THE AGENDA: GM LEADERS CONFERENCE 2017
Wednesday 3 May, W Dubai Al Habtoor City
8.00: Registration and Networking
8.30: Welcome Address: Hotel News Middle East
8.35: Welcome Address: Rikan, GM Leaders Conference Presenting Sponsor
8.40: Welcome Address: Jason Harding, complex general manager at St Regis, W and Westin Hotel – Al Habtoor City
8.45: Expert Session: Global Megatrends and their impact on the Middle East’s travel and tourism industry
Dr. Martin Berlin, Deals Partner, PwC Middle East
9.10: Keynote Address: How will Dubai’s hospitality industry continue to prosper post-Expo 2020?
Issam Kazim, CEO, DTCM
9.30: Panel One: Adapting to Changing Guest Demands
Guests are becoming more tech-savvy – doing everything online, from booking, to ordering food and providing feedback – while seeking out personalised service with a warm dose of humanity. Meanwhile, mobile-connected corporate and MICE travellers are demanding more creative and flexible entertainment options and facilities, and a rising demographic of health-focused consumers are seeking out the best wellness offers. How can hoteliers pair digital efficiency with human intelligence? How can they evolve their wellness offers and cater to the changing needs of MICE and corporate travellers?
Panellists:
David Wilson, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Francis Desjardins, general manager, Fairmont Ajman
David Simon, hotel manager, The Palace Downtown
Stephen Meredith, general manager, Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay
Patrick Antaki, complex general manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah and Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Guzman Muela, general manager, Time Oaks Hotel & Suites
10.15: Expert session: A snapshot of regional hotel performance
Philip Wooller, area director – Middle East & Africa, STR
10.35: Coffee break
11.00: Panel Two: Battling with the OTAs
The battle between hoteliers and online travel agents (OTAs) will continue in 2017, with each side vying for its piece of the pie. The big hotel operators, such as Hilton and Marriott have invested in major direct booking campaigns, however they cannot turn their backs on the huge distribution power of the OTAs. Meanwhile, the OTAs continue to seek hotel chains’ lowest rates so they can offer customers the widest range of choices possible. How can hoteliers reduce their dependence on the OTAs and get better terms? What role does loyalty play?
Panellists:
Olivier Harnisch, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group
David Allan, cluster general manager, Radisson Blu Hotels Dubai Waterfront and Dubai Canal Views
Alexander Schneider, general manager, Nikki Beach Dubai
Richard Collins, general manager, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai
Fredrik Reinisch, general manager, Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection Hotels
Rabih Feghali, director, business development, Roya International
11.45: Expert Session: How will the introduction of VAT impact the Middle East’s hotel industry?
Bruce Hamilton, Tax Director – Indirect Tax, Deloitte Middle East
12.05: Panel Three: Attracting New Markets
How can hoteliers ensure they are creating content and delivering experiences that resonate with the lifestyles of new target markets, such as millennials and Gen Z; the rising Chinese market and returning Russians; and a new wave of price-sensitive travellers, attracted to the region due to a growing number of low-cost flights and three- and four-star hotels?
Panellists:
Maria Tullberg, general manager, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek
Stefan Viard, general manager, Melia Hotels international
Nila Pendarovski, general manager, Rove Downtown Dubai
Naim Maadad, CEO, Gates Hospitality
12.50: Expert Session: Gds…The Misunderstood revenue Channel
Saahil Mehta, Man with The Plan, ResNet World
13.05: Lunch sponsored by ResNet World
14.30: Close
For more information:
- Sponsorship – Diarmuid O’Malley: dom@bncpublishing.net or Fred Dubery: fred@bncpublishing.net
- Speaking opportunities – Crystal Chesters: Crystal@bncpublishing.net
- Attendance – Mark Anthony Monzon: mark@bncpublishing.net
