Agenda
Schedule subject to change.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
16:30 – 20:00
Check In & Registration Chadra Foyer
18:30 – 20:30
HEDNA Welcome Event: Cocktails, Canapes & Buffet Niche Restaurant
Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 24
08:30 – 12:00
Check In & Registration Chadra Foyer
09:30 – 9:40
HEDNA Welcome Chadra 1
Join HEDNA’s leadership as they kick off the day of learning.
Join HEDNA’s leadership as they kick off the day of learning.
09:40 – 10:00
Navigating AI in Hospitality, Learning From Agoda’s Cutting Edge Approach Chadra 1
Join Agoda CTO, Idan Zalsberg, as he delves into the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Demystify the technology and explore practical strategies for integrating AI into business operations to better drive innovation, improve efficiency, and create competitive advantages. This presentation will be followed by a fireside chat with Richard Castle, CEO of CloudBeds.
Join Agoda CTO, Idan Zalsberg, as he delves into the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Demystify the technology and explore practical strategies for integrating AI into business operations to better drive innovation, improve efficiency, and create competitive advantages. This presentation will be followed by a fireside chat with Richard Castle, CEO of CloudBeds.
Idan Zalzberg, Agoda; Richard Castle, Cloudbeds
10:00 – 10:30
APAC Trends, Market Indicators and Look Ahead Chadra 1
Setting the stage for today’s discussions, join Amit with Lighthouse to break down trends in the region and what we can expect in the months ahead.
Setting the stage for today’s discussions, join Amit with Lighthouse to break down trends in the region and what we can expect in the months ahead.
Amit Peshawaria, Lighthouse
10:30 – 11:20
Networking & Refreshments Chadra Foyer
11:20 – 12:10
End State: Distribution as a Career Path and Field of Study Chadra 1
HEDNA is creating a global cooperative of education experts, industry leaders and associations to bring awareness to the importance of Distribution as a discipline and career path. This discussion will bring together representatives from all three fields to highlight the importance of leadership, upskilling our workforce and attracting and developing the next generation.
HEDNA is creating a global cooperative of education experts, industry leaders and associations to bring awareness to the importance of Distribution as a discipline and career path. This discussion will bring together representatives from all three fields to highlight the importance of leadership, upskilling our workforce and attracting and developing the next generation.
Natalie Kimball, Shiji; Pippa Williamson, HBX Group; Samantha Lauver-Marion, AIHM
12:10 – 12:30
State of Distribution Report – APAC Edition Chadra 1
Together with NYU and RateGain, we surveyed over 140 hoteliers from around the world. This report reveals important findings, recurring themes and a look at how our teams are converging and working closer than ever.
Together with NYU and RateGain, we surveyed over 140 hoteliers from around the world. This report reveals important findings, recurring themes and a look at how our teams are converging and working closer than ever.
Gyan Khurana, Dusit International; Gomti Shankar, RateGain; Lisa Murphy, XanderPay
12:30 – 13:30
Networking & Lunch Chadra 2
13:30 – 14:00
State of Distribution Report – Hoteliers Weigh In Chadra 1
Our Day in the Life continues. These sessions are meant to shine a light on how hoteliers spend their days. Drawing upon our State of Distribution Report, we’ll hear directly from hotel leaders on what works, what doesn’t and solution gaps in the market.
Our Day in the Life continues. These sessions are meant to shine a light on how hoteliers spend their days. Drawing upon our State of Distribution Report, we’ll hear directly from hotel leaders on what works, what doesn’t and solution gaps in the market.
Emilie Couton, D-EDGE; Ollie Ansell, Accor; Tom Thrussel, Centara Hotels & Resorts; Tarn Panita Woonpanit, The Siam
14:00 – 14:30
Mastering Hotel Distribution in Asia-Pacific: Strategies for Success Chadra 1
This session will dive into technology adoption by region. What tools are best equipped to match traveler trends with commercial goals. Do we have the right tech stack, what are we overlooking and how to avoid one size fits all pitfalls across APAC, Europe and the US.
This session will dive into technology adoption by region. What tools are best equipped to match traveler trends with commercial goals. Do we have the right tech stack, what are we overlooking and how to avoid one size fits all pitfalls across APAC, Europe and the US.
