The theme, “Innovating for the Future of Boutique Hospitality” runs through every session, every speaker, and every connection made. From wellness retreats to floating hotels, the summit boldly explores what’s next for an industry where scale takes a backseat to story, experience, and human connection.

“Boutique is more than a size—it’s a mindset,” said Betsy Sweat, co-founder of The Boutique Hotel Series. “This summit is for the visionaries—those who build with heart, lead with soul, and believe that hospitality should be personal, beautiful, and meaningful. We’re here to celebrate the values that define boutique hospitality: authenticity, personalization, and innovation.”

The main program opens with the Opening Keynote: Breaking Boundaries – The Rise of Boutique Hotels in Asia Pacific, delivered by Jinou Park (Founder, Normal), who will chart the rise of boutique hotels in Asia Pacific and explore what truly defines the category.

In Jaya House – A Curated Journey into Boutique Hotels, attendees will hear from Christian de Boer (Managing Director, Jaya House), Caspar Schmidt (Founder, QCC Collection), and Dino Sukosol Clapp (Director & Co-owner, Sukosol Hotels) as they share insights on how deeply personal guest experiences are redefining success in the boutique space.

The Power Play: Who Holds the Keys to Boutique Hotel Success? will examine the dynamic between investors, operators, and owners. Panelists include Rena Udomkunnatum (Chairwoman, Valanti Group Co., Ltd), Alan Wong (Hotelier, The Luma Hotel & CEO, Magma Property SDN BHD), Ross Cooper (General Manager, Andaz One Bangkok), and Markus Aklin (Vice President of Development, Langham).

Design takes the spotlight in Reimagining the Future of Boutique Hospitality Design: One-ness, a conversation with Clint Nagata (Founder, Blink) and Catherine Shaw (Architecture and Design Writer), exploring how unity and harmony are shaping immersive hospitality spaces.

In Experiential Retreats: Lifestyle, Wellness & the New Escape, Michelle Ford (Founding Partner & CEO, Lumina Wellbeing and GM, Namia River Retreat), Rakesh Patel (Director, Vikasa Retreat Koh Samui), and Thomas Meier (Design Director, HBA Bangkok) will join moderator Hannah R. Hutchinson (Business Development Director, 1508 London) to explore how wellness-driven properties are offering more than just rest—they’re offering transformation.

A View from the Top: Redefining Luxury in Boutique Hotels will spotlight senior leaders like Alexander Schillinger (General Manager, The Sukhothai Bangkok), Madelaine Chan (Senior Director Brand & Commercial APAC, Design Hotels), and Jagdish Sandhu (Director of Development, SLH Southeast Asia), exploring how today’s luxury guests value experience over excess.

In The Soul of Luxury: How Boutique Hotels Redefine Unforgettable Experiences, Jason Friedman (Founder, J.M. Friedman Hospitality) will present on how emotion and authenticity—not opulence—define high-end boutique stays.

The session Welcome to the Hood: Transforming Neighborhoods into Thriving Boutique Destinations features insights from Andrew Taylor (Founder, Cre8tive Hotels & Lifestyle), Anmol Bhojwani (Head of Development, Generator), Ben Gattie (CEO, Triple P Group), and Christian Long (Member Relationship Director, Mandala Club Singapore) on how placemaking, regeneration, and community engagement can elevate a property’s footprint and reputation.

Beyond Aesthetics: The Transformative Role of Art in Hotel Collections brings Alison Pickett (Art Consultant & Curator) and Catherine Shaw back together to discuss how art curation can elevate a hotel’s ambiance and guest journey far beyond traditional décor.

In a world where repeat bookings are rare but influence is high, No Room for Return? Winning Boutique Hotel Strategies for a One-Stay World brings together Martha Waslen (Founder, DayAway), Matthew Lo (CEO, Advant), Pooja Bhaskar (COO, Advant), and Leanne Reddie (Chief Commercial Officer, Chedi Hospitality) to talk about guest magnetism in the age of social storytelling.

The adventurous side of hospitality is explored in Designing the Drift: Crafting Experiential Luxury in Floating Boutique Hotels, where David Hodkinson (Co-Founder, Studio Noor) and Catherine Shaw discuss how innovation is literally setting sail.

Meet the Future – Next Generation Leaders introduces the rising stars shaping the industry’s next wave, including Nida Wongphanlert (Managing Director & Owner, 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts), Shin Nuriya (CIO, SYLA Technologies; Director, TRUNK Co., Ltd), Siradej Donavanik (Vice President – Global Development, Dusit International), and Belmond Lee (APAC Brand Portfolio Director, Design Hotels).

Entrepreneurial energy gets the spotlight during The Pitch: Boutique Hotel Business Plans in Focus, where fresh hospitality concepts will be presented to an expert panel for live feedback and strategic insights.

The event concludes with Closing Keynote: Crafting the Future of Boutique Luxury, presented by Renae Leith-Manos (Luxury Travel Writer & Critic), who brings a global perspective on what makes a boutique stay stand out in the modern luxury landscape.

From curated panels to curated cocktails, the event offers attendees more than a learning opportunity—it’s a place to belong. A place where ideas are born, relationships take root, and the future of boutique hospitality is thoughtfully crafted.

There’s still time to join this remarkable gathering of minds and makers. Registration and full details available at The Boutique Hotel Series.

Source