Innholder Scholars Autumn Meeting Programme Announced

Innholder Scholars will come together at The Cumberland Hotel on Friday 6 November for the Innholder Scholars Autumn Meeting, with a programme that brings together some of the big issues currently shaping the hotel industry.

Richard Lee FIH IS, Chair of the Innholder Scholars, will open the day before handing over to Sarah Duignan from STR for insights into the current global hotel market performance. Kate Nicholls FIH OBE MI, Chair of UKHospitality, will then give her perspective on the UK hospitality sector, followed by an update from Robert Richardson FIH MI, Chief Executive of the Institute of Hospitality.

The morning then moves beyond hospitality itself, looking at some of the wider forces influencing the sector. Professor Andrew Angus of Cranfield University will explore the economic outlook for hospitality in an evolving global landscape, while economist, Journalist and Broadcaster Liam Halligan will consider the relationship between politics, Britain and the global economy.

After lunch, Angela Maher, Chief Executive of the Savoy Educational Trust, will share an update on the Trust’s work across hospitality education, training and skills.

The afternoon turns to leadership, with Ariosi’s Sinéad Walsh and Tracie Crombie leading The Change-Ready Leader: Understanding People in a Complex World. The session will explore how understanding people and behaviour can help leaders build confidence, adaptability and performance in an increasingly complex working environment.

And, as is fitting for a gathering of hoteliers, there will be a chance to finish the day over a glass of wine. Camilla Easby and Mark Calver from Hatch Mansfield will lead a wine tasting before closing remarks at 4:15pm.

It promises to be a varied day, with plenty of food for thought, from global markets and the economy to the future of hospitality leadership.

Innholder Scholars Autumn Meeting Agenda:

Friday 6 November 2026
The Cumberland Hotel

09:00 – Registration, tea & coffee
09:30 – Opening remarks – Richard Lee IS
09:35 – Global Market Performance Update – Sarah Duignan, STR
10:00 – UK Hospitality – Kate Nicholls FHI, OBE, MI
10:20 – Institute of Hospitality Update – Robert Richardson FIH, MI
10:30 – Break
11:00 – Economic Outlook for Hospitality in an Evolving Global Landscape – Professor Andrew Angus
11:45 – Politics, Britain and the Global Economy – Liam Halligan
12:45 – Lunch
13:30 – Savoy Educational Trust Update – Angela Maher FIH
13:45 – The Change-Ready Leader: Understanding People in a Complex World – Sinéad Walsh & Tracie Crombie, Ariosi
15:15 – Break
15:45 – Wine Tasting – Camilla Easby & Mark Calver, Hatch Mansfield
16:15 – Closing remarks – Richard Lee IS
16:30 – Meeting closes

The Innholder Scholars Autumn Meeting takes place Friday 6 November at The Cumberland Hotel. If you wish to attend, please confirm your attendance by completing the booking form, which can be accessed here.