Fourth Hospitality Industry Think Tank to tackle geopolitics, AI and climate risk
The annual Hospitality Industry Think Tank will take place on 31 July 2026 at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg. This year’s gathering brings key stakeholders in hospitality and tourism together at a moment when the industry faces some of its fastest-moving challenges yet – from shifting global trade patterns to the accelerating pace of AI adoption.
Launched by Dream Hotels & Resorts in 2023, the Think Tank has rapidly evolved into a flagship event on the hospitality calendar, with backing from some of the industry’s most prominent brands. Now in its fourth year, it continues to encourage participation from all industry members, with the goal of advancing Southern Africa’s tourism industry for the benefit of all.
All event proceeds will benefit Touching Dreams, a non-profit company that empowers members of the hospitality industry to create a measurable impact in the local communities and natural environments where they operate.
The theme “Oracle: A Senate of Visionaries Shaping the Future Together,” is a nod to the event’s new venue, Emperors Palace. The venue has been chosen because of its larger capacity, thanks to an increase in demand by hospitality leaders to attend the event.
A Critical Moment for the Industry
This year’s agenda reflects just how quickly the ground is shifting beneath the tourism and hospitality sector. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Gulf, combined with ever-changing trade tariffs, are pushing Southern Africa’s trade relationships further eastward – a trend the Think Tank will unpack. Delegates will also revisit the conversation on AI and technology a year on, examining how far the industry has come in training AI tools, simplifying interfaces between systems, and using AI and data stored in the cloud to stimulate revenue and operational efficiencies.
With South Africa’s Municipal Elections approaching, the Think Tank will also hear from industry associations FEDHASA, SATSA, VOASA, SASTRA and TBCSA on their continued engagement with government on behalf of the sector. And as extreme weather becomes the new normal, delegates will grapple with managing risk and insurance cover, sustainability and environmental grading requirements, and how the industry funds this work.
“When we launched the Think Tank four years ago, the goal was simply to get the industry talking. What’s remarkable is how much that conversation has had to grow with us. We’ve gone from sharing best practice to grappling with global trade shifts, the pace of AI, and a changing climate. The landscape is moving quickly and it’s never been more important for hospitality and tourism to collaborate. None of these challenges can be solved by a single property or brand on their own,” says Chris Godenir, Touching Dreams ambassador and General Manager of the Peninsula All Suite Hotel.
Driving Sustainable Tourism with Purpose
Beyond offering a platform to share common challenges and problem-solve together, the Think Tank is about making a lasting, positive impact. With all proceeds supporting Touching Dreams, there is a strong focus on creating a sustainable tourism industry that gives back to communities and protects the natural environments impacted by its operations.
The organisation’s Think Big Academy is a sustainable and growing initiative that trains and prepares people from disadvantaged communities for roles in hospitality. Learners earn a qualification through the International Hotel School and other accredited education providers, gaining valuable work experience at properties across the country. It kicked off last year with an intake of 20 learners, and 100 learners are set to join the programme for 2026/27. The fifth panel discussion at this year’s Think Tank will include feedback directly from students currently on the programme, offering delegates a firsthand look at the impact their support makes possible.
What to expect at this year’s Think Tank
The 2026 agenda will tackle key topics including:
- Geopolitics and global trade: The economic impact of the ongoing Ukraine and Gulf conflicts, and how shifting trade tariffs are pushing Southern Africa eastward.
- Technology and AI: Progress since last year’s conversation on training your AI tools and simplifying interfaces between different systems
- Industry associations and government: FEDHASA, SATSA, VOASA, SASTRA and TBCSA on their relevance amid the upcoming Municipal Elections and ongoing engagement with government.
- Climate risk and sustainability: Preparing for changing weather systems, managing risk and cover, and funding environmental grading requirements.
- Supporting environmental and social impact: Feedback from current Think Big Academy learners, and a call on industry to support Touching Dreams.
The keynote speaker is Johnny Goldberg, Chairman of Global Business Solutions, who will speak about inspiring entrepreneurial behaviour through great leadership. The event is held in association with SATSA, TBCSA, FEDHASA, VOASA and SASTRA. It is headlined by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, with support from Profitroom, VOD Media, Assa Abloy, SATIB (First Equity), Stayntouch, Aven Hospitality, and RCI.
Other sponsors include Legacy Hotel Group, Beekman Group, Dream Hotels & Resorts, Valor Africa, Sondela, Club Mykonos, Boschendal Wines, DGB, South African Breweries (SAB), and Peermont Hotels, Casinos & Resorts.
“This is our fourth year supporting the Think Tank and it has become an increasingly critical platform for driving the future direction of the hospitality industry in South Africa and beyond. We are excited to once again participate, to be a part of an engaging set of conversations and to exchange views and ideas,” says Dimitris Manikis, EMEA President, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
An Evening of Elegance, Foresight and Celebration
The day concludes with an Oracle-themed Gala Dinner taking place from 18:00 at Emperors Palace. Jesse Clegg returns as the headline act, with supporting performances from the Wits Performing Arts Department and non-profit organisation Moving into Dance. DJ and radio producer Kyle Cassim will once again serve as MC.
All proceeds will go to Reach for a Dream, the Endangered Wildlife Trust, and the Touching Dreams Think Big Academy.
Reserve your space at this industry-leading event:
Seats are limited – don’t miss your chance to be part of the movement.
