The Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA) has unveiled exciting details for HOSPACE 2025, marking the 20th edition of the country's premier hospitality conference. Set to take place on 13 November 2025 at the Royal Lancaster London, this year's event promises to be a milestone celebration. HOSPACE 2025 will bring together leading professionals from the hospitality sector, offering a unique platform for discussion and strategic insight. With a lineup of influential speakers and industry experts, the conference aims to explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of hospitality across the UK. As the hospitality sector continues to evolve, HOSPACE 2025 will provide crucial insights into industry trends, finance and technology. This landmark event is expected to offer invaluable learning and networking opportunities for all participants.
The conference will begin with a powerful opening session led by Peter Hancock, Jane Pendlebury, Harry Murray MBE and Chris Cowls MBE, the newly appointed Chairman of HOSPA. These hospitality giants will set the stage for the day's discussions, reflecting on the achievements of the past two decades and the exciting prospects ahead. Their leadership will provide the perfect foundation for a day filled with strategic dialogue, offering valuable lessons from the industry's evolution.
One of the key highlights of HOSPACE 2025 will be the return of Thomas Pugh, economist at RSM. Having delivered a well-received presentation in the previous year, Pugh will once again provide his engaging analysis on the economic outlook for the hospitality sector. Attendees can expect insightful discussions on the economic factors shaping the UK's hospitality industry, offering a comprehensive understanding of current and future market trends.
The conference will also feature a panel discussion on industry performance and commercial challenges, with respected hospitality finance experts Mark Edwards from BDO and Michael Grove from Hotstats. These seasoned professionals will provide a deep dive into the performance trends of the past year, discussing key challenges faced by the hospitality sector and offering informed predictions for 2026. The panel will examine the sector's financial health, focusing on critical areas such as revenue management, operational efficiency and market dynamics, making this session a must-attend for professionals seeking to navigate the evolving hospitality landscape.
As HOSPACE 2025 celebrates two decades of industry leadership, the conference will feature a broad array of speakers, ranging from hospitality operators to economists, policymakers and technologists. Confirmed speakers include Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, Claire Good, COO of Travelodge and Neil Braude, COO of Imperial Hotels. These speakers represent a diverse cross-section of the UK's hospitality sector and their participation will ensure that HOSPACE 2025 covers a comprehensive range of topics, including technology, sustainability, people management and the future of hospitality finance.
In addition to the conference, HOSPA has opened nominations for the 2025 Inspirational Leader Awards, which will be presented at the HOSPACE gala dinner. These prestigious awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and impact across the hospitality sector. Whether through advancements in sustainability, technology, finance, or operations, these awards honor the individuals who are driving change and making a significant difference in the industry. Pendlebury encouraged those who know exceptional individuals making a difference in the industry to submit their nominations, highlighting the awards' focus on celebrating both quiet heroes and bold innovators who contribute energy and excellence to the sector.