The Langham Auckland exterior

New Zealand’s hotel sector will be looking to build on the momentum of a buoyant summer and a record year at their annual industry conference at The Langham, Auckland, 4 June 2015.

The conference is the only annual event dedicated to New Zealand’s valuable hotel sector and is co-hosted by hotel, tourism and leisure consultancy Horwath HTL and the Tourism Industry Association (TIA), New Zealand’s peak independent organisation. Accor is the Platinum Sponsor.

310811. Kevin Stent/Sunday Star Times.Focus.  Sally Attfield, Accomodation Manager, Rugby World Cup 2011
Sally Attfield, Accomodation Manager

We’ve injected some fresh and exciting thinking into this year’s event, says Sally Attfield, TIA Hotel Sector Manager.

“We have some exciting initiatives planned, including a new-look website, top speakers, panel discussions and a new hotel forum. The conference will conclude with a fabulous dinner and the presentation of Hotel Industry Awards.”

The programme, which is being developed with input from a team of hotel industry leaders, will feature international and New Zealand presenters and panellists who will provide valuable insight into global issues, trends and opportunities affecting the New Zealand hotel sector, plus business improvement and market advice around traditional and emerging markets.

There will be plenty of time for networking, including a gala dinner and the presentation of the 2015 New Zealand Hotel Industry Awards.

Horwath HTL Director Stephen Hamilton says while New Zealand hoteliers are enjoying a very busy season, boosted by the wonderful 2015 Cricket World Cup and Chinese New Year, they are operating in a dynamic and highly competitive environment.

“The conference will give them the insight, inspiration and connections to help them grow and prosper and stay at the top of their game.”

A trade exhibition will run alongside the conference, featuring around 30 hotel sector suppliers.

Mr Hamilton says conference delegates will get added value out of attendance at this year’s conference, with complimentary entry to two events the previous day (Wednesday 3 June). The popular Technical Seminar and networking cocktails will run on the Wednesday afternoon. A new interactive Hotel Forum is being planned for the Wednesday morning, canvassing some of the thorniest issues facing hotels.

Ms Attfield says the co-hosts are delighted that the conference is returning to The Langham, Auckland this year following the expansion of the five-star hotel’s conference facilities.

“We are expecting strong interest in the 2015 conference, with New Zealand’s hotel sector generally feeling positive about the future.”

To find out more about the conference visit the website www.nzhotelconference.com

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management