Global Hospitality Talk 2026 – Sydney

8am

ARRIVAL

Registration with coffee, tea and breakfast pastries

9am

WELCOME

Can Faik, Co-Founder, Global Hospitality Talk

EVENT COMPÉRE
Louise Roberts, Journalist, TV Commentator

9.10am

JLL UPDATE

Chris Boyd – Senior Associate, Investment Sales, Hotels & Hospitality Group JLL

9.30am

THE INVISIBLE LUXURY

THE DESIGN DECISIONS GUESTS NEVER NOTICE… BUT ALWAYS FEEL.

The best hospitality experiences are shaped by countless subtle decisions that guests may not notice but always feel. Elements like lighting, acoustics, materials, and technology come together to create atmosphere and comfort, collectively defining how a space feels.

This panel will explore how various disciplines contribute to memorable hospitality, highlighting where value is created and which details most influence guest perceptions. Instead of focusing on products or trends, the discussion will centre on the design choices that make a difference, and the lessons owners and operators can learn.

PANELLISTS
Rosie Morley – Principal, Hospitality Sector Lead, Hassell
Melissa Collison – Director, Melissa Collison Design
Brenton Smith, Director, Bates Smart
Fiona Lynch, Founder, Fiona Lynch Office

MODERATOR
Bim Blake – Head of Global Sales, NEOZ

10.15am

– COFFEE/TEA & NETWORKING –

11am

WHERE NEXT? THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY DEVELOPMENT

As hotel development continues despite rising costs and tighter capital, leaders from five global hotel brands share where they see the next opportunities and what’s shaping the future of hospitality across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

PANELLISTS
Mina Li, Regional Vice President & Country Manager, Growth & Owner Relations Pacific, Hyatt
Cameron Burke – Director of Development, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Lindsay Leeser – Chief Development Officer Pacific, Accor
Richard Crawford – Vice President of Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific, Marriott International
Tushar Raniga – Regional Director, Development, Australasia, Hilton

MODERATOR
Anthony Moulton – Founder & Managing Director, Brand & Co

12 noon

– LUNCH & NETWORKING –

1.15pm

WE NEED TO TALK: THREE DESIGN QUESTIONS WE CAN’T IGNORE

Hayden Djakic, Sector Lead – Hospitality, BUCHAN

1.30pm

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Adrian Williams – Chief Operating Officer – Pacific, Accor

MODERATOR
Louise Roberts, Journalist, TV Commentator

2.15pm

INVESTING IN HOSPITALITY: CAPITAL, CONFIDENCE & THE FUTURE OF HOTELS

Join industry leaders, for an insightful discussion as they will explore the evolving investment landscape across Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Together, we will examine the key forces shaping today’s hotel investment market, including capital flows, development trends, legal considerations, branded residences, ESG, financing, and the opportunities that lie ahead for owners, investors and developers.

PANELLISTS
Lucia Grambalova – Chief Investment Officer, Hotel Capital Partners
Robert Williams – Partner, Watson Farley Williams
Glen Boultwood – CEO & Co-Founder, Serene Capital.

MODERATOR
Caspar P. Schmidt – Founder & Managing Director, QCC Collection Group

3pm

– COFFEE/TEA & NETWORKING –

3.30pm

DESIGNING THE DEAL: WHERE BRAND VISION MEETS OWNER ECONOMICS

In ‘Designing the Deal: Where Brand Vision Meets Owner Economics,’ experts Kristi Wayman, Jonathan Conroy, and Phillipa Le Roux will discuss how innovative design shapes successful hospitality ventures. They’ll explore the alignment of design with owner economics to create value for all stakeholders.

PANELLISTS
Kristi Wayman – Director of Design and Development, Pro-invest Group
Jonathan Conroy – Senior Director, Design & Engineering, Australasia & South Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Phillipa Le Roux – Design & Project Director, Architecture, Design & Construction, Australasia, Hilton

MODERATOR
Mark Poulain – Commercial Director, ABI Interiors

4.30pm

CLOSING REMARKS

Can Faik, Co-Founder, Global Hospitality Talk