NoVacancy Expo 2023 smashes records and expectations
The NoVacancy team already has its sights set on 2024 & if past success is anything to go by, next year promises to be even bigger and better
The year’s APAC’s premier hotel and accommodation industry expo surpassed all expectations with a record-breaking 5,839 attendees flocking to explore the latest industry developments.
With a 24 percent increase year-on-year from the core audience – hotels, accommodation, hospitality, real estate, and investment – NoVacancy Expo has reinforced its position as the must-attend event for the hotel and accommodation sector.
From August 31 to September 1, industry leaders from across the Oceania region came together at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) to explore the industry’s latest innovations and gain insight into what lies ahead for 2024, and beyond.
About the event’s significance Sarah Derry, CEO, Accor Pacific said: “We have to be here as the largest accommodation provider in this part of the world.”
An unprecedented 24 percent of attendees travelled from interstate or internationally with major international players in attendance, showing the strength and vibrancy of the sector in Australia.
Jerry Schwartz, Director, Schwartz Family Co said: “NoVacancy is such an important event for all of my hotels. I attend every year and so too all of my staff.”
And Nick Ellis, Director of Innovation & Technology, Salter Brothers Hotel Management Company said: “It’s the one event each year where we get everyone in the room, all of the suppliers and the industry.”
This year Australia’s largest accommodation industry event saw:
- Core attendance growth of 24 percent
- Highest ever interstate and international attendance, 24 percent from outside NSW
- 70 percent of exhibitors rebook onsite for September 2024 event
- The successful launch of the Sustainability Zone, Hotel Technology Zone, Women in Accommodation Breakfast, and Young Hotel Leaders Summit.
Proud Event Manager, Matt Gatfield said: “To see this level of year-on-year growth and the depth of senior leaders, procurement teams and department heads further cement the position of NoVacancy at the heart of the hotel, accommodation, and hospitality sector and the strength of the industry overall.
“From the moment the doors opened on Thursday morning the expo floor was buzzing with energy as visitors discovered products, had deep conversations, and made new connections – this carried right through the entire duration of the event.
“It is such an honour to be part of this industry and the passion, commitment, and drive from business leaders and their teams has given us so many great ideas for next year.”
Meaningful connections were created through two new dedicated networking events. The Women in Accommodation Breakfast where inspirational female leaders from the likes of Accor, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Ovolo, Langham Hospitality Group and Crystalbrook shared their experiences and discussed topics including challenging the status quo and overcoming diversity.
Meanwhile, the Young Hotel Leaders Summit created an environment for emerging talent in the industry to come together to forge relationships and gain knowledge that will further enhance their career and the future of accommodation.
Over 270+ suppliers showcased their products and services over two days and 130+ industry leaders shared their wealth of knowledge as part of the education sessions at the event.
Shane Jolly, General Manager, The Langham Sydney told us: “I can see everything from coffee to bedding, to technology, all under one roof. It’s the place to meet peers, have conversations, and be inspired every year”
Exhibitor, Peter Deveny, Group Commercial Manager, AH Beard said: “It’s a no-brainer for us, we’re here every year. We get exposed to new customers, and to renew relationships with those we know. If you’re serious about this industry, you need to be at NoVacancy.”
The 2023 edition saw the successful launch of the Sustainability Zone, where companies showcased the best in sustainable technology and practices to help accommodation properties reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. The newly launched Hotel Technology Zone put on show the latest tech for in-room guest experience and operational efficiency including cleaning and services robots, AI chatbots, software to drive direct bookings, and much more.
This year’s event was a hub of knowledge, particularly with emerging technologies that are crucial for hoteliers looking to stay ahead of the curve. The appetite for knowledge and learning was greater than ever with all sessions packed out with many standing room only, again showcasing NoVacancy Expo as a valuable resource for the sector.
Highlight sessions of the Summit program included “Clear Skies Ahead? Remaining agile in a dynamic industry”, featuring Sarah Derry, CEO, Accor, Michael Johnson, CEO, of Accommodation Australia, Fiona Pereira, Marriott, Anthony Ritch, CEO TFE Hotels and Julian Clark, CEO, Lancemore Group.
This thought-provoking conversation offered an optimistic perspective for the future, despite economic challenges.
The NoVacancy team already has its sights set on 2024, and if past success is anything to go by, next year promises to be even bigger and better.
Save the data for the NoVacancy Hotel + Accommodation Industry Expo 2024, September 18 to 19, 2024, International Convention Centre Sydney.
Enquire early to secure prime locations!
Mandy has over 17 years of accommodation and tourism industry writing experience and is Editor of AccomNews & Resort News, Publisher of SchoolNews & Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd. She is a retired registered nurse with a 25-year NHS career that followed a few unforgettable years in hotel housekeeping.
