Bench Events has revealed the first details of the upcoming Future Hospitality Summit.

Organised alongside the ministry of tourism in Saudi Arabia, the event will take place on October 26th-27th live from Riyadh.

The show will also welcome speakers and attendees from homes or offices around the world.

“Around the world, our industry has finally begun showing signs of regional and local recovery,” said Jonathan Worsley, chairman of Bench Events.

“While our hearts are with those whose health, families and livelihoods have been impacted during this difficult time - and are concerned about their future, our passion continues to drive focus on bringing the hospitality industry together around the world to network and to showcase best practice and thought leadership.”

“It is now, more important than ever, for the world to come together to discuss, reimagine and pave a new path towards the future of hospitality,” he added.

The Future Hospitality Summit is part of an international conferences program, taking place alongside the Saudi presidency of the G20 this year.

It will be delivered on a digital event platform, providing an immersive live experience including a virtual exhibition, one-to-one video networking and integrated chat features for all participants.

Arnold Donald, chief executive of Carnival Corporation, WTTC president Gloria Guevara, and Jerry Inzerillo, chief executive of Diriyah Gate Development Authority, are among the featured speakers announced to date.

In an unprecedent show of strength, Marriott chief executive Arne Sorenson, Hilton chief executive Christopher Nassetta, Accor chief executive Sébastien Bazin and Keith Barr, chief executive of InterContinental Hotels Group, will all offer their thoughts during the show.

The full list of speakers can be seen here.

Some 6,000 are attendees are expected to participate in the event.

“It is crucial that we rebuild confidence in the global community,” added Worsley.

“Now is the time to start the conversation - make those critical connections to build relationships, unity and actionable ways to support one another for a stronger response for a stronger future.”

Saudi minister of tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, will host the showcase

The main objective of the Future Hospitality: Hybrid Summit is to deliver an event carefully designed to help the industry position itself for the new world.

At this time when the industry is in crisis, Saudi Arabia is seeking to bring the industry together to map out the rebuilding of the tourism and travel sector and shape what it will look like moving forward.

Commenting on the role of hospitality in the country, Saudi minister of tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, said: “The tourism sector is unique in its ability to boost economies, enrich lives and bridge cultural gaps.

“As the industry begins to emerge from the shadow of the past year, Saudi Arabia is leading the way in encouraging collaboration and action to rebuild a strong and sustainable path forward.

“At the Future Hospitality Summit, we will welcome global industry leaders to work together in mapping out a new direction for the sector and building a brighter future for stakeholders at every level.”

More Information

To register for the Future Hospitality Summit head over to the official website.