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NextGen: Investment Forum

11 May 2025, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh

Co-located with:

FHS

Saudi Arabia

Sponsored by:

• Our Objectives • Our Objectives • Our Objectives • Our Objectives • Our Objectives • Our Objectives • Our Objectives • Our Objectives

Building a Community of Educators and Industry Experts

Creating a network of hospitality educators, industry practitioners, and potential employers who can collaborate and share insights on best practices, further enriching the learning environment.

Pathways to Career Growth

Creating direct career opportunities through mentorship programs, networking events, and partnerships that connect emerging talent with industry leaders and potential employers.

Bridging the Skills Gap

Offering insights on industry-aligned ducation and practical training tailored to the needs of Saudi Arabia's fast-growing hospitality sector.

Empowering Saudi Nationals

Emphasizing local talent development with a particular focus on increasing female participation in the hospitality workforce, in line with Vision 2030’s inclusivity goals.

Public-Private Collaboration

Fostering partnerships with key government agencies, giga-projects (like NEOM and Red Sea Global), and private sector leaders to align educational programs with real-world industry demands.

Featured Speakers

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• Key Components • Key Components • Key Components • Key Components • Key Components • Key Components • Key Components • Key Components

Focus on Education

Saudi Arabia's education sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by a strong demand for both general and hospitality education. The Kingdom's Vision 2030 emphasises the importance of developing a knowledgeable and capable workforce to support the sustainable growth of the hospitality industry. The NextGen Investment Forum aims to address these needs by bringing together key stakeholders.

Partners

We will partner with government entities, giga projects, educational institutions, and international education industry leaders - along with innovative tech companies that are disrupting education through AI, VR and hybrid/remote learning. The forum aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem that supports education and career development.

Public-Private Partnerships

Strong public-private partnerships are essential for driving innovation and investment in education. We will facilitate these collaborations to ensure that educational programs are aligned with industry needs and provide students with the skills required for future job markets.

Solution Driven

The format of this forum is designed to encourage delegates to collaborate and address the most pressing and important questions related to education and training in Saudi Arabia's hospitality industry.

• Key Goals • Key Goals • Key Goals • Key Goals • Key Goals • Key Goals • Key Goals • Key Goals

The NextGen Investment Forum aims to inspire top leaders to come together and tackle the most pressing questions surrounding education, training, and talent retention in Saudi Arabia's hospitality industry.

The afternoon will feature a dynamic series of roundtable discussions centered on key themes:

Investing in Our People for a Future-Ready Hospitality Industry

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry Needs

Exploring Funding and Investment Opportunities in Hospitality Education

Enhancing the Industry's Appeal to Retain Talent and Reduce Turnover

This engaging format will foster collaboration and actionable insights to shape the future of the sector.

2025 NextGen Forum Programme

15:30 - 16:00  30m

Summit Stage

Rethinking Hospitality Schools: Education, Experience & Environment

Click here to watch online

Click here to view AI summary

Moderator

A.J. Singh

Professor
UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship

In conversation with

Dr.Fabien Fresnel

Chief Executive Officer
The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality

Glenn Mandziuk

President & CEO
World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Muin Serhan

Chief Executive Officer
Amsa Hospitality

16:00 - 16:15  15m

Summit Stage

UN Tourism Presents: Tourism Education Guidelines

Click here to watch online

Click here to view the AI summary

Luis Nicolas Barrios

Regional Manager Innovation Education and Investment
UN Tourism

16:15 - 16:45  30m

Summit Stage

How Can We Rebrand Hospitality Careers to Attract Saudi Youth?

Click here to watch online

Click here to view the AI summary

Moderator

Lameese Damiri

Senior Education Specialist
UNTourism

In conversation with

Dr. Abeer Alamri

Skills Development and Talent Optimization Expert

Ibrahim Osta

Global Tourism Lead and Senior Economic Growth Advisor
Chemonics International

Layla Alamri

Education Senior Manager
Red Sea Global

Paul Keen

Director of Operations and Culture
QUO

16:45 - 17:30  45m

Yanbu Breakout Room

The Guest Experience Reimagined: A Saudi Hospitality Design Challenge

Moderator

Ebrahim Al Qassab

Projects Director
Baraka for Real Estate Development & Investment

In conversation with

Joe Tabet

CEO & Managing Director
JT&Partners

Marloes Knippenberg

CEO
Kerten Hospitality

Dr. Fahad Al Otaibi

Senior Advisor at the Architecture & Design Commission
Ministry of Culture

Dr. Ahmed Abdulwahab Khan Alhashimi

Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO)
Sumou Investment Global

Summit Stage

What Are the Best Models for Ongoing Professional Development in Hospitality in Saudi Arabia?

Click here to watch online

Click here to view the AI summary

Adrian Artimov

Chief Commercial Officer
Sommet Education

Yasser Faisal Al-Sharif

Founder
Al Sadu Advisory

Imran Changezi

Executive Director Hospitality Development & Dean of Centre Expertise, CoE
Diriyah Company

Paul Kendall Stevens

Chief Operating Officer - MEA
AccorHotels Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC

Mohammed Marghalani

Chief Franchised Assets Officer
Dan Company, PIF Subsidiary

Future Stage

Masterclass: How engagement, culture and leadership make or break brand & property value in the region (and beyond)?

Click here to watch online

Moderator

Andre Wiringa

Founder and CEO
Start Reverse BV

In conversation with

Paul Bridger

Chief Operating Officer
Rove Hotels

Jan-Patrick Kruger

Managing Director
Pandox AB

Olivier Harnisch

Founder & CEO
Lunasole Hospitality

Sebastian Carre

Group Head of Hospitality-Operations
Red Sea Global