Why NoVacancy 2025 is more than just an expo

For two days in September, ICC Sydney will buzz with the kind of conversations you just cannot have over email or Zoom

Mandy Clarke Thursday, September 4, 2025

0 5 minutes read

Every year, I am reminded why events like NoVacancy matter so much to our industry. It is not just another trade show, it is where the entire accommodation community, from housekeepers to hotel developers, chefs to short-term rental managers, comes together to talk, share and discover what is next.

For two days in September, ICC Sydney will buzz with the kind of conversations you just cannot have over email or Zoom. It is the casual chats and coffee catch-ups that spark the biggest ideas.

To find out what makes this year’s event so special, AccomNews reached out to some of the speakers who will be sharing their insights on stage.

Melissa Kalan, Executive Chair, ARMA – Australian Revenue Management Association shares:

“Events like NoVacancy are so important because they give us the chance to step out of the day-to-day and connect with colleagues, fresh ideas, new perspectives, and leading tech solutions. I love the conversations in the corridors and over coffee that often spark the biggest takeaways.”

And she is right. These events are about connection as much as they are about innovation.

She adds:

“I’ve been proud to speak at and support NoVacancy since its first year, and it continues to deliver real value. For me, it’s about contributing to a dialogue of resilience and creative solutions, while also learning from the many experienced professionals in the room.

“This year I’m especially excited to be judging The Pitch Series and seeing the next wave of innovation showcased.”

Shining a light on accessibility

One of the sessions I am personally excited about is from Kerry Williams, Founder and Director of the Accessible Group. Over the last several years her work has transformed the way travellers with disabilities and older guests find and book accommodation, and she will be sharing practical advice for small hoteliers.

“Accessible tourism is not just the right thing to do, it is a smart business move,” she says. By taking simple actions, you can welcome a market that is loyal, growing, and often overlooked.”

It is a message every operator should hear because inclusion does not just change guest experiences, it grows revenue too.

Tech, trends and future thinking

NoVacancy is also where technology takes centre stage. From front desk rethinks to AI powered guest profiles, the sessions promise to challenge the way we think about guest service.

As Andrew Hewitt of Rambla explains:

“Guests should not be waiting in line because you think they want to experience your front desk. Let them decide, the results may surprise you.”

Meanwhile, Craig Dennington of Agilysys will demonstrate how “Intelligent Guest Profiles” can give hoteliers a single, living view of each guest.

Nicholas Ooi of Investible,also a judge for the Pitch Series, is eager to meet the next big disruptors:

“Investing in tech solutions that are solving core pain points within antiquated industries is a big focus of what we do at Investible.”

Jurgen Ortelee of IDeaS Revenue Solutions will weigh in on how AI is reshaping forecasting and pricing models. He asks the tough question:

“Are revenue managers still needed with the rise of fully automated systems, and how is the role evolving?”

And Heinrich Saayman of SiLANT will share insights on in-room technology:

“Connectivity, casting and the right digital touchpoints are no longer optional. They are guest expectations, and hoteliers need to know how to measure return on these investments.”

Design, marketing and storytelling

Of course, it is not all code and data.

Samson Tiew of ODO reminds us that design matters as much as tech:

“One of our hotel projects has 97 percent five-star reviews. Biophilia is good for business.”

Claire Martin of OCULUS will expand on that theme with her talk on biophilic luxury:

“Green design is not just about aesthetics, it drives revenue and loyalty.”

Marketing and visual storytelling will also have a strong focus.

Kate Branch, CMO of Emerald City Hotels, will share step-by-step tips for creating hotel Reels that resonate with audiences. Jamie Binder of Morris Escapes will give practical advice on ad spend:

“It is not just about standing out with paid ads, but also knowing when to stay silent. Sometimes the best strategy is restraint.”

And then there is Mauro Risch, The Hotel Photographer, who will remind us why one perfect image can make or break a booking:

“There is always that one idea that will change perception about your industry. That is what I am looking for during the event.”

Mauro reflects on past NoVacancy events with warmth:

“Nothing beats the experience of being next to your colleagues and clients in real life. NoVacancy has always been that event where you can listen and be in touch with the people you work.”

“It has been a very productive way of meeting people who have similar goals. I even met unexpected hotel professionals who later became clients.”

His perspective captures the essence of why being in the room matters.

Event Director Matt Gatfield (8th from left) with the NoVacancy 2024, Team

Building a more inclusive and sustainable industry

Sustainability and inclusion remain cornerstones of this year’s program. Chris Fitzpatrick from the City of Sydney says:

“Sydney is currently ranked as Australia’s most sustainable destination, and in the top 10 globally. We continue to support local hotels with grants and programs, and the results speak for themselves.”

Travis MacLachlan of Flow Power will show how renewable energy can cut costs and carbon footprints:

“Wholesale electricity is a smarter, greener option for the hospitality sector. It helps reduce bills and supports the transition to renewables.”

And Charles Douty of Welcome With Pride will outline how to create inclusive spaces for LGBTIQ+ travellers:

“Inclusive hospitality is not just about guest experiences, it is about workplace culture and consistent standards that make everyone feel welcome.”

Leaders and learners

For James Goodwin, CEO of Accommodation Australia, last year’s event was a baptism of fire:

“NoVacancy 2024 was a great onboarding for me. I was only in the industry ten days when I attended. It is a one-stop shop for ideas, innovation and connecting with people. I cannot wait for this year, I am especially keen to dive into the AI and sustainability talks.”

That is exactly what NoVacancy delivers, a crash course in the future of hospitality no matter how long you have been in the game.

James Goodwin, CEO Accommodation Australia shares his vision during the Leaders Summit at NoVacancy Hotel and Accommodation Industry Expo 2024

Why you should be there

Whether you are running a motel in the country, managing a five-star city hotel, designing guestroom interiors, or supplying the latest hospitality tech, there is something at NoVacancy that will change the way you think or at least confirm you are on the right path.

For me, that is the beauty of it. It is the mix of people, ideas and energy that makes the accommodation sector what it is: resilient, creative and always moving forward.

So, I will see you there in September. If you spot one of the AccomNews team, grab that coffee — you never know where the conversation might lead..