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12-14 June 2023
Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill
2023 Agenda
Our Speakers are chosen for their industry knowledge, experience, and the insight they offer.
If you would like to be considered to be part of the speaking faculty for 2023, please contact Tanja Millner
Monday 12 June
08:00 - 09:00
Networking
Registration and Welcome Refreshments
09:00 - 09:10
Plenary Session
Welcome Remarks
Matthew Weihs
Managing Director, the Bench
09:10 - 09:20
Plenary Session
Official Welcome
09:20 - 10:00
Plenary Session
Navigating Global Risks: The Impact on Africa's Hospitality Industry
10:00 - 10:30
Plenary Session
Collaborating for a Sustainable Future: The Role of Government Partnerships in Developing Tourism Regions and Zones
10:30 - 11:30
Networking
Networking Coffee Break with Speed Networking
11:30 - 12:00
Plenary Session
Building a Net Zero Future: Addressing the Challenges in the Hotel Industry through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategies
12:00 - 12:40
Plenary Session
Unlocking Hospitality Investment Potential in Africa: Maximizing Returns in a Growing Market
12:40 - 13:00
Plenary Session
Exploring the Future of Hospitality Investment: Insights from a CEO Perspective
13:00 - 14:00
Networking
Networking Lunch
14:00 - 14:40
Plenary Session
Access to Capital: Navigating the Challenges and Solutions in Hospitality Investment
14:40 - 15:00
Plenary Session
Emerging Market Projects: Dos and Don'ts for Success in the Hospitality Industry
15:00 - 15:30
Plenary Session
Exploring the Opportunities and Overcoming the Challenges of Developing Hotels in Africa
15:30 - 16:00
Networking
Networking Coffee Break
16:00 - 16:45
Invest Room
Leveraging Local and Regional Sourcing: How to Take Advantage of Trade Tariffs, Improve Sustainability, Reduce Development Costs and Meet Brand Standards
16:00 - 16:45
Impact Room
Navigating Difficult Conversations: Addressing Challenging Issues in Public Sector Coalitions
16:00 - 16:45
Inspire Room
Success Stories: How Hotel Groups Secured Funding to Launch and Build
16:45 - 17:30
Invest Room
Unlocking the Investor's Criteria: A Workshop on What Hotel Financiers Look for in a Financing Opportunity
16:45 - 17:30
Impact Room
Exploring Developing Markets: Opportunities and Challenges in the Hospitality Industry
16:45 - 17:30
Inspire Room
Sustainability in Action: Innovative Technologies in the Spotlight
17:30 - 21:00
Networking
Opening Reception at Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill Nairobi hosted by Westmont Hospitality Group
Tuesday 13 June
07:00 - 08:00
Networking
Sporting activity - Charity Run at Arboretum
08:00 - 09:00
Networking
Morning Refreshments
09:00 - 09:05
Plenary Session
Welcome Back
Matthew Weihs
Managing Director, the Bench
09:05 - 09:40
Plenary Session
Future Outlook: Upcoming Projects in the Hospitality Market in Africa
09:40 - 10:15
Plenary Session
Unlocking Africa's Coastal Potential: The Role of Investment, Deregulation and Air Connectivity in Driving Economic Growth through Hotels and Leisure Offerings
10:15 - 10:30
Plenary Session
Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Hospitality
10:30 - 11:00
Plenary Session
Investing in People: Re-Examining the Emphasis on Human Skills in the Hospitality Industry
11:00 - 11:30
Networking
Networking Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:15
Impact Room
CLOSED DOOR DISCUSSION: (by invitation only) Facing the Labour Shortage: An Open Discussion on Developing Human Resources Strategies in the Hospitality Industry
11:30 - 12:15
Inspire Room
Passing the Torch: Navigating Family Business Succession in the African Hotel Industry
11:30 - 12:15
Invest Room
Mastering Tourism Entrepreneurship: Strategies for Success in a Competitive Market
12:15 - 13:00
Invest Room
Cutting Costs in the Hospitality Industry: An Open Discussion on Strategies for Reducing Operating Expenses
12:15 - 13:00
Inspire Room
Inspiring Change: The Rise of Transformational Travel
12:15 - 13:00
Impact Room
Navigating Mature Markets: Strategies for Sustained Success in the Hospitality Industry
13:00 - 14:00
Networking
Networking Lunch
14:00 - 14:15
Plenary Session
AHIF Awards
14:15 - 14:45
Plenary Session
Small is the New Big: Creating Authentic Design Stories in Newly Created Destinations
14:45 - 15:15
Plenary Session
Adapting to the Evolving Market: The Rise of Alternative Accommodation
15:15 - 15:30
Plenary Session
Navigating the Hype: Leveraging Social Media to Meet Rising Customer Expectations
15:30 - 16:00
Plenary Session
Creating Convenient and Engaging Guest Experiences through A.I, Social Media, and Digital Channels
16:00 - 16:30
Networking
Networking Coffee
16:30 - 17:00
Plenary Session
Streamlining Construction Projects: Navigating Taxation, Politics, Logistics and Red Tape
17:00 - 17:15
Plenary Session
Collaboration for Impact: Sustainability Pledge to Drive Industry Change
17:15 - 17:30
Plenary Session
Closing Remarks
17:30 - 21:00
Networking
Networking Reception at the Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill
Wednesday 14 June
06:30 - 12:00
Networking
Social Networking Activities
Aviadev
Real Estate
AviaDev Real Estate will connect the owners and operators of African airports to those with the finance, skills and contacts to develop the land and maximise its revenue potential. In turn, the airport industry will stand stronger together with the real estate industry and become more resilient to (potential) disruption, increase the appeal to new carriers, and ultimately improve air connectivity across the continent.
You should attend if you are an organisation looking to engage with African airports and support them to develop their real estate proposition, including:
Attendance for AviaDev Real Estate is included within your AHIF pass.
08:00 - 09:00
Real Estate Networking
Registration and Welcome Refreshments
09:00 - 09:15
Real Estate Plenary
Welcome Remarks
09:15 - 10:00
Real Estate Plenary
Building a Smart Airport City: The Importance of Proper Zoning and Planning in Africa
10:00 - 11:00
Real Estate Plenary
Raising Capital for Airport projects in Africa: Understanding the Financing Landscape and Investors' Priorities
11:00 - 11:15
Real Estate Plenary
Project Showcase: Ravinala Airports
11:15 - 12:00
Real Estate Plenary
Creating a Winning Formula for Airport Hotels in Africa: Understanding the Attractions and Requirements for Success
12:00 - 13:00
Real Estate Plenary
Project Showcase:
13:00 - 14:00
Real Estate Networking
Networking Lunch
14:00 - 17:00
Real Estate Meeting
Investor Meetings
17:00 - 20:00
Networking
Networking Reception
Open to all attendees of AviaDev Real Estate and AviaDev