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HIX Talks 2026

Where the people shaping hospitality take centre stage

X marks the spot for this year’s HIX Talks, taking centre stage at HIX Europe 2026, with a new home at Excel London. 

The beating heart of the show, HIX Talks brings together the architects, designers, developers and operators behind some of the world's most exciting new hotel projects – exploring the ideas, influences and industry shifts shaping hospitality right now.

Taking place on a central stage and screen set custom-designed by Outform, the programme celebrates the creativity, innovation and artistry that makes hotels incredible.

Four regions. One global conversation.

Curated by Sleeper Magazine and hosted by leading industry strategists Philippa Wagner and Heleri Rande, HIX Talks explores the themes and trends emerging from this year's AHEAD Awards judging across four regions: Asia, the Americas, the Middle East & Africa, and Europe.

Each HIX Talk combines quick-fire, Pecha Kucha-style presentations from the architects and designers behind recently opened hotels, followed by on-stage conversations with the developers, owners and operators bringing these projects to life.

Together, they'll unpack not just what these hotels look like, but the thinking behind them – from changing approaches to place, programming and architecture to the evolving relationship between guests, destinations and the spaces they inhabit.

HIX Talks sponsored by: 

VitraHeathfield

 


Featured projects

The 2026 programme will shine a spotlight on an international line-up of recently opened hotels, including Park Hyatt Tokyo (Jouin Manku), Delano Miami (Elastic Architects), Here. Maldives (Muza Lab), The Newman London (Lind + Almond), The Dean Munich (Tatjana von Stein) and Mandarin Oriental Vienna (Goddard Littlefair). And more projects from across the global hospitality landscape.

 

Meet the people behind the projects

Joining the architects and designers on stage will be leading figures from the development, ownership and operator side of the industry. 

Confirmed speakers include Paul Brackley, Kinsfolk; Keith Evans, LHC Group; Marc Dardenne, Modon Hospitality; and Simon Thompson, Red Sea Global. They'll be joined by senior design leaders including Mark Eacott, Global VP of Design at Ennismore; Alex Reed, Design Director at Hilton; and Bryony Spottiswoode, Director of Architecture and Design Services at Four Seasons.

Meet the first speakers confirmed for HIX Talks 2026

 

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