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2024 ISHC Annual Conference

St. Regis Dubai, The Palm
26-28 September 2024
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Letter from the Chair

Dear Members and Guests,

Welcome to the ISHC Annual Conference in Dubai, a city where innovation meets tradition, and where the future is imagined every day. This year, we are not just gathering for another conference; we are celebrating 36 years of excellence in hospitality consulting, complete with a new Strategic Plan to ensure continued success for the Society’s future. From our humble beginnings in 1988 with just 19 visionary members, ISHC has grown into a thriving community of 238 members spanning 27 countries. While we have expanded our reach, our mission remains steadfast: to be the Leading Global Resource for Hospitality Expertise.

The theme for this year’s conference, “Shifting Sands: Hospitality Imagined,” could not be more fitting for our host city. Dubai, a global beacon of transformation, mirrors the dynamic nature of our industry. As we gather here, we will explore the ever-changing landscape of hospitality, examining emerging trends, such as the rise of alternative accommodations, the integration of AI, and other innovations shaping the future of our industry. Our program, expertly curated by our conference co-chairs, Tea Ros and Paul Boldy, promises to be educational and inspiring, featuring insights from some of the most influential thought leaders in hospitality.

Not only do we get to stay at the stunning St. Regis Dubai on The Palm, but our host city offers a spectacular backdrop for this year’s event. From the towering heights of the Burj Khalifa to the serene dunes of the Arabian Desert, this city is a testament to what can be achieved when vision meets determination. Our social events have been designed to immerse you in the rich culture and modern wonders of Dubai. Highlights include optional farm and hotel tours, receptions overlooking the Arabian Gulf, an evening discovering Old Dubai and of course, the Society’s signature Awards Gala at the Park Hyatt. These events are not just about celebrating our past but also about forging new connections and envisioning the future together.

Whether you are a seasoned member, a new face, a candidate, a Friend of the Society, or a guest, our conference is designed to make you feel at home. This is your opportunity to reconnect with old friends, build new relationships, exchange ideas, and perhaps even find inspiration in unexpected places.

To our Friends of the Society, we extend our deepest thanks for your generous support. Your contributions are invaluable, and we are thrilled to have you with us in Dubai. Special thanks go to Andrea Belfanti and Jennifer Castellarin, whose tireless efforts make not only this conference but our entire organization a success. I’d also like to acknowledge our Board of Directors and Committee Chairs for their dedication and leadership throughout the year, and special shout out to Judy King and Ali Hoyt who facilitated our 2024 Strategic Plan. And, last but certainly not least, a very special thank you to our outgoing Chair, Tea Ross, for her innovation, leadership and commitment to the Society, both as Chair of the Society and conference co-chair all in the same term!

As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to fully immerse yourself in the experience, take in the sights and sounds of this incredible city, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

Here’s to a remarkable conference and an exciting future for ISHC. Enjoy Dubai and all it has to offer!

Warm regards,

Kristie Dickinson
Chair, ISHC

A very special THANK YOU to our Conference Planning Committee led by Tea Ros and Paul Boldy!  Scott Antel, Tareq Bagaeen, Carine Bonnejean, Randall Carroll, Judith Cartwright, Zaynib Khan, James Lehouiller, Hala Matar Choufany, Nelson Midgal, Chris Mumford, Mila Nouralla, Molly O’Keefe, Tim Peck, Rabia Shaukat, Sinisa Topalovic, Linh Vu


Please note that registration for the ISHC Annual Conference is for members and invited guests only. Please contact Jennifer Castellarin at jcastellarin@ishc.com for more information.

Thank You for Attending!
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Hotel
https://ishc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dubai-palm.jpg

St. Regis Dubai, The Palm

Experience the splendor of Dubai from the Best Address situated in the heart of the iconic Palm Jumeirah and savor handcrafted menus across a variety of dining options along with exclusive access to Kyma Beach Dubai, a Greek-inspired beach club and restaurant. Conveniently located, the hotel is one monorail away to discover Dubai’s main attractions.

Guest Room Rates

AED 1000 per night single occupancy
AED 1,122.50 per night for double occupancy
Earliest Check-In time is 3:00 PM

*The Guest Room Rates are quoted on a per room, per night basis in U.A.E. Dirhams and are inclusive of 10% service charge, 7% municipality fee, and 5% VAT Tax.  VAT is applicable on the room rate and on service charge. Also inclusive of “Tourism Dirham Fee” of AED 20 per room per night, applicable for all the rooms occupied.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your reservation for no charge before 11:59 PM local hotel time two weeks (14 days) before arrival. Please note that a fee will be assessed that equals your room charge plus tax for the first night of your reservation if you must cancel after this deadline. If you have made a prepayment, the St. Regis will retain all or part of your prepayment. If not, your credit card will be charged.

