LONDON, UK — HIX Europe has officially announced its comprehensive talks programme for its upcoming 2026 edition, setting the stage for a deep dive into hotel refurbishment, local identity, and large-scale destination development. Scheduled to take place from November 25 to November 26 at ExCeL London, the annual hospitality event will bring together leading figures from across the design, architectural, development, and operational sectors to debate and dissect the future of the hotel industry.
Curated by Sleeper magazine and hosted by prominent hospitality strategists Philippa Wagner and Heleri Rande, HIX Talks will feature a dynamic format combining concise project presentations with rigorous panel discussions. This year’s overarching agenda is anchored by the core theme "Changes," a conceptual framework designed to examine how contemporary hospitality projects are actively responding to shifting guest expectations, stringent conservation requirements, and evolving operational demands in an unpredictable global landscape.
The two-day conference kicks off on November 25 with a keynote session titled "Icons Reinvented," which will consider the complex refurbishment and repositioning of established, high-profile hotels. Drawing lessons from iconic projects such as the Park Hyatt Tokyo, Conrad Athens, and Delano Miami, the session will explore how design teams breathe new life into legendary properties without erasing their historical significance. The published agenda lists prominent industry speakers for this opening discussion, including Sanjit Manku of Jouin Manku, Alex Reed of Hilton, and Ria Xenou of Elastic Architects, who will share insights into the delicate balance between modern luxury and heritage preservation.
As the morning progresses, the conversation shifts toward decentralized hospitality models with the session "Distributed & Deconstructed." This segment will examine hotels that break away from the traditional monolithic building structure, spreading instead across cabins, lodges, and pavilions embedded within natural landscapes. Featured projects in this discussion include One&Only Moonlight Basin, Here. Maldives, Envi Paje, and Crafted at Powdermills, highlighting the growing consumer demand for immersive, nature-centric accommodations that maintain high operational and design standards.
Another key highlight of the opening day is the session titled "A Sense of Place," which addresses the critical connection between hotels and their immediate geographic and cultural locations. Panellists will explore how interior design and architecture can anchor a property firmly within its local community and environment, referencing standout projects such as The Newman London, The Companion Vienna, and The Dean Munich. By investigating how these properties integrate local narratives into their spatial design, the session aims to offer a roadmap for creating authentic guest experiences that stand out in crowded urban markets.
In addition to architecture and interior design, the first day of HIX Talks will broaden its scope to encompass the sensory and digital layers of hospitality. A dedicated discussion will feature contributors to the event’s art, music, and digital experiences, including representatives from DoubleDecker, Music Concierge, and Outform. These creative strategists will discuss how soundscapes, bespoke artwork, and immersive digital integrations are transforming hotel lobbies, guest rooms, and public spaces into multi-sensory environments that linger in the memories of travellers long after they check out.
The second day of the programme, November 26, opens with a heavy focus on macro-level tourism and regional planning. Under the title "The Red Sea," the session will zoom in on large-scale destination development, offering a rare look behind the scenes of one of the world’s most ambitious tourism initiatives. Daniele Sbaraglia of Foster + Partners and Simon Thompson of Red Sea Global are slated to contribute to this major discussion, according to the organisers’ announcement, providing delegates with valuable perspectives on sustainable development, ecological stewardship, and the creation of entirely new tourism ecosystems from the ground up.
Continuing the architectural thread, the session "Mid-Century Modernised, Concrete Converted" will explore the adaptive reuse of modernist and brutalist buildings for hospitality use. This discussion will reference significant international projects such as The Chancery Rosewood London, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, Sheraton Stockholm, and The Standard Brussels, demonstrating how concrete-heavy architectural legacies from the mid-20th century are being successfully re-engineered to meet contemporary hospitality standards.
Complementing the modernist conversation is the session "Grandes Dames & Grand Designs," which will examine the meticulous restoration of historic hotels as well as the high-stakes conversion of historic palaces and mansions. This panel will tackle the complex realities of historic preservation, including the balancing act between stringent conservation guidelines, spiralling restoration costs, and long-term commercial viability. As owners and developers increasingly look to historic assets for unique positioning, this session is expected to provide critical guidance on navigating the regulatory and financial hurdles inherent in heritage projects.
Alongside the extensive talks programme, HIX Europe will feature a sprawling exhibition floor showcasing the latest hotel interior products, innovations, and materials. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge solutions across lighting, furniture, textiles, bathrooms, and architectural surfaces, complemented by bespoke spatial installations and curated networking events designed to foster collaboration across the industry.
Visitor registration for the event is entirely free of charge, making the exhibition and talks accessible to a wide cross-section of the design and hospitality community. Further information regarding the complete agenda, speaker line-ups, and visitor registration can be found by visiting www.hixevent.com.
