Connecting Future Leaders
Now the young people in the hotel and travel industry will gather, through Connecting Future Leaders by HSMAI Europe. An event with the purpose of facilitating professional and social meeting points for the exchange of experience and networking in the hotel and travel industry. The initiative taker is André Julseth, Managing Director at The Well, together with Marianne Høybakk, Assistant General Manager at Clarion Hotel The Hub, and a group of managers (35 years or younger), he will create a meeting place for the young people in the industry. An arena where they can share experiences, gain inspiration and build networks.
In short, it must become easier for young people in the industry to meet. We need more arenas with them in focus, where their experiences and stories are highlighted. This is a rapidly developing industry, and we saw during the pandemic that we are completely dependent on new thinking to survive. This across industries, brands and chains. I think there is great potential for sharing experiences between the various branches of the hotel and travel industry.
From left: Marianne Høybakk, Assistant General Manager at Clarion Hotel The Hub and André Julseth, Managing Director at The Well
We also have several talented young leaders today, who have exciting experiences and good stories, from which many can learn. These are people we want to give space to, at the network meetings. Especially after the pandemic, we must do what we can to attract and not in the least retain talent in the industry. There is a lot of talk about the staffing crisis in the industry, but not much is being done about it. I think that such initiatives are a step in the right direction where we think holistically for the young people who will one day lead this industry forward. HSMAI is an organisation that already does this through, among other things, the Young Leaders of the Year awards, and their new initiative Rising Leaders. We want to build on this and will now arrange specifically for network meetings for the younger members.
–André Julseth, Head of HSMAI Europe Emerging Leaders for Norway
Initially, we are planning four network meetings a year in Oslo. Similar events will be set up in Amsterdam, Paris, London, The Nordic, DACH, South of Europe and more. The networking meetings will be set up as after work meetings (5PM – 8PM) and will consist of exciting conversations on stage and good opportunities to mingle and get to know each other afterwards. The events are for HSMAI members of age of 35 or younger and the first network meeting will already be held on Thursday 13 October on the Amerikalinjen, Jernbanetorget 2, 0154 Oslo, Norway. It is already possible to sign up now, and participation is free.
About HSMAI Europe
HSMAI – Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International – is a global organization founded in the US in 1927. HSMAI Region Europe is the European arm of the organisation. HSMAI Europe aims to be a key influencer, pioneer and the go-to industry resource for professional development, commercial strategies and sustainability in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry.
