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HOSPACE 2026 Speakers
Allen Simpson
Chief Executive, UKhospitality
9:55 Policy, Taxes & the Visitor Economy
Allen became Chief Executive of UKHospitality in June 2025, after joining the organisation at its Deputy CEO in 2024. He joined after five years as Executive Director and Acting Chief Executive of London & Partners, the global trade, investment and tourism promotion agency for the UK’s capital city as the city recovered from the pandemic. After starting his career at the Foreign Office, Parliament and Ministry of Justice, Allen worked during the financial crisis and Brexit period at the London Stock Exchange and Barclays Bank. He has served on the boards of several think tanks and political organisations.
Andrew Williamson
Corporate Finance Partner, Moore Kingston Smith
10:10 Navigating Growth, Risk & Opportunity in Hospitality
Andrew Williamson is a Corporate Finance Partner at Moore Kingston Smith, advising businesses on acquisitions, disposals, management buyouts and fundraising. He works with owner-managed businesses and international groups across a range of sectors, with a particular focus on hospitality and leisure. Andrew helps operators navigate growth, investment and exit opportunities, combining commercial insight with a practical understanding of the sector's challenges. An experienced lead adviser, he is known for balancing financial, tax and relationship considerations to deliver successful outcomes and support business owners through some of their most important strategic decisions.
Chantal Willis
Director Multinational Corporates, Barclays Payments Ltd
10:10 Navigating Growth, Risk & Opportunity in Hospitality
Bio Coming Soon
Chris Cowls
Chairman, HOSPA
9am Conference Opening
Chris initially worked for several hospitality companies including UB, Grand Met, Forte and Compass. He then established a restaurant business, Sunnyside Up, before going on to co-found Eproductive Ltd in 2000 where he is now Chairman. The company provides EPS, the People Management System used by hundreds of hotels. Chris also co-founded 2050, the network for UK foodservice leaders and has been Visiting Professor in Hospitality & Tourism at the University of Surrey since 2015. For many years he was a volunteer NED at St Martin-in-the-Fields and was appointed MBE in 2019. Chris became a HOSPA Director in 2020 and Chairman in 2025.
Danica Smith
Executive Mindset & Performance Coach, MorningStar GX
14:35 The Connected Hotel: Turning Automation & Technology into Competitive Advantage
Danica Smith is an Executive Mindset & Performance Coach, guest experience strategist and speaker with 15 years’ experience across hospitality, travel technology and growth. She works at the intersection of people, technology and performance, helping hospitality leaders navigate pressure, confidence, change and AI adoption while building stronger teams and better guest experiences. Danica is also founder of MorningStar GX, co-host of Hospitality Daily and a recognised hospitality thought leader, known for bringing a practical, human perspective to the challenges shaping modern hospitality.
Elijesa Saciri
Managing Director, The Mandrake
16:15 Driving Total Commercial Performance
Eljesa Saciri is a UK-based hospitality leader, speaker and equality advocate, recognised as a rising voice in luxury hospitality. With nearly a decade of experience, including leadership roles at The Zetter and The Doyle Collection, she now leads The Mandrake, its Wellness Sanctuary and members’ club. An Acorn 30 Under 30 winner, Eljesa combines commercial acumen with people-first leadership, driving performance while championing exceptional guest experiences. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, she mentors emerging talent and regularly speaks at industry events. Her leadership centres on authenticity, empowerment and challenging convention to help shape a more inclusive future for hospitality.
Francisco Ventura
General Manager, Sunborn London Yacht Hotel
15:10 Shaping the Modern Guest Experience
Bio coming soon
Fredrik Korallus
CEO, Otherwander
10:45 Challenging Convention: Rethinking the Hospitality Playbook
Bio coming soon
Gavin Allison
VP of IT & Innovation, Yotel
17:15 Leaders Panel
Gavin Allison is currently the VP of IT and Innovation at YOTEL. Leading the technical integration of YOTEL into Hilton and building a scalable technology model that supports aggressive global expansion. He has spent more than 20 years running technology across international luxury hospitality, including Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Cheval Collection and Lore Group. Setting technology strategy, build the teams behind it, and take full accountability for what gets delivered. His focus has always been technology, commercial growth, guest experience, and security.