Thank You for Attending!
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Events
Wednesday, 25 September 2024
Rüya Dubai
Smart Casual
8:30 pm – 10: 30 pm

Join ISHC and Friend of the Society, Marriott, for an Arabian Nightcap at Rüya Dubai. We will have cocktails and canapés, conversation and camaraderie to kick-off the 2024 ISHC Annual Conference!

Thursday, 26 September 2024
Welcome to Dubai!
Bahri at the Madinat
Business Casual
6:30 – 8:30pm

Explore the flavours of silk route mystique overlooking the Arabian Gulf as Friend of the Society,  Jumeirah, welcomes ISHC to Dubai.  Refresh yourself with an exotic cocktail, served to complement the changing colours of the sky, as you take in the stunning view of the Burj Al Arab.  A selection of savory light bites will delight your pallet while you connect with friends old and new.

Friday, 27 September 2024
Optional Event: Spouse & Guest Tour
At.mosphere at the Burj Khalifa
Smart and Elegant Dress
10:00 am (9:30 departure from the St. Regis)

Enjoy an enchanting breakfast with ISHC Friend of the Society, Emaar Hospitality. At.mosphere is the highest restaurant from the ground level IN THE WORLD and at 442 meters, it is elevated just under half a kilometer and just over a quarter mile in the air! At.mosphere offers guests a true 360° view of Dubai. You will enjoy the Decadence Breakfast while ISHC members attend the morning session of the conference.

Friday, 27 September 2024
Celebration & Awards Dinner – Park Hyatt Dubai, Creek Ballroom
Cocktail Attire
7:00 PM (Busses will depart the St. Regis at 6:00 PM)

You are cordially invited to join us for a magical evening celebrating ISHC! The Park Hyatt Dubai combines elegance and drama in architecture, combining modern trends and regional trademarks in both the interior and exterior design – with Moorish/Mediterranean influences. The architecture of the hotel draws on the essence of Arabic and Mediterranean heritage with blue domes and white buildings.

Saturday, 28 September 2024
Explore Old Dubai – Optional Event
Casual Attire (Comfortable for walking outside in Dubai.)
4:30 PM

We invite you to explore Old Dubai with ISHC and Frying Pan Adventures!

 

We will meet our tour guides in the lobby of the St. Regis and depart in air-conditioned coaches where we will begin the Old Dubai tour right away with an engaging overview of the lesser known facts around Dubai’s history and how it changed its growth trajectory. This will include a small chocolate tasting featuring exquisite locally crafted camel milk chocolates: milk and dark squares, as well as dates enrobed with camel milk chocolate.

 

We will then arrive at the Spice Souk and kick things off with a fun game of Spice Bingo, where we will dive into the local culture right from the start – this is perfect for those that like a little competition!

 

After bingo, we’ll try a quirky Persian frozen dessert with vermicelli, rosewater and lemon juice from the oldest cafeteria in the souk (est. 1952).

 

Then we’ll hop on a traditional abra (boat) to cross the creek, stroll through the bustling textile souk and emerge by the oldest surviving building in Dubai, Fahidi Fort from 1857.  We’ll commune over a meal at a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant before returning to the St. Regis.

 

*For those wishing to depart Dubai late Saturday, early morning Sunday, the tour will end around 8:00 PM with busses departing for the St. Regis at 8:30 PM.*

 

Arva Saleem Ahmed, owner of Frying Pan Adventures, on Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern! (We promise to tone down the “bizarre” on our tour!)

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Program
Download the Program
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Attendee List
Download the Attendee List
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Sponsors

Please visit our Friends of the Society page for a current list of Sponsors

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Member Regional "Favorites"

For those that are traveling early to the region, or staying after the conference concludes, we have curated a list of Member “Favorites” that will provide you with a nice variety of things to do and see during your time in Dubai.

Burj Al Arab
West Beach
Dubai Mall
Spice Souk
Overnight-Desert-Safari-and-Hot-Air-Balloon-flight---Platinum-Heritage__2018_Land-Rover-safari
Al Nafourah
Al Khayma
Galaxy

 

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Past Conference Presentations and Programs

 

Questions & Information

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245 North Highland Ave NE
Suite 230573
Atlanta, GA 30307
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Hospitality Consultants
MEMBER LOGIN
+1 678-973-2242
Contact Us

245 North Highland Ave NE
Suite 230573
Atlanta, GA 30307
United States