From November 3rd to 7th, 2024, the new edition of EquipHotel Paris, one of the leading international trade fairs for the hospitality and catering industry, will take place in Paris. To find out what events and opportunities won’t be missed during the week, we asked a few questions to Béatrice Gravier, general manager of EquipHotel Paris.
What are the latest trends and innovations in the hospitality industry that will be highlighted at EquipHotel Paris this year?
This year at EquipHotel Paris, the theme is “Time to Dare,” reflecting a bold and innovative approach to the future of hospitality. In line with this theme, we are excited to spotlight several cutting-edge trends and innovations. Key areas of focus include sustainability, smart technology, and experiential hospitality. Sustainable practices are at the forefront, with daring initiatives in eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction. Smart technology is revolutionizing guest experiences with AI-driven services and data safety.
“Time to Dare” embodies the spirit of pushing boundaries and reimagining the hospitality landscape. EquipHotel Paris brings together a diverse array of players, including operators, architects, suppliers, and the new young generation of professionals, to collaborate on the best projects. This year’s event showcases how these stakeholders are collectively redefining hospitality to be more sustainable, technologically advanced, and guest-centric. By fostering innovation and collaboration, EquipHotel Paris is a must-attend event for industry professionals eager to explore and contribute to this exciting evolution.
What are the main events and conferences scheduled during this year’s fair?
EquipHotel Paris will feature a diverse array of events and conferences designed to inspire and inform. This year, one of the main highlights is the International Day, which aims to bring together hospitality professionals from around the globe. This special day will include keynote speeches by renowned industry leaders, panel discussions on global hospitality trends. We will also host networking events spotlighting Inspiring Women in Hospitality and a dedicated event for luxury hospitality professionals, providing valuable opportunities for connections and insights across various sectors of the industry.
Additionally, this year marks the introduction of the new category of the Innovation Awards, called “innovative initiative” open to hoteliers, restaurants, and architects. These awards are designed to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements and highlight pioneering projects and innovative solutions that push the boundaries of the hospitality industry.
Winners will be announced during a special ceremony during the show, providing them with a platform to showcase their work to a global audience. You can apply until September 6th don’t miss the date!
How many exhibitors will participate in the fair and which are the main sectors represented?
We host over 1,200 exhibitors from around the world. The fair is organised into several main sectors, including design, Technology & services, wellness and foodservice. Each sector will present a comprehensive range of products and services tailored to the evolving needs of hospitality professionals.
A key highlight of this year’s event is the inclusion of several international pavilions, which bring together exhibitors from various countries to showcase their unique offerings and innovations. Notably, we are proud to feature a pavilion curated by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), which will highlight the best of Italian hospitality and design. These international pavilions, along with the diverse range of exhibitors, ensure that EquipHotel Paris provides a truly global perspective on the hospitality industry, making it an essential destination for professionals looking to discover new ideas and establish international connections.
Is there any particular project at EquipHotel Paris that attendees should not miss? Why?
One of the most exciting features of this year’s EquipHotel Paris is the collaboration with two of Europe’s leading design schools: ENSCI (École Nationale Supérieure de Création Industrielle) and IED Milan (Istituto Europeo di Design). We have partnered with these prestigious institutions to work with a group of talented students on two groundbreaking projects: “Future of Hospitality” and “Lobby of tomorrow.” The students have developed forward-thinking designs and ideas that address emerging trends and challenges in hospitality.
These projects will be showcased in the Innovation Lab at the fair in November. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the fresh perspectives and concepts that these young designers bring to the table. The collaboration with ENSCI and IED Milan not only highlights the importance of fostering new talent but also provides valuable insights into the future directions of the industry. It’s an exceptional opportunity to see how the next generation of designers envisions the evolution of hospitality spaces.