Grace Greensitt
Founder & CEO, GSI (Global Sustainability Index)
16:55 Engaging Today's Workforce: The New Rules of Employee Retention
Grace is the Founder and CEO of GSI, a platform dedicated to making sustainability more accessible in the hospitality industry. With a background in brand development, user experience, and global event management, Grace now channels her creativity into helping hotels and venues communicate their sustainability commitments with clarity and credibility. Through GSI’s sustainable venue directory, Grace supports hospitality businesses in sharing their sustainability data seamlessly, while enabling corporate travellers and event planners to easily source venues that align with their values.
Harry Fielder
CEO, Umi and Chairman, HMA
15:10 Shaping the Modern Guest Experience
Harry Fielder is CEO of Umi, a marketing and technology agency for hospitality and travel. Harry and his team deliver a full-suite of services to drive success online and make the best of digital. Alongside growing Umi, Harry bridges the commercial and technical functions as a fractional CTO; supporting hospitality leaders and boards on their technology strategy.
Harry Murray
President, HOSPA
9am Conference Opening
Distinguished Hotelier Harry Murray MBE was elected President of HOSPA IN 2018 as it entered a key period of attracting British talent into the hospitality industry. His election was based on his prominence in the industry, his reputation and previous involvement with HOSPA. Harry has managed luxury hotel across five decades and has been recognised with numerous awards for his tireless efforts to raise standards of excellence. His awards include an MBE for services to the hospitality industry, Hotelier of the Year, Catey Lifetime Achievement Award, AA Lifetime Achievement Award and an Honorary Doctorate of the University of Essex.
James Stagg
Editor, The Caterer
10:10 Navigating Growth, Risk & Opportunity in Hospitality
James Stagg has been editor of The Caterer since 2020, steering The Caterer brand, driving its digital presence as well as and a collection of events that include the Cateys, The Caterer Summits, Acorn Awards, Supplier Awards, and the Hotelier of the Year. He joined The Caterer in 2010 when he was appointed to the role of content editor, leading a team of dedicated journalists covering a diverse spectrum, including hotels, restaurants, catering, pubs, and bars. In 2015, following the acquisition of The Caterer by Jacobs Media, he was made deputy editor, playing a pivotal part in the successful revamp of The Caterer's website and digital subscription offering. An expert in his field, as editor James is a recognised and respected voice in the hospitality sector, regularly speaking at industry events and conferences.
Jamie Weber
Senior Associate, UK W&I, Howden
10:10 Navigating Growth, Risk & Opportunity in Hospitality
At Howden M&A, Jamie advises on the placement of Warranty & Indemnity (W&I) insurance for UK and European transactions across a broad range of sectors, including both real estate and operational businesses. He has significant experience in the hospitality sector, acting on deals ranging from single-site investments and acquisitions to complex multi-asset and portfolio transactions.
Jane Pendlebury
CEO, HOSPA
Conference Opening & Closing
Jane Pendlebury is CEO of HOSPA. Initially, Jane was a HOSPA member and sponsor. Then, after volunteering her time assisting with HOSPACE, she was taken on to run the Membership and Events office before being promoted to CEO in 2016. Kickstarting her career with a degree in hotel management, Jane worked with both chain and independent hotels. Thereafter, she spent many years assisting hotels and restaurants with their technology decisions around Property Management, Point of Sale and Revenue Management. This culminated into a role as VP and General Manager covering Europe for a global hospitality software house.
Janel Clark
Head of Professional Development, HOSPA
16:15 Driving Total Commercial Performance
An accomplished Educator who is passionate about the importance of Learning and Development and its commercial impact on people and profits. Janel has used her extensive practical knowledge to create, develop and deliver numerous training courses, working with some of the world’s leading educational establishments. She has experience across the full spectrum of hotels, from 5-star chain properties to independent boutique hotels, and has helped them embed, achieve and exceed best practice. A passionate industry expert and a qualified educator, Janel is involved in creating programmes which introduce improved ways for hotels to make commercial decisions.
