Hotel Leaders Network 2026 focuses on leadership in times of change

Hotel Leaders Network (HLN) 2026 will take place on Monday 2 February 2026 at the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam. Under the theme Leading Through Change the event brings together general managers, hotel owners, board members and senior managers from the hotel industry for a substantive programme around leadership, innovation and future-proof organisation.

Hotel Leaders Network serves as an annual platform where experienced leaders, emerging talent and innovative start-ups meet. The programme combines reflection and practice, with room for dialogue, inspiration and concrete insights for leaders operating in an industry that is constantly evolving.

Programme: Leading Through Change

The programme will start at 13:00 with reception. Content sessions and presentations will follow from 13:30 to 17:30, after which the day will turn into a walking network dinner and closing drinks until 21:30.

The programme consists of:

• Keynotes from Ray Klaassens EN Marija Nemec
• Panel discussion on leadership and change
• Presentations of the Top 3 Future Hotel Leader Award
• HLN Start-up Pitch powered by ABN AMRO
• The Hotel speech by Jochen Otten

Keynotes: leadership under pressure

Ray Klaassens, known as chief instructor of the television programme Camp van Koningsbrugge, talks about leadership, commitment and ownership. From his experience within the Special Forces, he confronts his audience with the question of what leadership really requires when circumstances change and certainties fall away. His style is direct and reflective, with a focus on behaviour, responsibility and character.

Marija Nemec, leadership educator and communications specialist at Les Roches Global Hospitality Education in Marbella, brings a people-centred approach to leadership. Drawing on her international experience, she focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence and communication skills as a foundation for effective leadership in complex and diverse organisations. Her contribution connects theory, practice and personal development.

Panel discussion: Leading Through Change in practice

After the keynote by Marija Nemec A panel discussion will follow in which leaders from different parts of the hospitality sector will share their experiences around the theme of Leading Through Change. Joining the table:

• Alessio Colavecchio, Area General Manager, Hilton The Netherlands
• Fanny van den Dries, Regional Director Operations The Netherlands, The Social Hub
• Marnix Mali, Global Director Real Estate & Workspace Services, Booking.com
• Mathilde van der Weerd, Managing Director, Highlight Hotel Group
• Stephan Stokkermans, Managing Director, Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin

The talk will focus on how leaders deal with change within their organisations, what choices they make under pressure and what role people-centred leadership plays in transition, growth and continuity.

Future Hotel Leader Award 2026

With the Future Hotel Leader Award, HLN highlights emerging leadership within the hotel industry. The three 2026 finalists are:

• Joost Abbink, Head Chef at The Lobby Fizeaustraat and The Lobby Nesplein
• Kimberly Apples, Operations Manager at Novotel Rotterdam Brainpark
• Rémy Baben, F&B Manager at De L'Europe Amsterdam

During HLN 2026, they will present themselves vision of leadership. The hotel leaders present will then cast their vote. This public vote will count in the final assessment, after which the winner will be announced.

HLN Start-up Pitch powered by ABN AMRO

Innovation is an integral part of the programme with the HLN Start-up Pitch powered by ABN AMRO. Three start-ups present their solutions to current issues within the sector:

Bundle It for Business - Margot van de Riet
A service-oriented marketing application that helps organisations make local experiences a structural part of the guest experience. By bundling personal and sincere recommendations in a digital environment, the application enhances brand perception, guest satisfaction and market value.

Roamed - Joost van Bommel
An AI-powered phone assistant for hotels that handles calls automatically. From frequently asked questions and service requests to telephone bookings. The solution is available 24/7, multilingual and reduces pressure on hotel teams while increasing accessibility and guest satisfaction.

Break Away Software - Danny Paerl
Digital operational software for small-scale operations, including boutique hotels. The solution focuses on improving margins, creating more flow in the organisation and enhancing the guest experience. The software interfaces with common PMS systems and focuses specifically on the operational layer.

The pitches will be judged by a panel of judges consisting of two Captains of Industry: Jennifer Immink - DGA WestCord Hotels, Martin Hendricks - Founder & CEO Black Label Hotels and from event partner ABN AMRO: Stef Driessen Sector Banker Hotels & Leisure. After the jury assessment, the public will also vote. The combined assessment determines which start-up can call itself winner of the HLN Start-up Pitch 2026.

Hotel speech by Jochen Otten

The afternoon will conclude with the Hotel Speech, this year delivered by Jochen Otten. The comedian and writer, known from, among others Snipers and various television programmes, looks at human behaviour, ambition and success with sharp observations and relatable humour. The Hotel speech forms a substantive and light-hearted conclusion to the programme.

Networking and meeting

After the substantive programme, the walking network dinner and subsequent drinks will provide a space for meeting and deepening between leaders, decision-makers and future talent within the hotel industry.

Hotel Leaders Network 2026

Date: Monday, 2 February 2026
Location: Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam
Register: a limited number of places are still available via https://bit.ly/HLN2026