expect for the year ahead. Hosted by: • JAMES GOODWIN, Chief Executive Officer, Accommodation Australia Speakers: • LUKE MORAN, Chief Executive Officer, LA/Co • MARK HODGE, Chief Operating Officer, CLLIX • MATTHEW CAMERON-SMITH, Chief Executive Officer, Voyages • SHANNON CRAIG, Area Manager – Western Sydney, EVT |
| 12:25pm-1:15pm | NETWORKING LUNCH. Enjoy lunch in our exhibition showcases in the East and West wings of the Adelaide Oval. Presented by  |
| 1:15pm-1:40pm | PANEL SESSION: INVESTMENT – ‘THE MONEY’. Expectations of capital flow, debt and hot segments in demand for 2026 and beyond. Hosted by: • IAN WILSON, Director, Title Hospitality Speakers: • ADRIAN ARCHER, Head of Hotels Advisory/Valuations, Savills • ANDREW BRANDON, Fund Manager, Serene Capital • BEN JACKSON, Managing Director, Real Estate Private Credit, Wentworth • MARK BULLOCK, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Acquisitions and Asset Management, Ark Capital Partners • TROY CRAIG, Regional Director – Valuations and Advisory Services, CBRE Asia Pacific |
| 1:40pm-2:00pm | PANEL SESSION: PEOPLE & CULTURE. From staffing challenges to operational excellence benchmarks, this session will look at the top issues and trends in human resources. Hosted by: • LUKE BUTLER, Managing Director, Hastings People Speakers: • CHRISTIANNE NEJM, Regional Talent & Culture Director Pacific – La Maison Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems, Accor • DULANKA JAYAWEERA, Chief Executive Officer, Ozone Hospitality Services • LAYLA STOYKOVICH, Talent Acquisition lead, Travel + Leisure • STEPHANIE LOPESI, Regional Head of HR – Australasia, Hilton |
| 2:00pm-2:15pm |
KEYNOTE: WELLBEING. Sleep strategist OLIVIA AREZZOLO elevates performance, wellbeing and productivity through science-based clarity. Olivia Arezzolo helps high performers use sleep as a strategy – for mental clarity, sustained energy, and peak productivity. Her international bestseller Bear, Lion, Wolf, published in 10 countries, testament her global credibility, while on social media, she guides over 62,000 to optimise sleep and wellbeing. Presented by |
| 2:15pm-2:25pm | INDUSTRY TALKS – DOING THE DEAL: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Vice President of Development – South-East Asia and Pacific Rim, MATT HOLMES, in conversation with Ovolo Hotels Chief of Staff, SHIVANG JHUNJHNUWALA. |
| 2:25pm-2:55pm |
NETWORKING: AFTERNOON TEA. Enjoy coffee, tea and delights in our exhibition showcases in the East and West wings of the Adelaide Oval.
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| 2:55pm-3:15pm | PANEL SESSION: LIFESTYLE & COLLECTION BRANDS. Global growth has been exceptional for lifestyle and collection brands and there’s a lot more on the way. Hosted by: • RUWAN PEIRIS, Chief Executive Officer, THSA – Hotel Advisors Speakers: • CALLUM KENNEDY, Group General Manager EVT Hotels and Resorts • DAVID FRASER, Vice President Operations – Pacific, Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems, Accor • LACHLAN HOSWELL, Managing Director, Business Unit Australasia, Radisson Hotel Group • SAIF RASHID, General Manager, Tryp Adelaide |
| 3:15pm-3:35pm | PANEL SESSION: WHAT ASSET MANAGERS WANT. One of our favourite sessions where the asset managers give their honest opinions on how they see the hotel industry. Hosted by: • GRANT ALCHIN, Chief Operating Officer, Trilogy Hotels Speakers: • DAVID BARK, General Manager Asset Management, Mulpha Australia Limited • HOWARD KEMBALL, Director, KCom • RODGER L. POWELL, Managing Director, THSA • SONIA LeFEVRE, Director, Hotellerie |
| 3:35pm-3:45pm | LEADERSHIP Q&A: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ President, Asia Pacific, JOON AUN OOI, in conversation with HM Editor-In-Chief and AHICE Group President, JAMES WILKINSON. |
| 3:45pm-4:05pm |
KEYNOTE: LEADERSHIP IN SPORTS AND BUSINESS. Olympian MICHAEL KLIM takes to the stage – in conversation with 1834 Hotels Chief Executive Officer, RODNEY HARREX – to talk about his stellar career and his successful dive into the world of amenities. Michael Klim OAM, born in Poland, is one of Australia’s most celebrated and decorated swimmers. Known for his explosive power, smooth technique, and pioneering use of the straight-arm freestyle stroke, Klim helped redefine modern sprint swimming during the 1990s and early 2000s. In 2024, he released his memoir KLIM, offering an honest and inspiring look at his life in and out of the pool. Today, Klim continues to inspire through his entrepreneurial ventures, advocacy work, and enduring love for swimming. Whether breaking world records, building businesses, or facing life’s challenges head-on, Michael Klim has always embodied strength, humility, and perseverance; qualities that make him a true Australian sporting icon. Presented by |
