“Fundamental knowledge before investing in or developing a hotel project”. Or “What you should know before developing or investing in a hotel project?” “What is different from a development and investment perspective compared to other asset classes?” A spotlight on market demand, lease, management and franchise agreements, ESG, etc. These topics are offered at the AP Summit Asset Management for Hotels.
Thursday, 25 January 2024
11h30: Welcome and registration
12h00 – 13h15: Lunch
13h30 – 13h40: Sander Allegro – Moderator, Allegro INN ovations
Presentation of the programme
13h45 – 14h10: Alex Robinson - Director, Industry Partners – STR
Themes from the data: what to watch in 2024
The hospitality industry has proved its resilience once more, emerging from the pandemic faster than many expected. Hotel rates are well above those of 2019 and city centre occupancies, which were once mired, are now at, or close to their pre-pandemic levels. However, 2024 does not come without a new set of challenges: inflation, rising costs, and staff shortages. We know the industry is resilient, but what can we expect for 2024 and beyond?
14h10 – 14h35: Luthe Markus – President of the European Hotelstars Union
A journey to the stars: Hotel classification in modern times
The history of the hotel industry is closely linked to the star symbol. Stars are the global benchmark of the quality of facilities and service levels of hotels. They are challenged by internet ratings from guests. Both systems have their added value and complement each other. Learn in this lecture how the common marketing instrument of hotel stars in 20 European countries is updated transparently and sustainably and how it adapts to the requirements of rapidly evolving hotel markets.
14h35 – 14h55: Sander Allegro – Q&A STR and Hotelstars Union
15h00 – 15h25: Ewout Hoogendoorn - Managing Director at Horwath HTL The Netherlands
Introduction to Hotel Asset Management
Hotel Asset Management is geared to understanding what strategies and management practices result in increased cash flow and value. Ewout will discuss some of the main commercial elements of Hotel Asset Management.
15h30 – 15h50: Break
15h55 – 16h15: Isabelle Kympers – Attorney Eubelius
Navigating the contracting landscape: hotel management and lease agreements
Let’s dive into the complexities of hospitality agreements, with a focus on management and lease agreements. Gain invaluable insights into which contract type is best for which project, owner or investor, considering factors such as duration, operational control, business risk and investment allocation.
16h15 – 16h35: Benoit Simpelaere – Partner Flinn Law
Hotel Franchising
Franchising has demonstrated that it is a successful business format for the hotel industry. After recalling some of the legal basics and explaining the role of each of the stakeholders, Benoit Simpelaere will share some insights into how to reach a balanced franchise agreement. He will emphasise the need to formalize effective communication tools within a franchise network, including through the use of mediation to solve disputes.
16h35 – 16h50: Sander Allegro – Q&A Eubelius and Flinn Law
16h55 – 17h15: Thierry De Wever – Belfius Bank & Insurance, Manager Real Estate & Project Finance
The hotel sector, a banker’s view
Rising interest rates shake up the real estate sector. Does this impact hotel finance? Seeking an answer through exploring the key metrics for hotel finance post Covid.
17h20 – 17h45: Panel discussion about ESG in the hotel industry
Panel members:
Dominique Nédée – Owner Corsendonk Hotels
Valerie Schuermans – Vice President Business Development at Radisson Hotel group
Sunita Van Heers – Managing Director, Founder, SuReal
Moderator:
Sander Allegro
17h45: Closing Drink
Location
Universiteit Antwerpen, Klooster van de Grauwzusters
Lange Sint-Annastraat 7, 2000 Antwerpen
Participation Fee
Early-bird ticket: € 325 (inclusive of VAT, registration before December 31).
Summit ticket: € 375 (inclusive of VAT, registration after December 31).
You can register via the form below.