The Hotel Management departments of AP and ERASMUS Universities of Applied Sciences invite you to the NXTGen HOTEL SYMPOSIUM – BELGIUM, a brand-new annual Hotel event bringing together the brightest minds in hospitality. Cutting-edge insights, inspiring keynotes, and valuable connections converge in one dynamic forum. Held alternately on our Antwerp and Brussels campuses, the symposium unites academia and industry, providing hotel professionals, stakeholders, and today’s and tomorrow’s hospitality leaders with the knowledge and inspiration to thrive in a fast-changing market.
Registration opens at 08:45Welcome coffee and networking, hosted by Belgian Hospitality Club | 09:00–10:00
Opening Remarks by Matthias De Caluwé – CEO Horeca VlaanderenThe Belgian ChapterSylvain Floriant - Account Director, CoStar | STR (London)Overview of worldwide hotel performance, highlighting key trends in occupancy, revenue, and guest behavior, before focusing on the specific dynamics shaping the Belgian market. Market forecasts, emerging opportunities and potential challenges, providing actionable insights to guide strategic decisions for independent hotels.
Hotel Transactions in Europe and Belgium 2025–2026Chris Martin - Senior Director, HVS Hodges Ward Elliott (London)Analysis of recent trends and developments in hotel investments and transactions in Europe and Belgium.
Presentation of the recent HOTREC study on taxation in the hospitality sector, with particular relevance given recent fiscal developments in some Member StatesMarie Audren - Director General, HOTRECBradford Rohmer - Founding Partner, Syntesia – Policy & EconomicsKey findings on how current tax policies, in particular VAT and tourism taxes, affect businesses, competitiveness, and investment across the industry. The discussion will highlight policy considerations to support a sustainable and resilient hospitality sector.
Events & Hospitality: Driving Demand and Revenue with AIElisabetta Giuliano - LighthouseHow do festivals (such as Tomorrowland), concerts, trade fairs, and other events drive hotel demand and increase revenue? Using key facts and figures, Lighthouse highlights their impact on occupancy, pricing, and overall hotel performance.
Congresses as a Driver of Economic Impact, Development and City PositioningTadeja Pivc Coudyser - CEO | Antwerp Convention BureauEvelyne Bardyn - Head of Congresses & Events | Tourism FlandersElisabeth Vaningelgem - Director Strategy & International Development | visit.brusselsThis session provides a brief overview of the direct and indirect impact of congresses, based on recent research on congresses in Flanders and Brussels. The panel will explore how congresses contribute to the economic development of cities and how congresses can be a catalyst for broader/societal impact.
Casual networking over bits, bites & drinks | 12:30-13:30
Hoteliers and professionals in the hospitality sector. Hotel Management students.
The symposium will be held in English.
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