Published by Neil Thompson, 22nd September 2025
Venues of Excellence (VOE) are delighted to announce details for their Annual Conference Event conneX 2026 which will take place at the beautifully transformed Horwood House Hotel, Spa & Estate on 26-27 January 2026.
Already a key fixture in the hospitality industry calendar, the 2026 conference will once again engage the audience, with the event focusing on the theme of “Shaping Excellence Through Connection” setting the stage for an inspiring and dynamic programme. With the aim of creating an environment where both VOE members and industry colleagues can connect, share knowledge, and grow together—whilst being informed, inspired, and motivated by exceptional creative content, panel discussions and relevant workshop sessions. We are delighted to announce that our Panel session will bring together the leading industry organisations of IACC, MIA, BEAM & VOE all on one stage.
Venues of Excellence CEO, Mandy Jennings, comments:
“We are absolutely thrilled to unveil conneX 2026, our Annual Conference event – Shaping excellence through connection. In an industry built on relationships, this event will bring our members and colleagues together to explore how true connection drives innovation, growth and excellence in everything we do. It’s more than a conference – it’s a movement! I encourage everyone to be come and be a valued part of the conversation, the energy and the future we are shaping.”
The world-class list of keynote speakers will include:
Taz Thornton - "Unleash Your Awesome"
Because we all need a little bit of fabulous in our lives! Taz Thornton is the UK's Best Female Coach who specialises in empowerment, confidence and personal branding. As an accomplished visibility coach, Taz helps her clients to build their own authentic brand, boosting their confidence to achieve great business success.
Adie Saunders - 'The Imposter in the Room"
Recognise and manage your own inner imposter character to unlock your true potential. Ever felt like you are not good enough, not smart enough, not as competent as those around you? Learn how to battle those imposter gremlins with founder of Yes You Can Training and Confidence Coach, Adie Saunders.
Bonita Norris - "Climbing the Mountains of Your Mind"
Discover the hidden strength within and unleash your very own personal human superpower. Keynote speaker Bonita Norris is celebrated for her remarkable achievements as the youngest person to summit both Mount Everest and the North Pole. Her extraordinary journey is not just about reaching physical peaks; it's a powerful narrative about overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges
The event also includes two interactive workshop sessions in the morning and afternoon with a host of industry-relevant content including:
- AI & Cyber Security – Exploring the impact A.I has on the hospitality industry and considering best practice for greater cyber resilience.
- Data Driven Decisions – Harnessing data beyond revenue management to transform business performance
- Culture in the Kitchen – Building passionate, purpose-driven catering teams with additional mental health and recruitment insights.
- Meeting Room of the Future – A deep dive into the results of the latest IACC industry survey with open discussion
- Revealing Customer Insights – Leveraging neuromarketing trends to better understand and successfully engage with clients
- Positive PMS - Building the next generation of hospitality management software
Michelle Boyt, VOE Membership Manager and Event Organiser, comments:
“We recognise that the hospitality industry continues to face significant challenges and ongoing uncertainty. That’s why bringing our members and wider industry colleagues together is more important than ever. The specific content we’ve curated is designed to equip venues with practical tools and valuable insights to move forward confidently—and to help kick-start the year with immediate impact.
The energy in the room, the value of the conversations held, and the quality of networking opportunities make this event a must-attend for so many within the sector. I’m genuinely excited to welcome everyone and look forward to another fantastic celebration of our amazing industry!”
This event is open to both VOE Members and Non-Members. Join us at conneX 2026 for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration in the stunning surroundings of Horwood House Hotel, Spa & Estate. Together, let’s shape excellence through connection
Registration for non-members opens on Friday 10th October at 08:00am and VOE members can book on Priority Access which is now OPEN
