HLN Editions in Pictures
EDITION 2024 - THE WORLD OF AI
BERLAGE STOCK EXCHANGE
What a phenomenal day we had the opportunity to experience on 2 February with Hotel Leaders Network 2024! The Beurs van Berlage was the vibrant epicentre where visionaries from the hotel industry came together for a day of inspiration, networking and fascinating insights.
This year we welcomed the largest turnout ever, with more hoteliers, managers, CEOs and hotel industry professionals than ever before. The Beurs van Berlage was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm as like-minded people met and exchanged ideas.
The day started with a bang thanks to Remy Gieling, our technology expert, who took us on a journey through the latest trends, technology and innovations in AI. Matthijs Welle, the charismatic CEO of Mews, followed with an immersive session on the crucial role of AI and automation for modern hotel owners and their guests.
This year's Scale-up Pitches were downright impressive. The competition was strong, but only one could be the winner. Congratulations to Runnr.ai, who convinced the judges with their innovative approach to hospitality.
Another highlight of the day was the presentation of the Future Hotel Leader Award. The top three nominees all gave fascinating presentations, and it was a tough task for the audience to choose. In the end, the award went to Frédérique Selbeck, a promising professional who will continue to shape the future of the hotel industry.
And then, as icing on the cake, the one and only Peter Heerschop, who treated us to an unforgettable Hotel speech infused with humour and keen insight.
This edition will go down in the books as an unforgettable day in which we not only looked at the future of the hotel industry, but actively participated in it. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success!
EDITION 2023 - THE WORKFORCE (R)EVOLUTION
BERLAGE STOCK EXCHANGE
On Friday 17 February we proudly organized Hotel Leaders Network 2023 in the Beurs van Berlage. It was a successful day with inspiring speakers: Dominique Hermans and Jan Spooren, who updated us on the future of the labor market.
Subsequently, three start-ups were given the opportunity to present themselves to the hotel leaders present. Under the supervision of Stef Driessen of ABN AMRO Bank N.V., three inspiring pitches were held by Roeland Verhamme of Expect Me, Sebastiaan Jager of R8 Technologies and Bram Haenraets of Viqal. We congratulate R8 Technologies on their victory.
To complete the evening, it brought Micha Wertheim made us laugh with his Hotel Speech in which he humorously shared his views on the hotel industry. It was great to see everyone enjoying the delicious all-inclusive walking network dinner provided by the Beurs van Berlage. We would like to thank the Beurs van Berlage team for their great service.
The whole afternoon was led by the excellent moderators Michelle Zandbergen and Sander Allegro. We are grateful for their contribution to the success of HLN 2023.
EDITION 2022
THE BERLAGE STOCK EXCHANGE
The 6th edition of Hotel Leaders Network was organized on September 2, 2022. This time the networking event took place in the historic Beurs van Berlage.
After a small drink in the welcome hall, HLN 2022 officially kicked off. Odeta Pimenta Da Silva (Managing Director NATM) and Bas Gerressen (Director KLM Netherlands) gave great presentations on ‘The future of travel’.
Then it was time for the HLN Start-up Pitch, where we, together with ABN Amro, gave three innovative start-ups the opportunity to give a short pitch. At the end of the pitches, everyone could vote for their favorite that would make the most impact in the hotel industry.
Congratulations go to: Solarix.
This was followed by The Hotelrede recited by comedian and columnist Martijn Koning. With his history as an employee at several hotels in Amsterdam, he humorously held up a mirror to the hotel industry. The Hotelrede is here listen back.
After the Hotel Speech, there was room in De Grote Zaal to enjoy delicious dishes provided by the Beurs van Berlage and to talk to each other at length.
Watch the video report of HLN 2022 on the right.
EDITION 2019
NH COLLECTION GRAND HOTEL KRASNAPOLSKY
On 22 November 2019, the 5th edition of Hotel Leaders Network was organised. This time, the networking event took place at the NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky on Dam Square in Amsterdam.
After the more than 200 attendees received their name badges and a welcome drink, HLN 2019 officially kicked off in the Diamond room. Sander Allegro extended a warm welcome to the leaders and then handed over the floor to Stef Driessen who provided the content programme on behalf of ABN Amro.
