Published on
October 18, 2025
The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) is getting ready for its much-anticipated INSPIRE Europe Conference, which will be held in Prague from November 12–13, 2025. Global leaders in luxury hospitality will convene at the Czech National Bank’s Congress Centre for the event’s 15th edition, which will bring together more than 60 speakers and 300 industry executives to discuss the future of experience, design, and resilience in the hospitality sector.
As one of the premier events in the luxury hospitality sector, INSPIRE Europe will offer two days of in-depth strategies, insights, and global networking opportunities. The conference aims to provide luxury hoteliers and industry professionals with actionable insights to help shape the future of the sector amidst a rapidly changing market environment.
Keynote Address: For Goodness Sake, Relax!
One of the event’s highlights will be the keynote address by Richard Hyde, Chief Operating Officer of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. In his keynote, titled ‘For Goodness Sake. Relax!‘, Hyde will delve into the evolution of the luxury hospitality experience, exploring how constant change in the world is impacting guest expectations. The keynote will emphasise the return to emotional connection, authenticity, and service excellence, shedding light on how the industry can redefine luxury by embracing calm and creativity to meet evolving guest needs.
Aligning Capital and Culture: The New Luxury Consumer
A key session, Aligning Capital and Operations with Lifestyle, will explore how the new luxury consumer is influencing hotel development, design, and investment. The panel will bring together prominent figures in the global hotel development and investment space, including:
- Miguel Martins, Head of Development, Northern Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Audun Lekve, CEO, 1912 Hotels
- Robert Walters, CIO, Global Asset Solutions
- Brigitte Gruber, Managing Partner, Austria, Horwath HTL
The discussion will focus on how lifestyle-driven design, purpose-led brands, and investment agility are driving the next generation of luxury hospitality, reshaping hotel operations and development strategies.
Resilient Luxury: Reinventing Procurement Strategy
Another major topic will be Resilient Luxury: Reinventing Procurement Strategy for Uncertain Times, sponsored by Avendra International. This session will examine how luxury hotels can future-proof their operations and maintain brand integrity through intelligent procurement strategies. Panelists will include:
- Helena Hons Valtrova, General & Sales Manager, The Emblem Hotel
- Tina Norden, Principal, Conran and Partners
- Katherine Elardo, Vice President, Global Procurement, Trump Hotels
- Melissa McCormack, Senior Director, Global Opportunities – Europe, Avendra International
This session will offer valuable insights into how luxury hotels can navigate supply chain challenges while ensuring high-quality standards are met.
Luxury Hotel Design: Shaping the Guest Experience
Luxury hotel design will take centre stage in the Luxury Hotel Design: Resilience, Value, and Strategic Growth panel. Industry leaders will discuss how architecture and aesthetics influence guest experiences, operational performance, and brand equity. Panelists include:
- Barbara Wiethoff, Partner, JOI-Design
- Tina Norden, Principal, Conran and Partners
- Henning Matthiesen, Founder & CEO, Mattiesen Consulting
- Felicity Black-Roberts, Senior Vice President, Development, EAME, Hyatt Hotels
- Tarek Hegazy, Principal & Creative Director, Living Design
- James Dilley, Architect & Director, Jestico + Whiles
These design experts will explore the importance of resilient and sustainable hotel architecture, balancing aesthetics with operational efficiency to enhance the luxury hospitality experience.
Global Connection, Local Focus: INSPIRE USA
Following the success of INSPIRE Europe, ILHA will host INSPIRE USA in Las Vegas on December 10–11, 2025, at Resorts World Las Vegas. This event will feature 1,000+ industry professionals and 120+ speakers, continuing the dialogue around luxury hospitality trends and innovations. Together, the INSPIRE Europe and INSPIRE USA events will form a global platform for investment, innovation, and collaboration within the luxury hospitality sector.
A Gathering of Visionary Leaders in Luxury Hospitality
As the luxury hospitality industry continues to evolve, the ILHA INSPIRE Europe Conference in Prague represents a crucial opportunity for professionals to gather, learn, and shape the future of the industry. From luxury design to procurement strategies and the redefinition of the luxury guest experience, this conference offers invaluable insights that will guide the next wave of hospitality innovation.
With more than 60+ speakers and 300+ executives joining the discussion, INSPIRE Europe 2025 will surely be a historic occasion that fortifies the bonds surrounding business titans and empowers them to shape the future of upscale hospitality.
