Fifty-Second EHMA Annual General Meeting in London to Focus on Transforming Hotel Hospitality, Exploring Leadership, Sustainability, and Technology Trends

Published on February 25, 2026

The European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA) will be hosting its 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in London from March 13 to 15, 2026, with the theme “Transforming Hotel Hospitality for a Thriving Future.” This is one of the biggest events that will bring together the most important people in the industry to shape the future of hospitality in Europe, which is facing challenges from rapid technological changes and increasing demands for sustainability, among others. The AGM will represent EHMA’s continued efforts to promote thought leadership in the hospitality industry.

Hospitality Industry Transformation: Embracing the Future of Luxury Hotels

For over five decades, EHMA has served as a platform for luxury hotel managers to exchange knowledge, explore best practices, and provide strategic insights into the hospitality industry’s evolution. Founded in 1974, the association now represents nearly 500 members across 24 European countries, overseeing more than 400 prestigious hotels. As hospitality leadership continues to evolve, the AGM will provide a critical space for the industry to reflect on transformational shifts and address how the sector can navigate these challenges to thrive in the future.

Panos Almyrantis, President of EHMA and Chief Growth & Commercial Officer at Ella Resorts in Athens, noted that transformation in the hospitality industry is essential: “As we look toward the future, we recognize that transformation is not a disruption to be feared, but a responsibility to be embraced. This is a call to lead with vision, innovate with purpose, and safeguard the human essence that remains at the heart of hospitality.”

London as a Beacon of Hospitality Leadership and Innovation

Few cities symbolize the balance of heritage and innovation in hospitality like London, making it an ideal location for the 2026 AGM. As a global capital of culture, finance, and luxury hospitality, London offers an inspiring environment for attendees to discuss the future of European hospitality and examine how the industry can evolve responsibly. From the timeless elegance of Mayfair to the dynamic transformation of Whitehall, London exemplifies resilience and creativity, key qualities for driving change in hospitality.

“We are proud to welcome EHMA to London,” says Duncan Palmer, Managing Director of Bvlgari Hotel London and Chairman of the Organizing Committee for EHMA London 2026. “London represents creativity, resilience, and a global perspective, offering a platform to explore how our industry can evolve while staying true to the values that define genuine luxury.”

Addressing the Key Forces Shaping the Future of Hospitality

The 2026 AGM will focus on the pivotal factors driving the future of luxury hospitality, such as leadership, technology, and sustainability. The educational conference will bring together a diverse range of speakers who will delve into how the industry can adapt and grow in response to these forces. Key sessions will include:

• Leadership in a Rapidly Changing Industry – Led by Professor Dimitrios Buhalis of Bournemouth University, this session will explore how hotel managers can lead in a fast-evolving world.
• Empowerment Culture in Hospitality – Examined by Stefan Wissenbach of The Empowered Group of Companies, this session will discuss how empowerment culture can create more resilient and effective hotel organizations.
• Artificial Intelligence and Smart Systems in Hospitality – This discussion will focus on how IoT and AI technologies are transforming guest experience, personalization, and operational efficiency in the luxury hotel sector.
• Sustainability as an Imperative – Hosted by experts such as Christoph Steindorf of Diversey and Peter Andrews of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, this session will focus on how the industry can move beyond aspirational sustainability goals to deliver measurable environmental impact.

Young EHMA: Shaping the Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders

As part of EHMA’s commitment to leadership development, the AGM will also spotlight the Young EHMA Group. This initiative is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of hotel executives. The Young EHMA Awards, presented in partnership with Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, will celebrate excellence in emerging leadership within the hospitality sector, reinforcing the future of luxury hotels.

Recognizing Excellence in Hospitality

The event will culminate with the prestigious EHMA Awards, hosted at The Savoy, recognizing the achievements of Europe’s top hotel managers. Awards such as the European Hotel Manager of the Year, the Hans Koch Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Sustainability Award by Diversey will be presented, honoring leaders who have shown exceptional commitment to service excellence, innovation, and sustainability.

The Impact of EHMA’s Vision on European Hospitality

The 52nd AGM of EHMA in London will be a crucial point in time for the luxury hospitality industry, as it will provide a thorough analysis of the key transformative trends that are currently revolutionizing the sector. Starting from sustainability to technology, the AGM will demonstrate how hotel managers in Europe can adjust to stay ahead in the hospitality industry.

With its focus on transformational leadership, sustainability, and technology, the AGM will represent the continuous influence of EHMA on the future of luxury hospitality in Europe and around the world. As the hospitality industry faces growing challenges and opportunities, EHMA continues to be an essential platform for determining the future of luxury hotel management and hospitality experience.

Image Source: EHMA