HOTCO Budapest starts in 10 days: Investors and operators shake hands
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| The spectrum of topics at the HOTCO Conference in Budapest ranges from blockchain to food. / Photo: Freehand |
Budapest (January 10, 2020). Only ten days left until HOTCO Budapest! The annual conference at the Kempinski Budapest, this time on 20/21 January, brings together a large bouquet of colourful and hot topics. Discussions will include blockchain, the true value of F&B, the growing shortage of employees and of course new opportunities for developers and investors. Marriott's European President Liam Brown and Kempinski CEO Martin Smura are expected as speakers, among others. hospitalityInside.com is also present as a media partner.
Blockchain has created a new tool for raising capital for hospitality projects, as well as enabling potential exit by digitalization which makes the asset liquid and fully tradable 24/7 with security and transparency. All of this at a lower cost and at a quicker pace. Arik Ramot, Lawyer and Owner of Ramot & Co investment House, will discuss this during HOTCO with Ramy Yarden, Co-Founder of Everflow, a blockchain powered network of digitalized security exchanges. What are the concerns of owners and investors regarding hospitality assets in this case, how can they raise capital or debt for a hotel in an easier, cheaper and quicker way – without losing control of the asset? How can Blockchain turn an expensive private hotel into a liquid tradable asset?
Regions require background
HOTCO attracts a lot of first-time developers. Is it difficult to develop a hotel? This question always comes up, stresses Marius Gomola, Founder of the HOTCO Hotel Investment Conference. Seasoned owners and hotel companies will discuss the subject. Marriott, Hilton, Accor, IHG and Wyndham argue their case. The CEOs are representing Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Austria and Dubai sharing their reasons to build, buy or exit, helping first-time buyers to understand implications. Also, Russia, CIS and the Caucasus is a subject people do not understand much about. Accor, Radisson, Wyndham and the Georgia Co-Investment Fund and the Galaxy Group of Armenia will share their insights on how to do business in these markets.
On the operators' and/or investors' side there is also a lot of (internal) discussion about F&B concepts and new talents. Food entertainment and service "entertainers" depend on each other. Of course, investors and oeprators want to know what role does F&B play when selling a hotel and what has contributed to the resurgence of F&B in hotels? A great deal of focus is placed on the F&B concepts to drive the success of hotels in urban locations, not only resorts. Veteran experts from New York, Toronto and London gather to provide insights as asset owners do not understand this important revenue and profit driver, and often even fear it.
Labor is also a driver of success as well as of costs. So how can hotels handle the increasing labor shortage, in particular in Eastern Europe – in times when they are also challenged by innovation and robotics. Will the latter be the only solution?
HOTCO is an event that was established to boost investment activity in the hotel industry from Vienna to Moscow and from Gdansk to Baku and in between. The event stages expert discussions relevant to the hotel investment and operations climate based on global trends, the big picture as applicable in this region. The 63 speakers from Asia, Russia, CEE, Caucasus, Western Europe and North America will kick-start 2020 to understand why investors cannot ignore this vast region's potential.
For details about the programme, speakers and tickets, see www.hotconf.com. / kn
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