RLA Global participated in the R&R Forum 2026 Advisory Board meeting in London. Representing RLA Global, our Group CEO Roger Allen joined discussions with industry leaders to review the event programme, attendee experience and the key topics currently shaping the industry. Fellow Advisory Board members contributing to the discussions included:
- Hilda Alisandratou, MA, Enterprise Greece;
- Laura Brinkmann, Effizia Strategic Partners Ltd;
- Nick Carrier, WATG;
- Eva Chan, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts;
- Saurabh Chawla, Westmont Hospitality;
- Marinos Giannopoulos, Enterprise Greece;
- Louis Keighley MRICS, Savills;
- Robin Kestek, Servotel;
- Samantha Mardkhah, STR;
- Luis Picas, HI Partners;
- Becky Syder, Tourism Economics; and
- Davina Zydower-Cisier, Accor/Ennismore.
- Julie Rey-Gore, Questex
- Jonathan Langston, Questex
- Ife Taiwo-Newman, Questex
The discussions focused on strengthening the relevance of the conference programme and improving the overall attendee experience through more targeted networking, business-focused content and stronger destination integration.
Topics reflected the evolving hospitality and investment landscape, including leisure and resort investment, branded residences, luxury travel trends, seasonality strategies and the growing role of AI across hospitality operations and guest experience.
Key takeaways from the meeting included:
- Continued investor interest in leisure and resort hospitality
- The importance of experience and storytelling in hospitality
- The growing role of branded residences in leisure developments
- Ongoing growth in luxury and ultra-luxury hospitality
- The use of AI to support operational efficiency and guest experience while maintaining the human element
The next Forum will take place on 16-18 November 2026 at Divani Apollon Palace on the Athenian Riviera. While the programme is still in development, discussions are expected to continue around emerging hospitality trends, investment and financing opportunities, luxury and ultra-luxury market developments, and the broader economic factors shaping the sector.
Some images from the meetings:
The Board

Meetings