| 4:05pm-4:25pm |
PANEL SESSION: THE PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING OUTLOOK. Revealing top trends in the travel industry with communications, marketing and more. Presented by
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| 4:25pm-4:50pm | PANEL SESSION: ‘CLOSING BELL’ – INDUSTRY EXPECTATIONS FOR 2026 FROM THE GLOBAL CDOs Our popular ‘closing bell’ session where global industry leaders offer their take on the year ahead. Hosted by • KEVIN CROLEY, Chief Development Officer, Global Hotel Alliance Speakers: • CHRIS BATTERHAM, Chief Development Officer, Ovolo Hotels • JOYCE TAN, Head of Global Development and Strategy, Seibu Prince Hotels and Resorts • KATE LOH, Head of Development, Pan Pacific Hotels Group • SERENA LIM, Chief Growth Officer, The Ascott Limited • Speaker to be announced |
| 4:50pm-4:55pm | WELCOME TO THE 2026 AHICE FUTURE LEADERS FORUM by AHICE Group President JAMES WILKINSON and Professor SIMON PAWSON, Associate Dean – Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School. Presented by  |
| 4:55pm-5:15pm | FUTURE LEADERS PANEL SESSION: OPPORTUNITIES IN PROPERTY & DEVELOPMENT. Rising stars talk about their careers and where the opportunities for growth are in property and development. Hosted by: • TRISTAN COOPER, Director, Hotel Development – Australia, NZ & The Pacific, Marriott International Panelists: • CHRIS BOYD, Associate – Investment Sales, Hotels & Hospitality Group, JLL • JOSIE HUNGERFORD, Director of Growth and Corporate Affairs, Trilogy Hotels • TAYLOR MORRIS, Senior Negotiator – Hotels, CBRE • TAYLOR O’BRIEN, Development Manager, Accor |
| 5:15pm-5:25pm | FUTURE LEADERS: LEADERSHIP Q&A. A conversation with an industry leader, to be revealed, by Serene Capital Strategy and Investor Relations Manager AMELIA PEREZ and CBRE Asia Pacific Senior Negotiator – Capital Markets, Hotels, NICK HILL. |
| 5:25pm-5:45pm |
FUTURE LEADERS PANEL SESSION: THE OPERATIONS OUTLOOK. Rising stars talk about their careers and where the opportunities for growth are in operations and more. • JAMES CLARK, Regional General Manager, Ovolo Hotels |
| 5:45pm-5:50pm | PRESENTATION: THE GROWTH OF YHL. A national YHL update by AMELIA PEREZ and NICK HILL. |
| 7:00pm-10:00pm |
NETWORKING: AHICE FAREWELL GALA ROCK & ROLL CONCERT at a secret venue to be revealed. You asked for more networking and now you get it, in rock-and-roll style. The Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference & Exhibition wraps up with a high-energy concert featuring three iconic Aussie artists, headlined by INXS Garry Gary Beers, at a secret Adelaide venue. Enjoy fantastic food, wine and world class entertainment at a show you won’t forget. The locations will be revealed to delegates at the event via the app. Limited spots available with first release now open to the first 300 delegates. DELEGATE PASS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY. Presented by |
| 10:00pm-onwards |
AHICE ‘AFTER DARK’. Our networking continues at the Playford Hotel MGallery (Pay as you go). DELEGATE PASS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY.
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Note: Program is subject to change
AHICE House Rules
A note from the organisers: Due to a number of unofficial invite-only events taking place during the official event times 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 and Design Inn.
We all know that without sponsors, events like this cannot happen and we ask that our request is respected.
If events do take place during the official times, without the written approval from the AHICE team, the organisers and representatives of those companies will not be able to attend any AHICE sessions at the Adelaide Oval or Design Inn and are at the risk of passes being revoked.
We will also be requesting that supplier attendees that aren’t sponsors of the event to not canvas for business with sales materials and documents at the events at the Adelaide Oval or SkyCity. Those that do it 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 Group President: jwilkinson@intermedia.com.au
SUPPLIERS & ADVISERS
Tara Ducrou, Group Commercial Manager: tducrou@intermedia.com.au
Get in touch
Want to get more information and discuss commercial opportunities?