Insights, Innovation, and Impact
The Hospitality Talks returns with a powerful line-up of the most influential leaders in the hospitality sector, offering an unparalleled platform for thought-provoking discussions on leadership, strategy, and the future of the industry. Celebrating excellence within the industry, spotlighting the latest innovations and emerging trends set to reshape the hospitality landscape in the years ahead.
Our advisory board members
Alison Grinnell
Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Executive Officer
Amit Arora
Chief Operating Officer,
Arada
Andy Cuthbert
President at WORLDCHEFS,
Past President of Emirates Culinary Guild
Eddy Tannous
Chief Operating Officer,
Rotana
Elie Armaly
Senior Director of Business Development,
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)
Emma Banks
Vice President, F&B Strategy and Development EMEA,
Hilton
Giuliano Gasparini
Head of Hospitality Asset Management,
Wasl Hospitality
Gustavo De Hostos
Founder & Managing Partner,
Forsite Creative
Hala Matar Choufany
President - Middle East, Africa and South Asia,
HVS
James Knight- Paccheco
Co-Founder, Group JKP,
Presenter of the Chef JKP Podcast
Jan Hanak
Managing Director,
Radisson Hotel Group
Mark Kirby
President,
One&Only, Global Office
Milos Zekovic
Senior Director of Operations – Lifestyle Dining,
Sunset Hospitality Group
Naim Maadad
Chief Executive & Founder,
Gates Hospitality
Nicolas Bellaton
Head of Hospitality,
Emaar Hospitality Group
Oliviero Cassini
Chief Development Officer EMEA,
The Lux Collective
Priya Chellani
Associate Director of Hospitality & Culture,
Miral
Raha Hadjarpour
General Manager,
Tricon
Rosemary Larsen
Global Director, Wellness,
Kerzner International
Saurabh Tiwari
Area Director, Middle East and CIS,
The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)
Tea Ros
Founder & Managing Director,
Strategic Hotel Consulting
Yazan Al Khalidi
Chief Commercial Officer,
MERED
Tastemakers Showcase
In the 2025 edition of The Hotel Show, The Tastemakers Showcase brought together nine of the region’s most influential chefs for a high-impact thought leadership session, offering a rare look into the minds shaping the future of hospitality F&B. More than a panel, the session served as a platform for open dialogue, where leading culinary voices shared honest perspectives on emerging trends, shifting guest expectations, and the growing intersection between food, culture, and experience.
From concept development to social influence
The discussion explored how menus are evolving to reflect sustainability, local sourcing, and wellness-driven dining, while also highlighting the increasing role of technology and innovation in modern kitchens. Chefs spoke about the balance between creativity and commercial viability, and how they continue to push boundaries while maintaining operational excellence. Tastemakers Showcase also celebrated homegrown talent, shining a light on chefs who have built strong identities within the UAE and the wider region. It highlighted Dubai’s position as a global culinary hub, driven by diverse influences and a strong community of innovators who continue to raise the bar.
