International Hotel Technology Forum 2023

Biography:

Session Details: Back to basics: Understanding the hotel technology ecosystem 28-03-2023, 1:30 pm View In Agenda

Biography: As Chief Information Officer Riko van Santen oversees the overall IT of Kempinski on a global level, including distribution, guest intelligence and digital platforms. He architects the strategic direction of the company's technology and data systems, optimising the delivery and integration of software applications and the exchange of data across the full network. Riko is a Member of the Management Board of Kempinski Hotels SA. Riko joined Kempinski in 2012 as Vice President Digital Strategy and Distribution. He successfully implemented a brand-wide CRM platform, launched the brand’s first responsive website and brand app, upgraded the distribution system, and conceptualized a web-based business and guest intelligence solution with integrated online reputation and guest feedback indexing. Prior to joining Kempinski, Riko oversaw 1,100 properties under seven brands ranging from budget to high-end luxury, as Vice President Distribution and E-Commerce at Louvre Hotels Group in Paris. His career started in the front office and revenue disciplines at the Hotel Okura Amsterdam, followed by revenue management, distribution, IT and digital marketing positions with Pegasus Solutions, NH Hotels, and Golden Tulip Hotels. Riko also served as Vice President and Executive Advisor to HTNG (Hotel Technology Next Generation), a global non-profit trade association assisting hotel companies and technology providers. A known industry speaker, he also holds advisory board seats at Sabre Hospitality, Cvent, Oracle Hospitality and CloudM. Riko van Santen graduated with an Honours degree in Hotel Management from Middlesex University, London, and obtained a post graduate degree in Japanese Business Studies

Session Details: Fireside Chat: Achieving an automated, effortless, and simplified customer journey: Is AI the answer? 28-03-2023, 2:30 pm View In Agenda

Biography: With a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, Roger began his career as a Front Office. His first job in hospitality IT was as a System and Network administrator. In 2006, Roger moved to Dubai as an IT Director for Rotana Hotels & Resorts and joined Movenpick Hotels & Resorts in 2011 as a Cluster Director of IT for UAE hotels. Roger moved to Accor as an Executive Director Customer Technology Services for IMEA in 2019 from Movenpick Hotels & Resorts where he held the position of Corporate Director of IT - Customer Service Management since 2016. In this role with Movenpick, Roger played an integral part of the major roll outs required to update legacy systems across over 80 hotels worldwide, including the implementation of PMS Opera Cloud, POS Simphony Cloud, Cloud Backup and a Cloud Internet Billing System. Before joining Accor Global team as VP Global Guest Technology & Innovation, Roger was responsible of CTS in IMEA and in charge with his team of the day-to-day management and support of all hotel IT operations. Roger's role was fundamental in ensuring all hotels meet rigorous Accor IT standards and benefit from the technological innovations that are transforming the hospitality industry..

Session Details: The evolution of digital check-ins and key cards: What exactly do our guests want? 29-03-2023, 9:00 am View In Agenda

Biography:

Session Details: Panel Discussion How to identify the perfect match when selecting for a solution provider? 30-03-2023, 9:00 am View In Agenda

Biography: Kari is listed in the top 50 women in tech 2022 – Norway. With a Passion for tech that improves lives and experiences and a firm belief that anything is possible if you can listen without prejudice, care for results more than glory and add a touch of humour to your projects.

Session Details: Implementing sustainability strategies into the IT infrastructure 29-03-2023, 2:20 pm View In Agenda

Biography: Christian Lundén has many years of experience leading innovation departments with the customer in focus. He is now leading the new business area Strategic Growth at eBerry (by Nordic Choice Hotels) with their 220+ hotels in Scandinavia and a focus to take the hospitality industry to the next level. Proven track record of delivering many “world’s first” concepts within the industry and a background in hotel operation.

Session Details: Panel Discussion Advancing guest communication strategies 29-03-2023, 9:30 am View In Agenda

Biography:

Session Details: Panel Discussion Advancing guest communication strategies 29-03-2023, 9:30 am View In Agenda

Biography:

Passionate about is how the Digital Age will transform and evolve the Tourism Industry we know and enjoy. How by applying new technologies and developing them, you can optimize a hotel or restaurant operations, elevate the knowledge and way you interact with your customers or create a new product that could change or create a new segment/market thanks to our new digital world. I want definitely be part of it. 

Melia Hotels International:

Meliá Hotels International is unique among the 20 largest international hotel groups, with more than 390 hotels in 42 Countries, in having an origin in leisure and the ideal size to combine exceptional hospitality with management that is efficient and close to its stakeholders. All of this, along with our Spanish warmth and passion, makes us distinct and different. Our corporate slogan is: "Leisure at heart, business in mind

Session Details: What are we waiting for: Is it time for the hotel industry to increase investment in robotics? 29-03-2023, 9:30 am View In Agenda

Biography: Over 10+ years experience in the hospitality industry Dario has become  a revenue expert, working in different companies, and has lived abroad in many European cities, from Milan to Wien and from Brussels to Madrid. Dario is currently Director of Revenue Performance at Radisson Hotel Group, responsible for the results of 150+ hotels together with 50 revenue managers and specialists. From April 22, Dario has been admitted to the Global Executive MBA ( worldwide ranking: 34# Financial Times/ 23# The Economist) of the prestigious WU Executive Academy in Wien, a double master degree in partnership with Carlson University in Minneapolis. Dario’s lifetime passions are Football, Formula 1, cinema and currently, he is very passionate about cyber security and data protection.

