How will Robotics and Technological innovation Change the Face of the Industry Over the Next 5 years?

One of the most common discussions across all sectors has been how many feel they are lagging behind others in their understanding of robotics and digital innovation. One of the reasons has been how many do fear that service and the human touch may be lost but the question may should be how can service be enhanced?

During October, EP is thrilled to announce a collaborative venture with Softbank Robotics. Together, we are set to curate a compelling series of half-day conferences at prestigious venues across Holland, the UK, France, and Germany.

In response to the evolving landscape, EP has observed a growing demand for inclusive platforms that foster discussions on cutting-edge advancements, technology, and robotics. These platforms provide the ideal forum for exploring a pivotal question: how will the convergence of robotics and technological innovation reshape the industry over the next five years?

Presently, it is evident that one topic dominates the agendas of prominent operating boards – service innovation. Amidst the multifaceted challenges confronting the industry, we are poised to provoke thought around the transformative potential of robotics and technological breakthroughs. This inquiry is centred on discovering novel solutions that empower operators to deliver elevated service standards while safeguarding their margins.

The last few years have been highly challenging for operators, not just because of the Covid-19 pandemic but with how so much has been impacted in ways not even imagined in 2020. It has been estimated that expectations for operators have increased by 20% and yet at the same time, costs have increased by a similar figure. Companies today are investing in ESG, in retention, in new service methodologies and in new smart technology within rooms.

It was recently estimated that a hotel room built in 2020 would today operate at 25% of the cost of the room built in 2012. There is much to be considered.

Many do argue that this is one of the fastest periods of change witnessed by the industry. The industry itself will continue to prosper but how will be impacted by customer expectations, new working patterns, and the desire for new benchmarks in luxury to be met?

There are many questions to be explored and discussed which make the proposed series of conferences a genuinely exciting prospect.

Also, to be considered:

• How are companies now looking at robotics? With a more open and friendly eye? How are robotics themselves developing in relation to the industry?
• The reduction of waste has long been a well discussed topic but today I rising to another level across several areas including:
• Food waste – today a central issue so what are the learnings and how is this area evolving?
• Reducing waste via move to digital procurement. There is a strong belief that there are major savings to be found via a stronger digitalized approach.
• How will Smart technology change design and rooms in the future? – across hotels and offices?
• How can operators communicate and interaction with the consumer be ever improved?
• What will service look like in 2028?
• How can the industry compete more effectively for available talent, and support their development in new ways?
• How can digitalization today hold the key to model and margin maximization?
• There is a growing understanding that we will not return to 2019 business dynamics, and we have entered a new era. How will this unfold?
• New working behaviours have developed. How will hospitality also change in line with new working patterns?
• The central focus is on ESG strategies.

To register your interest to attend one of these conferences, please email izzy.mchattie@epmagazine.co.uk