EN 
NL Hotel Leaders Network 2026
HLN 2026: Leading through change
Op On February 2nd, 2026 Hotel Leaders Network returns to the iconic Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam. HLN is the meeting place where hospitality leaders come together to share knowledge, gain inspiration and make new connections.
Change is timeless, but rarely as palpable as it is now. Under this year's theme: “Leading Through Change” the top names in the Dutch hotel sector will come together to meet and be inspired. Expect sharp insights, honest conversations and surprising perspectives on leadership in a world that never stands still.
In addition to top speakers, the programme includes a series of innovative Start-up Pitches powered by ABN AMRO, the exciting vote for the Future Hotel Leader Award 2026, and of course, in keeping with tradition, it will conclude with a speech by a well-known comedian.
Be sure to attend and register now!
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Hotel Leaders Network 2026
2 February 2026
13:00 - 21:30
programme
Programma: Leading Through Change
13:30 - 17:30 | Speakers include:
- Ray Klaassens
- Marija Nemec
- Panel discussion on leadership and change
- Presentations Top 3 Future Hotel Leader Award
- HLN Start-up Pitch powered by ABN AMRO
- The Hotelrede by Jochen Otten
17:30 - 21:30 | Walking Network Dinner followed by drinks in Bistro Berlage
Speakers
Ray Klaassens
Ray Klaassens is known as the head instructor of the television programme “Kamp van Koningsbrugge”. His confrontational yet honest style is reflected in his inspiring keynotes and inspirational sessions. He does not beat around the bush. He holds up a mirror to his audience and participants, then takes them on a journey into the world of leadership, commitment and ownership. His famous sayings, ‘you are what you do’ and ‘character is what remains when no one is watching,’ did not come out of nowhere.
Everyone senses and experiences that Ray speaks from his unique experience as a leader within the Special Forces and lives these themes himself as a human being. His provocative style keeps listeners on the edge of their seats and challenges participants to engage in honest conversation with themselves and each other.
Marija Nemec
Marija Nemec is a leadership educator and communications specialist at Les Roches Global Hospitality Education in Marbella. She leads the Leadership and Personal Development programme and coordinates the Leadership curriculum pathway, supporting both current and future hospitality leaders in developing mindset, self-awareness and communication skills for effective leadership in complex environments.
With an international background, Marija focuses on people-oriented leadership, combining emotional intelligence, coaching-oriented methods and practical communication tools. In this way, she helps leaders build trust, manage conflicts and lead diverse teams.
Marija is an internationally certified coach and trainer in PCM and NLP and regularly works with individuals and organisations on self-aware and emotionally intelligent leadership. She is also a founder, speaker at leadership and wellbeing events, contributor to Sommet Education Business Solutions, and host of the Les Roches Talks Podcast.
Panel discussion with Industry Leaders
Na de keynotes volgt een paneldiscussie waarin leiders uit verschillende delen van de hospitality-sector hun ervaringen delen rond het thema Leading Through Change. The discussion will focus on how leaders deal with change within their organisations, the choices they make under pressure, and the role of people-oriented leadership in transition, growth and continuity. Joining the discussion will be:
Alessio Colavecchio
Area General Manager, Hilton The Netherlands
Fanny van den Dries
Regional Director Operations The Netherlands, The Social Hub
Marnix Mali
Global Director Real Estate & Workspace Services, Booking.com
Mathilde van der Weerd
Algemeen Directeur, Highlight Hotel Group
Stephan Stokkermans
Managing Director, Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin
Future Hotel Leader Award 2026
Joost Abbink
HEAD CHEF
THE LOBBY FIZEAUSTRAAT & THE LOBBY NESPLEIN
Kimberly Appels
OPERATIONS MANAGER NOVOTEL ROTTERDAM BRAINPARK
Rémy Baben
F&B MANAGER
DE L'EUROPE AMSTERDAM
HLN Start-up Pitch
Bundle IT for Business
Margot van de Riet
Bundle It for Business is a distinctive, service-oriented marketing application that helps organisations make the local experience part of the overall guest experience. The app connects an organisation's local community with the digital world of their guests by sharing genuine, personal experiences and recommendations in bundles that match the brand, thereby enhancing the guest experience, brand name and market value.
Roamed
Joost van Bommel
Roamed offers an AI-driven telephone assistant for hotels that automatically handles calls. From frequently asked questions and service requests to telephone bookings, Roamed is available 24/7, in any language, reducing staff pressure while increasing guest satisfaction.
Breakaway Software
Danny Paerl
Break Away Software develops digital operational software for small-scale businesses, including boutique hotels, that want to improve their margins, create more flow within the organisation and enhance the guest experience. Break Away Software links up with the standard PMS systems and focuses exclusively on the operational layer. All core functionalities of the PMS are retained.
De pitches worden beoordeeld door een jury bestaande uit twee Captains of Industry en eventpartner ABN AMRO. Na de jurybeoordeling stemt ook het publiek mee. De gecombineerde beoordeling bepaalt welke start-up zich winnaar van de HLN Start-up Pitch 2026 mag noemen.
Martin Hendricks
Founder & CEO Black Label Hotels
Jochen Otten
Jochen Otten is one of the brains behind the immensely popular sketch programme Sluipschutters. His popularity grew further as a participant in Expeditie Robinson 2023. But above all, he is known as a comedian at Toomler and performs his stand-up solos in theatres throughout the Netherlands.
How did it all begin? When Jochen Otten (1973) completed his studies in Dutch and cabaret at the Koningstheateracademie in Den Bosch, he wasted no time. He promptly won the personality award at Cameretten, the audience award at the Holland Casino stage award, and as if that weren't enough, he reached the finals of the Leiden cabaret festival.
He soon secured a position at the desk of programmes such as Spijkers met Koppen and Dit was Het Nieuws. There are those who make a less conspicuous debut.
Location
Beurs van Berlage
The Beurs van Berlage exudes history and character. In 1903 it was already a bustling trading place and today it is a 'one in a million' conference location in the warm heart of Amsterdam. High quality and service, an impressive atmosphere and excellent facilities are central. A bustling location that one will not soon forget!
Hotspot since 1903
The Beurs van Berlage has been an international hotspot with charm since 1903. A building of grandeur. But also 'the place to be' in the soul of Amsterdam where special things happen every day. World-class events, fairs, expositions and conferences.
Proud Partners
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