14 - 15 Oct 2025

Hospitality Exchange 2025

Hospitality Exchange is back for 2025 and the final touches are being added to an exciting programme.

Hosted by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, come along to hear from some of the most influential and inspirational speakers on all things hotels, food, drink, tourism and more.

The event, which will take place over the 14th and 15th October at the Crowne Plaza includes a range of exciting speakers, including Aktar Islam, Alex Polizzi and James Peach.

On Tuesday 14th October, the event will kick off with a range of sessions discussing 'The Industry Unpacked'. The focus will be on turning influence, marketing and excellence into long-term profit. This includes 'In Conversation with Aktar Islam', and you will also hear from James Peach and Jane McDaid.

In the afternoon, 'The Leadership Lunch'  will be held with renowned hotelier and TV presenter Alex Polizzi hosting. The annual Rising Stars Awards will also take place, and will be hosted by Pamela Ballantine.

On Wednesday 15th October, the day will begin with a 'Business Breakfast', discussing key topics such as hotel expansion, performance and forecast. This will be hosted by Mark Simpson and features speakers such as Sarah Duignan.

The focus will then shift to 'Talking Tourism', which will cover the storm forces shaping the visitor economy and how to navigate them. Economist Richard Ramsey will discuss future figures, with Yannick Cabrol looking at big topics in tourism in 2025. There will also be a reflection on what has been a huge year for events in Northern Ireland, from The Open to the Fleadh Cheoil.

Hospitality Exchange will conclude with a 'Speaker Lunch', where you will hear from Minister for the Economy, Caoimhe Archibald MLA, before the grand finale with 'The Wickedly Wonderful Gala Ball', which is always a highlight.

More information regarding this year's Hospitality Exchange can be found here.