Session Details: Panel Discussion Unlocking the power of data to increase overall revenue 29-03-2023, 10:30 am View In Agenda

Biography: Roberto Gobo is the Director of digital strategy and technology in Valamar Riviera, the largest and leading tourism company in Croatia (7,000 employees), which – in its 61 hotels, resorts, camping sites – can simultaneously accommodate 58.000 guests. Roberto is highly technical, dedicated and result oriented senior software director with a successful track record in the sourcing and delivery of software projects, complex products and data services launches for Enterprise Clients. He has worked as Developer, Technical Lead, Architect, Delivery Manager, Director (in the USA, Ireland, India, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia) with HP, Vodafone, Mobitel, BT, O2, Danieli etc. in delivering outsourced software projects, setting up outsourced operations, improve development process, developing new products and introducing release process into organizations. His main focus in Valamar is digital strategy and transformation of the company, future software architecture, technologies and delivery of strategic digital projects. Roberto’s interests are enterprise architecture, emerging technologies, real time data streaming, Data platforms and adoption of AI/ML.

Session Details: Case Study: Developing an in-house real-time data streaming platform (MDP) and cutting integration costs 29-03-2023, 5:10 pm View In Agenda

Biography: As a passionate digital marketer with a fascination for everything e-commerce, Chris currently leads the digital team at Best Western Hotels GB. Chris and his team have delivered strong performance in an ever-changing digital landscape. Originally joining Best Western GB as a website executive, Chris has progressed through a variety of roles that have allowed Chris to put passion into action. Whether this is CRO, project management or digital strategy Chris has consistently delivered business objectives. Chris is passionate about motivating his team to deliver exceptional results, be this by helping them as they grow there skillset or allowing them to take on new projects, Chris aims to create a team that works together in synergy.

Session Details: Working with not against: What can we learn from OTA's to convert direct bookings? 28-03-2023, 5:20 pm View In Agenda

Biography: Raimund has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years and has both strong on-property operational expertise as well as multi-property and regional capabilities. Raimund has worked in various roles during his diverse career including reservations management, conventions sales agent, and director of revenue management for hard brands including Hilton, Accor, and Starwood. In 2016, Raimund joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts as Director of Hotel Revenue Optimization, supporting over 45 independent member properties across Central & Eastern Europe. Raimund is CRME certified by HSMAI and has been a proud member of HSMAI DACH Advisory Board since May 2022. A keen coach and consult to hotels in the area of revenue management, he provides hotel members with global market intelligence data to increase business from both feeder and emerging markets in order to maximize the hotels but also the brand’s income and profit. Raimund lives in Munich with his family and has a BA in Business with a major in Finance Management and Sales & Marketing from Hamburger Fernhochschule.

Session Details: Panel Discussion Unlocking the power of data to increase overall revenue 29-03-2023, 10:30 am View In Agenda

Biography: Vineeth has a strong background in using technology to maximise global commercial impact of hotel distribution, marketing and sales strategies. Vineeth currently head Distribution & Commercial Planning for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in EMEA - and absolutely love the fast-paced environment of Wyndham and the world of online distribution.

Session Details: Panel Discussion Unlocking the power of data to increase overall revenue 29-03-2023, 10:30 am View In Agenda

Biography: During Shafrazs time studying abroad in Australia, he was able to experience the underwater beauty of the Great Barrier reef which made him interested in exploring the Maldivian waters once he got back and Shafraz is very proud to say that what we experience here in the Maldives is far more unique and far more breathtaking than anywhere else he has been. Shafraz been an avid diver ever since and never looked back and i do have a fascination for large sea creatures. Shafraz loves his country and has fallen in love with the sun, the sand and the beach. But for him to love this and being able to appreciate is not enough, every single person out there to love this too. As a Tourism Promoter Shafraz has 3 visions. One is to integrate & converge different mediums of advertising to get the best result. Second is to make real use of social media as an honest and strong marketing tool. Third being on the lookout for new technology that seems to be changing everyday and find more innovative ways.

Session Details: Chasing travellers: A post-pandemic guide on how Maldives Hotels recreated awareness 28-03-2023, 2:30 pm View In Agenda

Biography:

Session Details: Panel Discussion Combating staffing shortages with digital marketing and technology 28-03-2023, 1:30 pm View In Agenda

Biography: Alexandre is an experience director of revenue and passionate about the hotel industry with expertise across revenue, e-commerce, channel management, social media marketing and  reservations.

