IHIF 2022: it’s a wrap!

The topic of this year’s conference: “People Planet Profit” set the tone for a series of incredibly important panel discussions and breakout sessions around ESG and all that this covers.

There were participants from all parts of the globe, with attendance level nearly reaching 2019 levels, which was heart-warming to see, as this is what our industry is about- true international collaboration. Hearing so many languages being spoken along the corridors of the event was a reminder of why I love working in this sector and how much energy it brings to have all nationalities collaborating!

The Sustainability Council, which I was able to chair and co-host in collaboration with Questex, was very well attended by a wide array of stakeholders from developers to asset managers, owners, operators and brands, as well as educational entities.

The key objectives were to discuss the latest developments regarding ESG frameworks, certifications and reporting schemes with a focus on the Pathway to Net Positive. The challenges that this wide variety of requirements poses is aligning everyone’s progress on the ESG agenda and ascertain how to be able to close the gaps.

In addition and as a continuation, I was able to moderate a very popular panel discussion on KPIs and their importance within the ESG conversation, with very knowledgeable panellists Catherine Doulton, VP Sustainability IHG, Inge Huijbrechts, Global SVP for Sustainability at Radisson Hotels, Caroline Tiveus, SVP Director of Sustainability at Pandox, Thomas Page, Partner at CMS Lawyers and Nathan Beaver, Partner and Head of ESG at KPMG.

The overriding takeaways of the discussions were: the pressing need for more data, the importance of not forgetting KPIs when it comes to addressing the “S” and the “G”, the need to include and further define Green Deals in Management Agreements, and the pressure to tackle waste data as a key KPI, in particular if we are to start reporting Scope 3 emissions in the industry.

Last but not least was the other panel session where my co-founder Benedetta Cassinelli participated in discussions around Eco-centric technologies, their challenges and the different areas where these can be used, and their need to be expanded. Again, another very lively discussion from which we have come away with a lot of new inputs, viewpoints, ideas and inspirations to continue with our mission – or rather this vital quest – to move our entire sector onto the Pathway to Net Positive.

There was a huge level of optimism throughout the halls, with people being overjoyed at being able to see each other in person. But as Sebastien Bazin, CEO of Accor said in the key industry dialogue led by Alexi Khajavii, CEO of Questex, let’s not forget the realities in the outside world and be prepared for them.

Watch IHIF 2022 recordings here:

Deep Dive: KPIs for ESG in Hospitality Investment

Eco-centric Hotel: Driving Value for Owners, Operators and Guests