Jodie Wright
Chief Commercial Officer, Crerar Hotels Group
17:15 Leaders Panel
Bio coming soon
Jon Davis
Chief Technology Officer, Village Hotels
14:35 The Connected Hotel: Turning Automation & Technology into Competitive Advantage
Jon Davis is CTO at Village Hotels, where he leads the group's technology and AI agenda across 34 UK hotels and leisure clubs. Previously CTO at The Ivy Collection, he was previously named HOSPA's Inspirational Technology Leader in Hospitality and was the CIO 100.
Lorraine Fahy
CMO, Prommt
15:05 HOSPA300 - Prommt
Bio coming soon
Mark Edwards
Partner, BDO
10:10 Navigating Growth, Risk & Opportunity in Hospitality
Mark is a partner in the Consumer Markets sector at BDO and leads the Hospitality & Leisure team. He has extensive experience working with a broad range of clients across the hospitality sector, including family-owned businesses and larger corporate groups. His representative client experience includes The Dorchester Collection, Rocco Forte Hotels, Hoxton Hotels, Hyatt Regency London, The Churchill, Drake & Morgan, Shepherd Neame and Admiral Taverns.
Matthew Prosser
Senior Sales Director, Agilysys
14:35 The Connected Hotel: Turning Automation & Technology into Competitive Advantage
Matthew Prosser brings over 30 years of experience in the technology and hospitality sectors. As Senior Sales Director at Agilysys, he delivers guest-centric technology solutions across all hospitality verticals. Previously, he spent eight years as Managing Director at MPower MSL, spearheading transformative initiatives in sports, leisure, and hospitality. After hotel operational roles in the Middle East’s luxury segment, Matthew began his technology career in the mid-1990s at MICROS-Fidelio, where he spent 14 years on UK and European initiatives. Throughout his career, he has leveraged technology to improve operational control, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive revenue growth.
Michael Grove
CEO, HotStats
9:50 UK Hospitality Performance: The Big Picture
Michael is CEO of HotStats, now a Duetto company, which provides monthly P&L benchmarking and market insight for the hotel industry. Collecting monthly detailed financial data from hotels worldwide from over 150 brands and independent hotels, HotStats provides over 550 different KPIs covering all operating revenues, payroll, expenses, cost of sales and, ultimately, departmental and total hotel profitability. Before joining HotStats, Michael held multiple operational and financial roles at hotel and corporate levels for over 16 years and is a regular guest lecturer at universities and hotel schools around the world.
Nuno César de Sá
General Manager, Grantley Hall
17:15 Leaders Panel
Bio coming soon
Patryk Luszcz
Regional Director UK, Profitroom
15:10 Shaping the Modern Guest Experience
Patryk Luszcz is Regional Director for the UK at Profitroom, an award-winning hospitality technology company helping hotels grow direct revenue and build stronger guest relationships. With extensive experience across hotel management, sales and commercial leadership, Patryk brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing today’s hoteliers. He is passionate about combining technology with commercial strategy to help hotels reduce reliance on OTAs, optimise performance and create seamless booking experiences that drive sustainable growth.
Peter Hancock
Conference & Awards Host
9am Conference Opening
Peter Hancock is a professional conference and awards host, after-dinner speaker and toastmaster. He recently retired after 21 years as Chief Executive at Pride of Britain Hotels, was previously Group Publishing Director of Johansens and was a hotel GM in his early career. Peter is currently an ambassador for James Hallam (insurance), Hospitality Action, The Gold Service Scholarship and the Independent Hotel Show. He is also a Master Innholder, a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, and a HOSPA Fellow.
Rachelle Peterson
Founder, Rebound & Rise / LOQIA Group
17:15 Leaders Panel
Rachelle Peterson is a visionary entrepreneur and storyteller leading two dynamic ventures shaped by connection and reinvention. She is the Founder of LOQIA Group, an independent media consultancy specialising in commercial growth across global B2B sectors, helping organisations navigate complex landscapes and create tailored TV and Digital content for hospitality and travel brands. She is also the Founder of Rebound & Rise, a female‑led networking and events platform empowering women in business through high‑impact gatherings and honest conversations. A compelling public speaker, Rachelle is a sought‑after moderator and panellist, bringing sharp insight to conferences and summits worldwide.
