Inspiring collaborations, innovation and hospitality

Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam

The Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam is a renowned hospitality event dedicated to supporting and inspiring independent hoteliers, hospitality professionals and hotel industry suppliers. Annually, this event brings together a vibrant community eager to explore innovation, make meaningful connections and celebrate excellence in hospitality.

This year's show was another dynamic meeting place where visitors have unique opportunities to exchange knowledge, discover new products and services and discuss trends shaping the future of hospitality.

Visitors were enthusiastic about the broad appeal and considerable value of the event. Bastiaan Driessen of Invast Hotels stressed the importance of personal contacts made during the event: "The social aspect appeals to me the most. You talk to people you rarely see, but who are essential to your network. Shaking hands and maintaining relationships are essential for me. There are also fascinating knowledge sessions, especially on artificial intelligence." Bart Reits Bok of Charme Hotels agreed, noting: "You meet all the suppliers in one place. That is hugely valuable. You can make use of each other's knowledge and expertise, which promotes creativity and innovative collaborations. I know of no other event where you really meet everyone who matters." Joeri Beusen of Accor Hotels underlined the broader importance of the event: "It's an excellent place for inspiration, even for larger hotel chains. The sessions on market developments, artificial intelligence, hotel renovations and best practices offer in-depth insights. In addition, the networking opportunities create valuable interactions with colleagues and acquaintances you rarely see in day-to-day work."
Tim Bakkens, marketing Trainee attended the fair to learn and experience the latest trends in design and hotel software. "Very informative and valuable. And very enjoyable on top of that." 

Collaboration in design

Led by Gertrude van den Brink, an experienced professional in the interior design industry, the session "Collaborative stories: The relationship between hotelier and designer" covered how successful collaborations between hoteliers and designers can redefine hospitality spaces, transforming traditional hotels into vibrant cultural destinations.

The highlight was the innovative project 't Huys, a creative collaboration between De L'Europe Amsterdam and design studio D/DOCK. According to Coen Van Dijck, CEO of D/DOCK, 't Huys celebrates prominent personalities from Amsterdam's vibrant creative landscape. The creative wing of De L'Europe, aptly named 't Huys, offers custom-designed suites created by influential Amsterdam icons, entrepreneurs and innovative talents. This project effortlessly combines the visions of local designers, business innovators and brand builders with the experiences of hotel guests and local residents. Each suite in 't Huys uniquely showcases the vision of the designer, who is fully responsible for the design process. Designers and partners include well-known Amsterdam names such as Sister Janssen, Amsterdam Fashion Week, The Ravestijn Gallery and others such as Bibi van der Velden and fashion designers who bring their own distinctive creative vision to life.

In addition, 't Huys offers more than just accommodation. Guests get exclusive cultural experiences inside and outside the hotel. For instance, guests staying in a suite inspired by Van Gogh can enjoy intimate experiences with museum-quality reproductions and personalised tours of the Van Gogh Museum. Another highlight is The Wunderkammer, a unique space by renowned floral artists Florian Seyd and Ueli Signer, showcasing their exquisite floral art and interior objects.

Mosanne Monod de Froideville, director of Marketing, Brand and Business Development at De L'Europe Amsterdam, highlighted how 't Huys attracts diverse audiences and created new revenue streams by combining local creativity with luxury hospitality. The combination of hospitality, design and local cultural experiences redefines traditional hospitality and positions the hotel as a dynamic destination rather than just accommodation.

Technology 

Another important seminar was organised by The Belgian Chapter and moderated by Willem van der Zee, president of the Brussels Hotels Association. The theme: "Beyond AI: Technological innovations transforming hospitality". Speakers Christin Schmidt, regional director at Booking.com, and Filip Boyen, Global Ambassador at Forbes Travel Guide, discussed the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the hospitality sector. Schmidt presented AI-driven innovations at Booking.com, including enhanced customer journeys and personalised guest experiences. She stressed the importance of using AI to better understand customer needs, streamline processes and enrich the overall travel experience.

Boyen provided insights from the perspective of luxury hospitality, particularly focusing on behind-the-scenes operational processes. He emphasised maintaining genuine human connections, stating that although AI can take over repetitive administrative tasks, personalised human interactions remain essential for luxury experiences. Both speakers agreed on the crucial balance between embracing new technologies and maintaining authentic hospitality.