Next, the 2nd Hotelrede was recited by comedian and presenter Jan Jaap van der Wal . In a humorous way, he shared his vision and experiences in the hotel industry. His Hotelrede is here read back and listen.
After the Hotel speech, there was room to talk at length to each other while enjoying a walking dinner and live music in the beautifully decorated Winter Garden of the NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky.
Watch the video report of the 5th Hotel Leaders Network edition on the right.
EDITION 2018
ROYAL INSTITUTE FOR THE TROPICS AMSTERDAM
On 16 November 2018, the 4th edition of Hotel Leaders Network was organised. This time, the networking event took place at the Royal Tropical Institute Amsterdam. After the reception in the beautifully decorated Marble Hall, the Hotel Speech by Jort Kelder followed in the Queen Máxima room.
The Hotelrede was a first this edition. The Hotelrede is an annual feature where a prominent Dutchman shares an outsider's view of the hotel industry, holding up a mirror to them, stimulating and inspiring them. Jort Kelder's Hotelrede can be read back here.
After the Hotel speech, there was room to talk to each other at length in the Marble Hall while enjoying snacks, drinks and live music.
Watch the video report of the 4th Hotel Leaders Network at the Royal Tropical Institute on the right.
EDITION 2017
HOTEL ARENA
The beautifully renovated Hotel Arena was the setting for the 3rd Hotel Leaders Network. After a welcome drink and receiving a name badge, there was room for fine conversation with like-minded people.
After a fine musical performance, it was time for Moderator Robert Daverschot to welcome everyone and announce our speakers. After the speakers' inspiring stories, it was time for networking.
The first speaker at HLN 2017 was Patricia Douma, general manager at Kult&Ace Millennial Consultancy. This agency specialises in the millennial and can give a good picture of the perception of this generation.
Next to speak was Maurice Peeters, director of professionals at YoungCapital. This staffing agency has grown enormously in recent years and employs many millennials. Peeters' responsibilities include research and their own campus.
Both speakers gave insights into the perceptions and desires of the generation born between 1980 and 2000. This generation, the millennials or ‘generation Y’ is the future of hotel teams, but sometimes requires a different approach than the generations before them.
“It was nice to have seen and spoken to each other again” was an often heard cry. We are delighted to hear that.
EDITION 2014
HOTELSCHOOL THE HAGUE AMSTERDAM
On 19 September 2014, Hotel Leaders Network organised the second Hotel Leaders Network Congress. The congress, hosted by Hotelschool The Hague Amsterdam, included an International Hotel CEO forum, a Student Competition and a General Managers programme. CEOs and directors such as Maarten Markus (MD Benelux, France, UK, USA & Africa, NH Hotel Group), Amy McPherson (President and MD Europe, Marriott) and Wolfgang M. Neumann (CEO, Rezidor Hotel Group) participated in the congress as case inspirers and judges. About 150 CEOs, GMs and hotel owners were invited to the congress for a master class in innovation. The Advisory Board included Caro van Eekelen and Marcus Milan Arandelovic.
STUDENT CHALLENGE
HLN JUNIOR AWARDS
Students belonging to the Excellence Programme from various international hotel schools in the Netherlands and abroad had worked on a real-life case in preparation for the conference. This case involved innovation, technology and the new generation of hospitality. The case revolved around the Palace of Justice. Students worked individually on this case prior to the event. Each school sent its excellence students to the Hotel Leaders Network Congress. On the day before the congress, participants from all schools were mixed into teams. During the competition, the best 3 teams were chosen. Students from these teams were given the unique opportunity to present their case to the CEOs and Presidents of international hotel chains. The winning team went home with fantastic prizes and a bag full of knowledge and experience.
EDITION 2013
ROOM MATE AITANA HOTEL
For the first edition of Hotel Leaders Network, on 20 September at the brand new Room Mate Aitana hotel in Amsterdam, 100 general managers, hotel managers, CEOs and regional directors within the hotel industry had registered. They were given a tour of the hotel and addressed by Kike Sarasola, CEO of Room Mate Hotels and Jan Bakers, the architect who designed the hotel.
