News

The annual Hospitality Industry Think Tank will take place on 31 July 2026 at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg. This year's gathering brings key stakeholders from the hospitality and tourism sectors 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 across the industry, with the goal of advancing Southern Africa's tourism sector 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 selected to accommodate growing demand from hospitality leaders wishing 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 sectors. 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 explore.
Delegates will also revisit the conversation around 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 cloud-based data to drive 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.

As extreme weather becomes the new normal, delegates will also grapple with climate risk, insurance cover, sustainability, environmental grading requirements, and how the industry can fund these essential initiatives.

"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 solve problems collectively, 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 while protecting the natural environments in which it operates.

The organisation's Think Big Academy is a growing initiative that trains and prepares people from disadvantaged communities for careers in hospitality. Learners earn recognised qualifications through the International Hotel School and other accredited education providers while gaining valuable work experience at properties across the country.

The programme launched last year with an intake of 20 learners, and 100 learners are set to join the 2026/27 intake. The fifth panel discussion at this year's Think Tank will include feedback directly from current students, offering delegates a firsthand look at the impact their support is helping to create.

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 discussion on training AI tools and simplifying interfaces between different systems.
• Industry associations and government: FEDHASA, SATSA, VOASA, SASTRA and TBCSA on their role amid the upcoming Municipal Elections and their ongoing engagement with government.
• Climate risk and sustainability: Preparing for changing weather patterns, managing risk and insurance cover, and funding environmental grading requirements.
• Supporting environmental and social impact: Feedback from current Think Big Academy learners and a call for the industry to support Touching Dreams.

The keynote speaker is Johnny Goldberg, Chairman of Global Business Solutions, who will present a keynote on 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 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 from 18:00 at Emperors Palace. Jesse Clegg returns as the headline performer, with supporting performances by the Wits Performing Arts Department and the non-profit organisation Moving into Dance. DJ and radio producer Kyle Cassim will once again serve as MC.

All proceeds from the Gala Dinner will benefit Reach for a Dream, the Endangered Wildlife Trust, and the Touching Dreams Think Big Academy.

To reserve your place at this industry-leading event, book your seat for the Hospitality Industry Think Tank or the Gala Dinner.

Hospitality Industry Think Tank | Gala Dinner

Seats are limited – don’t miss your chance to be part of the movement.