The Independent Hotel Show Munich (IHM) will open its doors for the third time on 16 and 17 September 2024 at the MOC Munich. This trade fair brings together the independent hotel industry and presents innovations with approximately 60 percent new exhibitors and expanded experience zones. The programme includes over 45 sessions across four stages, dedicated to the current challenges and future prospects of the industry.
The event focuses on relevant topics such as design, sustainability, wellbeing, longevity, technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), economic positioning, skilled labour shortage, and leadership. These key areas will be explored in various presentation formats and discussion rounds to provide participants with in-depth insights and strategic impulses.
The event kicks off on the Vision Stage on 16 September at 10:15 AM with the opening keynote by Greta Silver. Under the title “Generation Future: Why Young and Old Are Only Successful Together”, she addresses the skilled labour shortage, generational change, and the optimal utilisation of age-diverse teams in hotel operations. A highlight of the first day of the fair is the presentation of the Independent Hotel Show Munich Awards 2026, honouring outstanding establishments and personalities in the independent hotel industry across the DACH region in four categories. The winners will be announced on 16 September from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM on the Vision Stage.
The Innovation Stage focuses on brand building, visibility, and positioning. Maria Kuhl and Romina Gaupels, Managing Directors of Upstalsboom, will present insights into their company's approach to modern leadership, personal responsibility, and an employee-oriented culture in their keynote “Leadership in Transition: Empowering People. Living Responsibility. Shaping the Future.” On the Digital Stage, discussions over both days of the fair will explore how technology is transforming hotel operations – from tech stacks and revenue management to data-driven decisions, digital guest communication, and Artificial Intelligence. Fabio Hoffmann from aobis will contextualise the practical added value of AI applications in hotel operations in his keynote “AI in Hotels – Between Hype and Everyday Life” in the Social Business Space.
The programme on 17 September includes contributions from other industry experts. Matthias Winkler, CEO of Sacher Hotels, will explain how tradition and innovation can function as strategic partners in corporate development. Furthermore, Christian Siegling, COO of the Lanserhof Group, and Frank Marrenbach, CEO of Althoff Hotels, will explore the evolution of the concept of luxury in the hotel industry in the Deep Dive “Between Glamour and Wellbeing – Who Owns Tomorrow's Luxury?”. Burgi von Mengershausen will discuss her career path from doctor to hotel entrepreneur in the context of longevity and a hotel concept with a clear stance.
The exhibition area also sees a reorientation in 2024. Approximately 170 exhibitors, about 60 percent of whom are newcomers, will present their products and services. Thematically curated areas place a stronger focus on sustainability, young companies, and art in the hospitality context. In the Green Energy Zone, solutions for greater energy efficiency and more sustainable hotel operations will be presented. The Start-up Zone offers a platform for young companies founded no more than three years ago, showcasing new products and business models, including DECAFF™ and Codyco. The Art Gallery integrates art into modern hotel concepts and enables visitors to exchange ideas with artists such as David Valner Studio and LPJ Studios.
The IHM also promotes exchange through various meeting formats. A Tiny House serves as the “REALTALK” Live Podcast Studio, where Ronald M. Arndt and Katharina Beatriz Varga conduct interviews with decision-makers from the hospitality industry. Culinary offerings such as the South Tyrol evening with regional specialities and a Paulaner beer garden create further networking opportunities. This is complemented by coffee and tea offerings from Alrighty, WMF, and Tea Partner Eilles, as well as a Power Breakfast on the second day of the fair.
