IHIF Berlin 2026: Sessions, Dinner & a Winner

IHIF EMEA 2026 in Berlin offered three days of focused exchange, clear perspectives on where the industry is heading and valuable dialogue across the market. For RLA Global, the programme centred on two key sessions: BxR EMEA and Pitch Perfect.

At the debut BxR day, Roger led a roundtable alongside Alfredo Bataller, CEO of AB Living Group and founder of SHA Wellness Clinic. The discussion focused on wellness and longevity as core elements of branded residential development, including financial structures, capital expenditure and future direction. Alfredo also introduced the upcoming launch of Well, signalling the direction of the market. The shift is clear: wellness and longevity are now central to the branded residential proposition.

At Pitch Perfect, Roger served as judge and mentor alongside Anna Cohen and Patrick White. All three finalists delivered strong presentations under pressure. We were genuinely delighted to see Kourtidis Group from Greece taking the top prize unanimously.

Roger had mentored Karl Chehab (COO Hospitality at Kourtidis Gourp) and the team throughout their preparation, and their result was well deserved. In his remarks after the announcement, Karl specifically acknowledged that support: "I would like to thank Mr. Roger A. Allen, Group CEO of RLA Global, who supported as a mentor the entire preparation process for the presentation."

The full story of their win, including the scale of the Alexandrou Chora – The Great project in Kavala, is worth reading here.

The timing added its own significance: the competition began on 25 March, Greek National Independence Day. A good day for Greece, on and off the stage. RLA Global has a longstanding relationship with Enterprise Greece, and moments like this reflect the strength of what the Greek hospitality sector is building.

Roger also joined the Branded Residences Dinner Berlin, co-hosted by Global Branded Residences and Chris Graham FCIM -  now in its fourth year and bringing together 35 of the sector's leading figures. What began as a simple idea has grown into one of the week's most valued gatherings.

IHIF continues to provide a strong platform for informed, high-quality industry dialogue. We look forward to returning next year.
If you are developing a mixed-use or branded residential project and would like to explore how wellness and longevity can be integrated effectively, we would be glad to connect. > contactus@rlaglobal.com