26 May 2025:
PROGRAM DAY 1, Sustainability
Moderated by Prof Dr Willy Legrand
10.00 Registration/Warm-up
10.30 Welcome & introducing the attendees and sponsors
10.30-11.00 Keynote: Where will tourism go? Keynote about the future frame of tourism.
Dr Misa Labarile, Policy Officer Tourism, European Commission, Directorate General Internal Market, Industries, Entrepreneurship and SMEs
11.00-12.30 Nature at its tipping point: "I can't eat a golf course."
Climate change is having a profound impact on nature and biodiversity; conversely, the loss of biodiversity exacerbates the climate crisis. More than half of global GDP, or around 44 trillion US dollars, is assumed to highly depend on nature and its ecosystem services. How do we protect nature and adapt investments, buildings, infrastructure and travel flows in resort destinations and in urban environments?
Group discussion, with
- Dr Misa Labarile, Policy Officer Tourism, European Commission Brussels
- Michaela Reitterer, Owner-Operator, Boutiquehotel Stadthalle Vienna
- Emma Johansson, Co-founder and Architect, Studio Puisto Helsinki
and more speakers to join
12.30-14.00 LUNCH BREAK
14.00-15.30 The new blend of planning and developing: "Create sustainable hotels along infrastructure corridors." Hotels and Tourism become increasingly dependent on transportation, agriculture (food), supply, distribution.
Impulses:
- Siniša Topalović, Managing Director, Horwath HTL Croatia
- Prof Graham Miller, Rodrigo Guimarães Chair & Professor of Sustainable Business, Nova School of Business and Economics Lisbon
Group discussion, with more speakers to join
15.30-16.00 COFFEE BREAK
16.00-17.00 Financing sustainable hotels and resorts: "Put nature on the balance sheet!" The legal side of Biodiversity.
Impulse:
- Zaneta Sedilekova, Sustainability Risk Lawyer and Director, Planet Law Lab
17.00-17.45 Learn from Failures! In a world driven by innovation, failure often carries a stigma. This session delves into the transformative potential of embracing failures in the hospitality industry. Through thought-provoking insights and real-world examples, we'll explore how a culture of accountability, reflection, and experimentation can drive growth and inspire bold, creative solutions.
Impulse:
- Eelis Rytkönen, Chief Impact Leader, Ylva
17.45 Conclusion & What's next?
END Day 1 – followed by the Get-together
27 May 2025: PROGRAM DAY 2,
Innovation
Moderated by Heleri Rande
9.00 Welcome & Wrap-up
9.15-10.00 Creative tension exercise
10.00-11.30 AI and the Future of Human Hospitality Work. Hype or reality? This session explores the intersection of AI and human-centred service, examining how intelligent systems are reshaping the way we work, interact, and innovate. Key topics include the potential of human-AI collaboration to enhance productivity, the adoption of AI-powered tools such as chatbots and service robots, and the ethical considerations surrounding their use. The discussion will also address how AI can support sustainability, improve guest experiences, and redefine the employee journey within hospitality.
Impulse:
- Iis Tussyadiah, Dean of Surrey Business School, University of Surrey
11.30-13.00 LUNCH BREAK
13.00-16.00 Sense and nonsense from Technology & AI. Listen and learn to manage Artificial Intelligence and Technology in two intensive discussions.
Moderators: Prof Dr Alexander Schmidt & Heleri Rande
13.00-14.30 Part 1: IT Applications – Unlocking Solutions for Hospitality. This segment examines real-world applications of technology by hotel operators and investors, with a focus on whether unified software solutions can effectively bridge the gap between operational companies and property ownership. Practical insights and case studies will highlight the successes and challenges of integrating cutting-edge technology across various business pillars.
Group discussion, with
- Mike Rawson, CIO, citizenM
- Caroline Tivéus, Senior VP and Director of Sustainable Business, Pandox
- Carl Oldsberg, CEO, eBerry, Strawberry Group
- Michael Struck, CEO, Ruby Hotels
14.30-15.00 COFFEE BREAK
15.00-16.00 Part 2: AI in Action – Threat or Support? This session dives into the balance between technology and the human touch in hospitality. From leveraging AI to improve operational efficiency and training methods to exploring VR applications and robotics in service delivery, this discussion will uncover best practices for harnessing AI’s potential.
Practical examples of innovative employee programs and tools will be shared, illustrating how technology can create more meaningful and motivating work environments while maintaining the essence of human hospitality.
16.00-16.30 Conclusion & What's next?
END Day 2 - Farewell
The HITT Sponsors 2025 - Thank you for your sustained support!
