Annual trade fairs for hotel professionals
In the Netherlands, there are various annual trade fairs and networking events specifically aimed at professionals in the hospitality and hotel industry. These events offer great opportunities for networking, gaining knowledge, and staying up to date with the latest trends.These events are essential for professionals in the hospitality and hotel industry to network, gain knowledge, and get inspired. They offer the chance to discover the latest trends and developments in the sector and to establish valuable contacts.
Here is a more detailed overview of some of these events in the Netherlands.
Horecava and Wine Professional
Horecava is an iconic event in the Dutch hospitality industry, held annually in early January at RAI Amsterdam since 1953. This event attracts a wide range of visitors from all over the Dutch hospitality industry, including hoteliers, restaurateurs, caterers, bar owners, and many others. Besides an extensive exhibition floor with suppliers and producers from the hospitality industry, Horecava offers various workshops, presentations, and demonstrations. Running parallel to Horecava is the Wine Professional, where wine importers and producers present their products. This event is a perfect opportunity for networking and discovering the latest wine trends.
HotelloTOP
This is a networking platform for alumni of Higher Hotel Management schools, known as 'hotello’s'. HotelloTOP takes place during Horecava and is a fantastic place for exchanging knowledge and discussing new trends in the hotel industry. In addition to networking opportunities, this event offers various workshops and awards are presented to notable individuals and companies in the hotel industry.
Gastvrij Rotterdam
This hospitality trade fair takes place in September in Ahoy Rotterdam and focuses on entrepreneurs and managers in the hospitality industry. With more than 500 exhibitors and a program full of workshops, demonstrations, masterclasses, competitions, and tastings, Gastvrij Rotterdam is an important event for networking and discovering new trends and developments in hospitality.
BBB Maastricht
This southern hospitality trade fair, held annually in October, is known for its inspiring and innovative character. It's a place where hospitality professionals can network, share knowledge, and conduct business. Besides the fair itself, during BBB Maastricht, the Folie Culinaire and the TASTE Summit also take place, where peers discuss the latest trends in food, drink, and hospitality.
Hotelvrijmibo
This informal networking drink is for everyone who works in a hotel. The concept of Hotelvrijmibo is simple: every three months, a drink is organized in a different hotel or event location. This event, which was first organized more than 10 years ago, has grown into a well-known event within the Dutch hotel industry.
Hotel Leaders Network (HLN)
This is an exclusive networking platform for executives within the hotel industry, such as general managers, hotel managers, hotel owners, CEOs, and regional directors. HLN organizes an annual meeting at a relevant location, where a prominent Dutch person gives an outsider's view on the hotel industry. This 'Hotelrede' is meant to inspire and provoke thought and is a highlight of the event.
International Hotel Trade Fairs
There are also dozens of international hotel trade fairs worldwide for various specializations in the hotel industry. Here are some well-known ones:
The Independent Hotel Show in London: This event is for people who own an independent, luxury, or boutique hotel. They come together to share ideas, listen to speakers, do business, and network.
ITB Berlin: This is a famous fair for hoteliers. It takes place every year in March in Berlin. People can attend lectures, view interviews, and participate in workshops.
HITEC: This conference is about technology in the hotel industry. Hoteliers learn about new technologies and meet vendors from around the world.
Skift Global Forum: This event in New York City brings together leaders from the travel industry. There are speakers from major companies like Airbnb and Hilton.
IPW: This is a large American trade show for people selling or buying travel. People from more than 70 countries attend.
The Lodging Conference: This is an annual meeting for executives in the hotel industry. They discuss various topics such as finance and management.
Phocuswright Conference: This three-day conference features speakers and networking events. It's organized by a company that researches travel.Each of these events offers opportunities to learn and make contacts in the hotel industry.