Richard Clarke
Founder & CEO, Expert on the Science of Happiness in the Workplace
16:55 Engaging Today's Workforce: The New Rules of Employee Retention
Most leaders see happy teams as a nice extra, something for when the numbers are right. Richard Clarke built a company to prove the opposite: happier teams create success, not the reverse. In 2014 he founded Secret Source, a software company whose main KPIs were team and client happiness. The result: 100% client retention over five years and staff turnover at half the industry average. Today, Richard teaches leaders the five factors that make teams happier, and how focusing on them helps teams perform better and stay longer.
Sally Beck
Deputy Managing Director, The Landmark Collection
16:55 Engaging Today's Workforce: The New Rules of Employee Retention
Bio coming soon
Sam Acford
Group Management, Exclusive Collection
15:10 Shaping the Modern Guest Experience
Samuel Acford looks after the technology at Exclusive Collection, a privately owned luxury hospitality group creating memorable stays and experiences for guests across some of the UK’s finest country-house hotels. With a background in technology and hospitality, Samuel is interested in how technology can support exceptional guest experiences while making life simpler for colleagues behind the scenes. His focus is on finding practical ways to use digital technology to remove friction, improve the guest journey and enable the human connection that sits at the heart of luxury hospitality.
Sam Allen
VP Sales & Business Development, Adyen
15:10 Shaping the Modern Guest Experience
Sam Allan is a hospitality commerce expert at Adyen, with nearly a decade of experience helping international hotel brands optimise their payment stacks. Specialising in Unified Commerce, he supports hotels to ensure every guest touchpoint is seamless, secure, and data-driven. Sam’s focus is on helping hotels streamline operations, elevate guest experiences, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Sarah Duncan
Co-Founder and Director, Sleeping Lion, Sleeping Lion
16:55 Engaging Today's Workforce: The New Rules of Employee Retention
Sarah Duncan is Co-founder and Director of Expert Advice / Sleeping Lion – a certified BCorp. Her background is in leisure and hospitality, and she now specialises in Sustainability (or ESG), having written two books on the subject: The Sustainable Business Book (2023) and The Ethical Business Book (2019). She advises on how to make sustainability a genuine part of your business culture and day-to-day practice, not just a tick-box exercise (or race to be the ‘least bad’).
Simon Bullingham
CEO & Founder, Journey
16:15 Driving Total Commercial Performance
Simon Bullingham is CEO and Founder of Journey, a leading hotel technology business. For the past decade, Simon has been influential in shaping how technology can solve problems and generate revenue. His portfolio of products include Journey Ecommerce - the world’s first all-in-one hotel booking engine; Journey Experience Management System - the UK’s top experience management software for spa and hotel experiences, and Journey Vouchers - the leading hotel gift voucher platform. At Journey, Simon works with over 1,400 luxury hotel partners globally, including Beaverbrook, Calcot Collection, Soneva (Maldives) and Grantley Hall. His company won the ‘Best Luxury Hotel & Property Booking Platform 2025’ award from SME and the ‘Exceptional Customer Satisfaction’ award at the Business Awards - Technology 2024.
Uli Pilau
CEO & Founder, Apaleo
10:45 Challenging Convention: Rethinking the Hospitality Playbook
Uli Pillau is the founder and CEO of Apaleo, the Munich-based API-first hospitality platform powering the next generation of hotel technology. A serial entrepreneur and investor in travel tech, he has spent over three decades shaping the digital transformation of the hospitality industry. Before Apaleo, he co-founded Hetras, one of the first native cloud PMS solutions, and held leadership roles at Fidelio Software (later Micros/Oracle) and IDeaS, the global leader in hotel revenue management systems. Originally trained as a hotelier at the InterContinental Berlin, Uli has built his career at the intersection of hospitality and technology, driving innovation through openness, and connectivity.
Valerie Cook
Revenue Strategy Director, Rudding Park
14:35 The Connected Hotel: Turning Automation & Technology into Competitive Advantage
Valerie Cook is Revenue Strategy Director at Rudding Park, a privately owned resort in Harrogate. Responsible for shaping revenue strategy across accommodation, spa, dining, golf and events, Val has recently led a significant technology transformation at Rudding Park, connecting systems and processes across the resort. With a commercial rather than technical background, Val brings a practical perspective on how technology, automation and better connected data can support teams, improve decision making and create a seamless guest experience, while ultimately delivering stronger commercial performance.
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