LONDON, UK — HIX Europe has officially announced its comprehensive talks programme for 2026, setting the stage for a deep dive into hotel refurbishment, local identity, and destination development. The high-profile event is scheduled to take place from 25 to 26 November at ExCeL London, bringing together leading figures from across the hospitality design and development sectors to debate the future of the industry.
Curated by Sleeper magazine and hosted by renowned hospitality strategists Philippa Wagner and Heleri Rande, the upcoming edition of HIX Talks promises a dynamic format. The sessions will combine short, punchy project presentations with in-depth panel discussions, featuring contributions from prominent architects, interior designers, developers, and hotel operators who are actively shaping the global hospitality landscape.
The entire programme directly supports the event’s overarching 2026 theme, "Changes." This timely theme examines how contemporary hospitality projects are continually forced to evolve and respond to rapidly shifting guest expectations, stringent conservation requirements, and evolving operational demands in an increasingly competitive market.
The proceedings will kick off on 25 November with a session titled "Icons Reinvented." This opening panel will consider the delicate and complex refurbishment of established, iconic hotels, drawing practical lessons and creative inspiration from high-profile international projects such as the Park Hyatt Tokyo, the Conrad Athens, and the Delano Miami. The published agenda lists a roster of distinguished presenters for this session, including Sanjit Manku of Jouin Manku, Alex Reed of Hilton, and Ria Xenou of Elastic Architects, who will share insights into how historic or well-known properties can be successfully updated for modern travelers without losing their original soul.
Following the opening discussion, the programme will shift focus with a session titled "Distributed & Deconstructed." This installment will examine the growing trend of hotels spread across unconventional formats, such as cabins, lodges, and pavilions, offering an alternative to traditional multi-story urban or resort properties. Projects highlighted in this session include One&Only Moonlight Basin, Here. Maldives, Envi Paje, and Crafted at Powdermills.
Further expanding on the theme of location and authenticity, a subsequent session titled "A Sense of Place" will address the vital connections forged between hotels and their physical surroundings. By exploring projects like The Newman London, The Companion Vienna, and The Dean Munich, panelists will discuss how interior design and architectural planning can deeply integrate local culture, heritage, and community spirit into the guest experience.
The first day of the conference will also feature a collaborative discussion involving creative contributors responsible for the event’s sensory and digital layers. Representatives from DoubleDecker, Music Concierge, and Outform will share their expertise on how art, music, and digital experiences are increasingly utilized to define modern hotel atmospheres and elevate the overall guest journey from the moment of arrival.
As the conference moves into its second day on 26 November, the focus will pivot toward larger-scale geographical transformations and architectural adaptations. A session dedicated to "The Red Sea" will spotlight massive destination development, featuring expert contributions from Daniele Sbaraglia of Foster + Partners and Simon Thompson of Red Sea Global, according to the official announcement by the organisers. This session is expected to shed light on how entire ecosystems and regions are being sustainably developed into major global tourism hubs.
Complementing this exploration of new destinations, the session titled "Mid-Century Modernised, Concrete Converted" will explore the architectural adaptation of modernist buildings for contemporary hospitality use. This discussion will reference several notable transformations, including The Chancery Rosewood London, the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, the Sheraton Stockholm, and The Standard Brussels, highlighting the engineering and design hurdles involved in giving brutalist and mid-century structures a sustainable second life.
Rounding out the core conference sessions on the second day, "Grandes Dames & Grand Designs" will examine the intricate restoration of historic hotels and the ambitious conversion of historic palaces and mansions. This session promises to tackle critical industry questions, including the complexities of heritage conservation, the realities of high restoration costs, and the ultimate commercial viability of breathing new life into crumbling or protected architectural treasures.
Running parallel to the robust talks programme will be an extensive exhibition floor showcasing the latest hotel interior products. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge lighting, innovative furniture designs, specialized textiles, advanced bathroom fixtures, and unique surface materials. The exhibition space will also feature immersive installations and dedicated networking events designed to foster collaboration across the design and hospitality supply chains.
Organisers have confirmed that visitor registration for the event is completely free of charge. Professionals interested in attending the exhibition or participating in the sessions can find further information and secure their registration by visiting the official event website at www.hixevent.com.
