SMACK Hospitality

We’re kicking off Season 6 in the vibrant streets of London, where Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO of The Bench, met with Fritz to explore the past, the present and the future of hospitality and its exciting global development. With the FHS World in Dubai just around the corner, Jonathan shared his insights on the Middle East’s remarkable transformation over the past two decades and highlighted various success factors for the sector, including the vital role of women. Guess what: Nothing works without…? Women, correct! ;) Jonathan explained why involving the topic of sustainability in his events is crucial, what impact new technologies like AI have in the field and he shared how hospitality investment conferences have evolved over the last 25 years. And if anybody knows, it’s him! As co-founder of the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) Jonathan was largely involved in establishing successful hospitality events across the globe. As a member of the board, he serves as a trusted advisor to, among others, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Freshontable and Envi Lodges. Luckily, Fritz has, for once, done his homework and asks Jonathan to spill the beans about some of his highlight moments, like an epic charity bike ride from Amsterdam to Berlin, skiing in Iran and unforgettable mishaps at award shows. Jonathan’s journey is nothing short of inspiring and this episode is packed with personal insights. Tune in and enjoy the show!

Hi there, and welcome to Smack. In case we haven't met, we introduce the most knowledgeable experts in hospitality legends in a very personal way. Here, you'll find some great insights and updates from within the hospitality and tourism sector. And besides our podcast, we have some more exciting formats like Dirty Laundry, Ask Me Anything, and Humans of Hospitality. We're all about the cool stuff in hospitality and those that know how to talk about it. In general, what you'll find here is hospitality, but really fucking fun. Follow us here on Spotify or on our social media channels and enjoy the show.

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Founder & CEO @ENVI Lodges …

CEO @Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA …

SVP & Director of Sustainable Business @Pandox …

President Hospitality, Travel and Wellness @Questex Let’s say 2023 was not quite the year of deal-making within the industry. Then what does the future have in stock for #hospitality and #realestate? Alexi Khajavi President Hospitality, Travel and Wellness at Questex set down with Flo at last week’s IHIF to discuss trends, the role of technology and his personal “meandering” career journey. Alexi and his team are deeply embedded in the #hospitalityindustry and run events to inform and connect industry insiders around the globe. With the help of the Investor Sentiment Index and at least one ear on the track at all times, they have been spotting trends from afar for 25 years. And they have good news: there are great opportunities for the industry - in trends like senior living and also, strangely enough, in the epidemic of loneliness that is roaming the world. Like Flo said, “This was a really inspiring and insightful conversation.” , so we highly recommend you tune in to the full episode. Enjoy the show!

Founder & CEO @FreshOn Table Have you ever wondered what grows in the desert? We have. So we sent Phil to talk to someone who knows - Atul Chopra, Founder and CEO of FreshOn Table, who supplies restaurants and hotels in UAE with fresh greens and other edibles. Minimum emissions, maximum nutrition is his motto and led him to create a company that connects farmers to #chefs - so close, that they can harvest on demand. Atul has a lot to tell about circular economy and agritech, because six hours from field to kitchen don’t come from nothing. It takes a lot of data analysis, entrepreneurial expertise and education to get this loop going. As Phil found out, there is a lot more we can learn from Atul, who moved from banknotes and Excel sheets to soil, water, and baby carrots. The serial entrepreneur calls 16 African countries his “playgrounds” and has lived in many more countries. Besides this, Phil outs himself as a country boy – you better tune in to this episode! Enjoy the show!

Chairman and Group Director F&B @Rocco Forte Hotels .

CEO @ACCOR for Premium, Midscale & Economy in Europe and North Africa …