IHG's Leanne Harwood led a panel discussion on culture

Global hoteliers, investors, tourism leaders and travel media figures are among a stellar line up of speakers at this year’s Aotearoa Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE).

Hosted by HM Magazine in partnership with Hotel Council Aotearoa (HCA), the second AHICE Aotearoa takes place at the new Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wellington on October 10-11, 2023.

Senior leaders from major hotel groups including Accor, EVT, IHG, Minor Hotels and Swiss-Belhotel will take to this stage at this year’s event, and several of the industry’s rising stars will talk about their expectations in the industry.

View the 2023 AHICE Aotearoa program

Hotel operators will share their outlook for the year ahead, while the Investors Outlook will tackle the big challenges and opportunities in the market.

Thought-provoking panel sessions will cover topics from hotel development to tourism, sustainability and human resources, and a Breakfast Masterclass will showcase some of the hottest hotel technology in New Zealand.

HM’s James Wilkinson in conversation with Accor Pacific CEO Sarah Derry at AHICE Aotearoa 2022

Delegates will have the opportunity to explore some of Wellington’s latest and greatest hotels with dedicated site tours, and leading suppliers will showcase their products and services in the on-site exhibition space.

Networking opportunities abound with a Gala Networking Event at Tākina Wellington presented by IHG Hotels and Resorts on Tuesday 10 October, where the winners of the inaugural Aotearoa Hotel Industry Leadership Awards will be announced.

The Awards recognise excellence in leadership across three categories:Hotel Industry Act of Service Award, Hotel Industry Outstanding Team, and Hotel Industry Senior Executive of the Year.

“Outstanding leaders will be celebrated for their hard work and dedication to hospitality,” said AHICE Convenor and Chair, James Wilkinson.

Nominations for the 2023 Aotearoa Hotel Industry Leadership Awards close on Friday 22 September. Enter here.

The conference will close with a gala networking event presented by Accor at Tākina Wellington on Wednesday evening.