Session Details: Maximising revenue at all stages of the customer journey 30-03-2023, 9:30 am View In Agenda

Biography:

Session Details: Panel Discussion How to identify the perfect match when selecting for a solution provider? 30-03-2023, 9:00 am View In Agenda

Biography:

Session Details: Building a new brand: What are guests looking for? 29-03-2023, 2:20 pm View In Agenda

Biography: Process optimization, storytelling and focus on execution are Simon's guiding principals in order to enable hotels to achieve their maximum potential. Simon's unique experience working in global international hotel chains, leading technology vendors and at Design Hotels allows him to have a very clear and holistic plan of how hotels can grow revenue and grow their direct distribution share.

Session Details: Closing Panel Discussion Bringing it all together: Key trends, discussion points and takeaways 30-03-2023, 12:50 pm View In Agenda

Biography:

Session Details: View In Agenda

Biography: Gabor has extensive experience in Hospitality IT management with multi-country, multi-brand hotel chains with strong project management experiences.

Session Details: Effective techniques for technology budgeting and integration 29-03-2023, 5:10 pm View In Agenda

Biography: Sarah Coop is a Thematic Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Sarah has covered the themes making the biggest impact across all sectors, authoring reports on technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, AR, and IoT. Sarah is passionate about data and cybersecurity and has previous experience working as a data modeler at Shell. Sarah has a master’s degree in Big Data from Kings College London.

Session Details: Putting the spotlight on cyber security: How can we ensure that all hotels adhere to regulations and requirements? 30-03-2023, 9:30 am Interactive Audience Session Ethical dilemmas in technology: Factors we might overlook 30-03-2023, 10:30 am View In Agenda

Biography: Key competences in usability, universal design, leading development projects, web publishing, CRO, graphic design, interaction design and UX. Tonje is passionate about creating good user experiences and services in teams with different professionals and is a team leader for a group that works with management, operation and development of digital solutions.

Session Details: Panel Discussion Moving away from manual: Aligning hotel processes 29-03-2023, 10:30 am View In Agenda

Biography: Hospitality expert with background in Revenue Acceleration & PMS solutions for hotels, at Adyen looking after Central European markets, helping hotels streamline their payments set-up.

Session Details: Unifying payments across all channels: Powerful tools to surpass guests’ expectations! 28-03-2023, 2:00 pm View In Agenda

Biography: Leading the Hospitality efforts for Adyen in the DACH region, always with the goal of providing the best guest experience with the latest in payments technology.  

Session Details: Unifying payments across all channels: Powerful tools to surpass guests’ expectations! 28-03-2023, 2:00 pm View In Agenda

Biography: Professional Information Technology Sales and Marketing Manager with a track record of exceeding targets not only working for major brands but launching new names and new technology - software and hardware; successful in selling into the Hospitaity, Corporate, Distribution and Retail markets and endowed with the presence and skill of how to communicate concepts and services, and how to derive and present clear solutions. Focused on delivering targets and on meeting objectives with consistency – a dedicated career Manager who creates a strongly positive representation of his employer while leading any team that I head from the front and by example

Session Details: Panel Discussion Combating staffing shortages with digital marketing and technology 28-03-2023, 1:30 pm View In Agenda

Biography:

Session Details: Learnings from building a digital hotel experience: A Limehome case study 28-03-2023, 5:50 pm View In Agenda

Biography: A versatile manager of business and operations in a global environment with strong bottom-line drive and leadership qualities. A senior professional who has made the change from a top professional technical level to general management with specific expertise in: a) Leading and motivating people to perform in a climate of constant change. b) Negotiating and building lasting relationships globally with companies and partners. c) Identifying problems and implementing effective and innovative management and technical solutions.

Session Details: Closing Panel Discussion Bringing it all together: Key trends, discussion points and takeaways 30-03-2023, 12:50 pm View In Agenda

Biography: Christofori has over 15 years of experience working for the most competitive, leading hospitality & technology companies worldwide and always tries to find the perfect solution for his customer’s complex challenges. As Revinate's Major Account Executive, Sandro is responsible for building long-term partnerships and expanding our cooperation in EMEA. Christofori believes that intuitive technology is the future and will play a significant role in the overall customer experience across all kinds of industries. If you'd like to start a conversation with Christofori, feel free to email him at sandro.christofori@revinate.com

Session Details: Panel Discussion Advancing guest communication strategies 29-03-2023, 9:30 am View In Agenda

Biography: Eric Rogers has been in the Global Hotel Technical Vertical selling solutions from Guestroom phones, to Operational Software, to Revenue Management, to Guest Facing Technology to Hotels for over 20 years across EMEA, India, Americas and further afield.    During Covid, Eric decided it was time to do something different - He set himself up as a Global Recruiter for our Vertical - something he always felt was missing.  A challenging decision for sure when Hospitality was completely flat.  Initially, the plan was to find roles for the amazing friends and colleagues who were being let go.   Today,  Eric Rogers Global is still focussed on Hotels and their Vendor community. Candidates have been placed across the UK, Europe, US, APAC & the Middle East. Most recently, Eric has placed a candidate in Japan - so truly global.

Session Details: Panel Discussion Combating staffing shortages with digital marketing and technology 28-03-2023, 1:30 pm View In Agenda