Mirja Sickel, Amadeus; Anson Lau, Shiji Distribution Solutions
14:30 – 15:00
Navigating Policy and Partnership Opportunities in APAC Chadra 1
As new trends in the APAC travel landscape reshape the way digital platforms and indirect distribution channels operate, collaboration between industry and policymakers will be essential to fostering innovation. The Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA) will offer insights into policy developments shaping the broader travel and tourism ecosystem — from AI adoption and digital service taxes to data regulation. Learn how ATTIA views this evolving landscape, and explore opportunities for building meaningful partnerships between policymakers and industry players.
As new trends in the APAC travel landscape reshape the way digital platforms and indirect distribution channels operate, collaboration between industry and policymakers will be essential to fostering innovation. The Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA) will offer insights into policy developments shaping the broader travel and tourism ecosystem — from AI adoption and digital service taxes to data regulation. Learn how ATTIA views this evolving landscape, and explore opportunities for building meaningful partnerships between policymakers and industry players.
Mark Chan, Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA)
15:00 – 15:30
Networking & Refreshments Chadra Foyer
15:30 – 16:10
Unlock Hidden Revenue: Driving and Yielding Your Wholesale Rate Distribution Chadra 1
Suboptimal yield management resulting from complex wholesale rate distribution can lead to significant revenue losses for hoteliers. However, there’s a solution: technology. Advanced analytics and dynamic rate management systems empower hoteliers to optimize pricing strategies and regain control over their distribution. By embracing these innovations, hoteliers can simplify wholesale rate management, address revenue leaks, and refocus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional hospitality.
Suboptimal yield management resulting from complex wholesale rate distribution can lead to significant revenue losses for hoteliers. However, there’s a solution: technology. Advanced analytics and dynamic rate management systems empower hoteliers to optimize pricing strategies and regain control over their distribution. By embracing these innovations, hoteliers can simplify wholesale rate management, address revenue leaks, and refocus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional hospitality.
Damien Pfirsch, Agoda; Nichlas Maratos, Dusit Hotels & Resorts; Sascha Seefried, Jumeirah
16:10 – 16:35
Can Payment Solutions Create Demand? Chadra 1
With the rest of world looking to Asia for best practices in payments, the region is innovating at lightning speed and solutions abound. However, there is still much to be learned and engineered for widespread adoption and efficiencies. We’ll discuss trends, key players and so much more as we break down the PayTech state of play.
With the rest of world looking to Asia for best practices in payments, the region is innovating at lightning speed and solutions abound. However, there is still much to be learned and engineered for widespread adoption and efficiencies. We’ll discuss trends, key players and so much more as we break down the PayTech state of play.
Jun Lai, DerbySoft; Vishal Mehta, Travel & Payments
16:35 – 17:05
HSMAI Asia Pacific Presents: Qualifying Channels and Sales Opportunities Chadra 1
This session brings HSMAI’s expertise and perspective to the HEDNA audience. Ever wonder how sales teams identify and prioritize third party partner opportunities? We’ll discuss the commercialization of distribution and so much more.
This session brings HSMAI’s expertise and perspective to the HEDNA audience. Ever wonder how sales teams identify and prioritize third party partner opportunities? We’ll discuss the commercialization of distribution and so much more.
Michael Belanger, GCP Hospitality; Alla Korchevaia, The Standard Hotel; Mathieu Verhaeghe, Accor
17:05 – 17:35
The Rise of Super Apps: Redefining Digital Ecosystems Chadra 1
Join us for an engaging fireside chat with Isriya Paireepairit from LINE MAN Wongnai to explore the phenomenon of “Super Apps” — the all-in-one platforms that are reshaping the digital landscape. From WeChat to LINE, these apps are revolutionizing how consumers interact with services, blending social, financial, e-commerce, and more into seamless, integrated experiences. Let’s learn more about how those technologies are used in the wider hospitality space, including both hotels and F&B, to explore what are the opportunities in leveraging them for revenue growth and operational optimization.
Join us for an engaging fireside chat with Isriya Paireepairit from LINE MAN Wongnai to explore the phenomenon of “Super Apps” — the all-in-one platforms that are reshaping the digital landscape. From WeChat to LINE, these apps are revolutionizing how consumers interact with services, blending social, financial, e-commerce, and more into seamless, integrated experiences. Let’s learn more about how those technologies are used in the wider hospitality space, including both hotels and F&B, to explore what are the opportunities in leveraging them for revenue growth and operational optimization.
Isriya Paireepairit, LINE MAN Wongnai; Nadia Petropoulou, Cloudbeds
17:35 – 17:45
Closing Remarks Chadra 1
17:45 – 18:45
Wine Down Reception Chadra Foyer
