Four events to connect independent hoteliers with industry experts and suppliers in autumn 2026.
Buell Hospitality is launching its Business Exchange programme this autumn, taking it on the road with four regional events. These gatherings are designed to bring together independent hotel owners, operators, and senior leaders to address issues shaping the sector. The Business Exchanges are scheduled for Dunblane, London, Bath, and Manchester throughout October and November 2026.
The programme offers independent hoteliers an opportunity to step away from daily operations, share ideas, hear from experts, and connect with specialist suppliers and fellow operators. Distinct from traditional conferences or trade shows, each Business Exchange combines a focused selection of expert speakers with informal networking, practical business insight, and opportunities for meaningful conversations.
The programme will explore key opportunities and challenges for independent hotels, including hotel performance, the market outlook, artificial intelligence, leadership, decision-making, and business resilience. Speakers include Michal Rao and Aoife Roche from STR, who will provide insight into current hotel performance, market trends, and the sector’s outlook. Matt Willacy from For-Sight will offer a practical look at how artificial intelligence is changing hospitality businesses. Brigadier David Allfrey MBE will draw on military command experience to discuss leadership, decision-making, and resilience in challenging circumstances.
Roddy Watt, CEO of Buell Hospitality, stated, “Independent hoteliers are under enormous pressure from rising costs, changing guest expectations, recruitment challenges and an increasingly complex operating environment. We wanted to create events which are genuinely worthwhile taking a day out of the business to attend.” Watt added that the events are “deliberately focused, practical and informal, giving owners and operators access to first-class speakers, useful industry contacts and other hoteliers facing many of the same challenges.” He concluded, “Our aim is that everyone attending goes away with new ideas, new contacts and at least one or two things that can make a tangible difference to their business.”
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A carefully selected group of Buell Hospitality Business Partners will also be present to showcase products and services relevant to independent hotels, fostering informal conversations over traditional sales presentations. Each Business Exchange will conclude with networking drinks, allowing delegates, speakers, and Business Partners to continue discussions in a relaxed setting.
The Business Exchange 2026 dates are: Scotland on Tuesday 27 October at Apex Dunblane Hydro, Dunblane; London on Tuesday 3 November at The Cumberland Hotel, London; South West on Wednesday 18 November at Apex Hotel, Bath; and North of England on Tuesday 24 November at Hotel Football, Manchester.
Attendance is primarily aimed at hotel investors, owners, operators, general managers, and senior decision-makers within the independent hospitality sector. All four events are free to attend, though places are limited, and advance registration is recommended.
