Agenda

Day 2

  • 08:15 - 09:00

    Breakfast: coffee and pastries

    Prizes donated by Illy University of Espresso

  • 09:00 - 10:00
    Chris BoultonView profile
    Angus ThirlwellView profile

    Boutique hotel case studies

    A look at the inception, development and launch of three very different hotels – one urban, one “budget boutique” and one rural/country house.

    Panellists

    Chris Boulton, CEO, yoo

    Angus Thirlwell, founder, Hotel Chocolat

  • 10:00 - 10:45
    Warren ChanView profile
    Phil GoldingView profile

    Financial case studies

    Two hoteliers and their lenders talk about how they structured the financial deals for their establishments and how to make profits within the sector.

    Moderator: Warren Chan, founder, Potomac Thames LLC

    Panellist:

    Phil Golding, partner, Cedar Capital Partners - St Martin's Lane and The Sanderson


  • 10:00 - 10:45
    Mark ChallinorView profile

    Breakout session: Mobile technology and the always connected traveller

    An explosion in the use of mobile devices worldwide is changing the way hotels run their businesses. It is also forcing a change in approach for hoteliers to adapt and stay up with the competition.

    Mark Challinor, director of mobile, Telegraph Media Group

    Simon Rockman, founder, What Mobile Magazine and Fuss Free Fones

  • 10:45 - 11:00

    Coffee break


  • 11:00 - 11:45
    Angela DingleView profile

    Art and design

    An in-depth look at the trend for involving artists and designers in the conceptualisation and realisation of new boutique hotels. What are the benefits and drawbacks of these collaborations?

    Panellists

    Angela Dingle, creative director, Hughan Design


    Moderator:

    Matt Turner, Editor, Sleeper Magazine

  • 11:45 - 12:30

    Exclusivity v Inclusivity

    Which is the best approach for your hotel? Do you market to a small band of wealthy, discerning customers or aim to attract as wide a spectrum of guests as possible? Is the boutique concept itself an “exclusive” idea?

    Which is the best approach for your hotel? Do you market to a small band of wealthy, discerning customers or aim to attract as wide a spectrum of guests as possible? Is the boutique concept itself an “exclusive” idea?

    Which is the best approach for your hotel? Do you market to a small band of wealthy, discerning customers or aim to attract as wide a spectrum of guests as possible? Is the boutique concept itself an “exclusive” idea?

  • 11:45 - 12:30

    Breakout session: The green boutique

    How is the sector addressing the issue of sustainability, and what are the most cost effective ways to make your hotel eco friendly?

  • 12:30 - 13:15
    Nigel HuddlestoneView profile

    External marketing channels

    How to make the best use of internet channels such as Groupon, Expedia etc

    Panellists

    Nigel Huddlestone, industry head, Google Travel

  • 13:15 - 14:30

    Lunch


  • 14:30 - 15:15
    James LohanView profile
    Kim BardoulView profile
    Nina BassetView profile

    Big brands v independents

    How can independent boutique hotels compete with the lifestyle brands introduced by the international chains? Can the two sectors co-exist peacefully or are they fighting for the same guests?

    Moderator: Kim Bardoul, consultant, The Highland Group

    Panellists

    James Lohan, ceo, Mr & Mrs Smith

    Nina Basset, proprietor, Hotel TerraVina

  • 15:15 - 16:00
    George SellView profile

    Press, PR and social media

    How to use the bewildering variety of media to promote your hotels to best effect, and how to manage your reputation online using social media


    Panellists:

    Karen Plumb, commercial director, EMEA, Trip Advisor (tbc)

    George Sell, editor, Boutique Hotel News

  • 15:15 - 16:00
    Andrew SangsterView profile

    Breakout session: What next for the travel agent?

    Panellists:

    Andrew Sangster, editor, Hotel Analyst

  • 16:00 - 16:45
    Ben ElliotView profile

    Boutique Hotel Guests panel

    A chance to quiz regular boutique and lifestyle hotel guests about their lodging decisions and experiences

    Moderator: Ben Elliot, co-founder, Quintessentially

  • 16:45 - 17:45

    Top 10 trends for the boutique and lifestyle sectors

    A panel of experts get their crystal balls out and look ahead into the next 12 months