Independent Hotelshow at RAI responds to current themes in the hotel industry

Independent Hotel Show:13 and 14 March 2023

It is already the third edition. Although, it could have been the fifth had corona not thrown a spanner in the works. However, looking back on those lockdown years is pointless, looking ahead is. So there is plenty of positivism in the market surrounding the Independent Hotelshow in the Netherlands in March in the RAI. Event manager Mieke Berkers: "I am convinced that all decision-makers see the show as a guide to everything that will happen in the hotel industry in the coming years."

In short, the event simply 'must' be noted in every diary. "For this edition, we have set everything up around the theme 'The Five Senses Of Hospitality'," Mieke explains. "Sound, smell, feeling, taste and seeing come together. Because that's what it's all about when you talk about 'experience'. Surprising guests, that's what it's all about?"

Mieke is currently very pleased with the number of registrations of exhibitors. "In these turbulent times, it is quite a bit of coffee-gazing," she acknowledges. "But, right now we are already talking about 180 exhibitors. That's almost the maximum. But what is even better: the diversity is enormous. From suppliers of beautiful tableware to the latest design trends."

Mieke also notices that technological developments for the hotel sector have not stood still. "Partly because every hotel has to deal with a huge staff shortage, you see that tools have emerged in that field that offer opportunities for hotels when they cannot find that staff. For example, for the check-in desk. We see a lot of flexible solutions emerging in the HR area."

Of course, Independent Hotelshow did not escape the energy discussion either. Mieke: "We have set up the Energy Saving Pavilion, for instance. There, visitors will be extensively informed about how you can, for instance, make your property more sustainable so that that energy bill goes down. From water pumps to insulation panels. It's all there." 

Furthermore, selected interior designers show their new collections. After all, hotel guests don't just want a simple night's sleep, they want to stay in great surroundings. "Design is becoming more and more important. The designers really come up with very surprising new styles," says Mieke.

Apart from all the stands and product presentations, there is also a lot happening on various stages. Mieke points out a few examples. "There are 'Best Practices' lectures, for example, on sustainability but also on how to create the best guest experience. On the Innovation Stage, we also broach an interesting topic; how can you generate more direct bookings yourself? After all, hotel booking platforms take a lot of margin. So the question is justified; can you get guests to book directly with you?" According to Mieke, there is also a stage where hoteliers can get in touch with potential investors. "Networking is an important part for anyone visiting Amsterdam!"

By the way, a trade fair without an Award is not a real trade fair, Mieke says with a laugh. "There will be three Awards for the Independent Hotelier Of The Year Award, the Hotel Concept Of The Year Award and the Hotel Partnership Of The Year Award. The jury already has its first meeting at the end of November. But the moment suprême will of course take place during the fair. So everything comes together in Amsterdam. Inspiration is the magic word. The five senses will be fully stimulated!"  

Jurors AWARD ceremony
- Sander Allegro (hospitality strategist);
- Vincent van Dijk (trend-forecaster);
- Lennart Maas (National Hospitality Day);
- Patrick Brand (Hoteliers.com);
- Eveline Doornhegge (Koninklijke Horeca Nederland);
- Charles van Goch (Hotellotop);
- Regine von Stieglitz (Hotelschool the Hague);
- Iris Kranenburg (Entrée Magazine);
- Stephanie van Oorschot (Hotel Management School NHL Stenden);
- Stephan Stokkermans (Grand Hotel Huis, Preferred Hotels & Resorts & EHMA).