The HITT Community 2019: Only at the end there was a rain shower, until then the sun also inspired.photo: HI ostwestfoto
Berlin/Augsburg. The second Think Tank is over, the feedback continues and the HITT participants are already driving forward Think Tank 2020 with additional internal ideas and suggestions ... The hospitalityInside team is very pleased about the overwhelming feedback and this lively community, which fully absorbed the truly unique spirit of this "floating forum" on the boat. This is why we would like to let a video do the talking and our participants "literally" comment on the event ... Please find the links and testimonials below.
The HospitalityInside Think Tank 2019 Video
WHAT THE PARTICIPANTS SAY...
“Great speakers, beautiful location, interesting people – just unique to connect people. I can hardly wait for the next one.”
Holger Behrens, Managing Director, Rilano Hotels & Resorts
"Not bullshit bingo, but a deep, forward-looking exchange of ideas."
Martin Kemmer, Managing Director, Place Value Management
"The Think Tank stimulated me to open up to the discussed topics and to leave my personal comfort zone several times in the discussion, in an environment with like-minded, creative industry colleagues and carefully guided by competent moderators. The Think Tank has given me a valuable new perspective, something that inspires me in my daily routine."
Jörg T. Böckeler, Managing Director & COO, Dorint Hotels & Resorts
"HITT 2019 – Even better than the 1st edition. Relaxed atmosphere, lively discussions and great people! We at Sabre are proud to be part of HITT where we develop and support new ways of digitalization and retailing in the hospitality market."
Richard Wiegmann, Managing Director & Chief Commercial Officer EMEA, Sabre Hospitality Solutions
"I travelled to Berlin as I'm aware how important the challenges ahead of us are with respect to the all-embracing digitilalsation. This is also why I brought along a colleague who responsible for online marketing, as digitalisation concerns the entire company and everyone on the team. After an inspiring day on board the boat, I have returned to the hotel with a few insights: digitalisation provides a chance to put even well-established processes to the test. And, maybe even more importantly: Aside from technology, process and new complexity, human beings will, more than ever, be in the centre of our activities in the hotel industry of the future. Hotels are real locations where people get to meet one another in an increasingly virtual world."
Wilhelm Luxem, General Manager, Baur au Lac Zurich
"The reality check did us all a lot of good and forced us to see that other sectors are facing much greater challenges. We have "the final mile", i.e. in the end, we still have the guests in our hotels and can use this to our advantage!"
Georg Schlegel, Managing Director Germany and Central Europa, Choice Hotels
"The speakers and presentation at HITT were at a very high level, inspiring discussions among hospitality professionals and giving food for thought for our everyday challenges. However, for me the most important learning was how essential it is to take some time to sit, exchange, network and create a platform. We are already looking forward to meeting with the HITT participants again and to continue being part of this special hospitality community."
Duncan O'Rourke, Chief Operating Officer Central Europe, Accor
"For me, HITT is a great combination of networking, "Food for Thought", exchanging ideas, knowledge transfer and new perspectives! On top: a perfect seminar location and a relaxed accompanying programme. Thank you very much!"
Margit Hug, Project Manager, Choice Hotels
"Already in 2018, HITT promised to be and become an inspirational think tank for professional leaders in the Hospitality Industry. This was topped in 2019 by insights from different industry leaders combined with challenging Q&A sessions, excellent networking opportunities and promising workshops in the future."
Cornelia Kausch, Chief Operating Officer, International Campus
"The HITT, Edition 2 was yet another step-up from the first version in 2018. The Hotel-Tech world has a love-hate relationship, and the legacy system landscape has still many hurdles to take without aligned industry standards. The input of 'out-of-the-box' speakers created an environment of active and open interaction. The 2020 HITT will be enriched with hotel asset owners and investors as well. Great prospects for deepened exchange."
Jan Hein Simons, Partner, MRP Consult Germany
"2. HITT – next level. Very fruitful collaboration and helpful discussion with senior executive colleagues regarding a topic, all of us are putting a lot of efforts in. Let‘s face the challenge together. Very much looking forward to our upcoming workshops and next year's meeting."
Kai Gehrmann, Vice President Franchise & Future Openings, Deutsche Hospitality
"HITT was once a gain a complete success. It is invigorating how this event generates innovative ideas, developments and information. Not only the unique location, the accompanying programme and the great speakers, but also the professional organisation and lively exchange among participants set this event miles apart from standard congresses. Keep it up!"
Roland Paar, Head of Hotel Investment, SoReal
"It was a lovely day on the Havel river for the second time. I find the mixture of input in the form of presentations and the subsequent exchange and discussions very lively and enriching. The atmosphere on board was very good; all the participants were very open and it was a pleasure to exchange ideas every now and again. A great day. I'd love to come back."
Jean-Georges Ploner, Head of Global F&B Heroes
"It was highly interesting to take a look at the challenges other industries have to face due to digitisation and at the opportunities this presents for the hospitality industry. In any case, exciting times and fundamental changes await us, and IT will play an important role in this."
Torsten Keppler, IT Management, HON-Service
"The 2nd HITT on digitisation gave me a fresh perspective on the future needs of our guests, their expectations and their booking behaviour. Our accommodation industry, embedded in the general consumer and experience world, has advantages that I wasn't even aware of before I took part in HITT and that I have to take advantage of."
Bianca Vandersee, Senior Consultant, Apartmentservice
"What a brilliant idea! To float on a boat and get inspired discussing major opportunities as well as threats with great people! Date for next year is already in my calendar. Thank you Maria, Michael & team!"
Carolin Brauer, Management, Quality Reservations
The www.hitt.world website will be updated during the coming days. There, you will also find today's video as well as the latest information on the next HITT in the future.
Save the date:
HITT 2020 – on June 21/22 in Berlin,
on the seminar boat again.