The future of hospitality at EquipHotel in Paris

It's a well-known fact that significant life changes often happen as a result of some sort of crisis or challenging situation; facing difficult-to-manage circumstances can help motivate and mobilise initiatives that lead to transformations and improvements. The consequences of the recent health crisis have had such an impact on individuals all over the world that many have chosen to re-evaluate their lifestyles and introduce serious changes; conscious choices have been made. 

The Paris-based hospitality tradeshow, EquipHotel, has done its homework. Both the overall theme ‘Conscious Hospitality’ and the outlined ambitions for this year’s edition is a testament to this. By means of market reports, statistics, research and analysis concerning the hospitality sector’s situation over the last number of years, EquipHotel proposes that the industry needs to carefully consider before planning and investing for the future. Enlightened and aware, it lays bare the realities about an industry which has been going through a difficult and challenging period, while also communicating with enthusiasm and optimism how this situation can be seen as a positive and important possibility for transformation.    

‘Society is changing,’ says director of EquipHotel, Béatrice Gravier. ‘Behaviour and professions are also changing. We have to adapt. EquipHotel will be increasing the number of debates and expert perspectives to help hospitality and food service professionals anticipate, take on board and overcome these changes.’ A programme with more than 100 conference sessions in five days has been planned. Questions will be asked, and solutions will be suggested. On pressing topics such as how to build, renovate and design for a greener future, architects, designers, environmental experts and leaders from the construction industry will also be offering their views and advice.   

Cédric Martineaud, creative director at the 14 Septembre agency in Paris, has listed a number of subjects planned to be given special attention at this year’s show, such as the renewed emphasis on craftsmanship and artisans, the merging of indoor and outdoor spaces, collective living in hybrid and modular spaces, today’s remote working habits and how to produce while caring for each other as well as for the planet. As an example, one of the conference talks will focus on ‘the role of arts and craftsmanship in creating human-centred and unifying spaces’, and in another session, they will be asking the question ‘How can we take ownership of our environmental impact?’, making sustainability an integral part of the design process.

Questions on how to make impactful choices in a consumer-led industry like the hospitality sector might seem puzzling or utopian, yet the programme of conferences suggests both a pragmatic and constructive agenda with relevant hands-on topics. Architect and designer, Laurent Maugoust, will be both exhibiting and taking part in a conference session at the event, and he notes how his own office has become increasingly aware of the local market and the importance of material sourcing and eco-friendliness, in general. And Maugoust stands behind his words by making sure that all the materials and equipment used for their exhibition space at the show will be recycled.   

Apart from the comprehensive programme of talks and debates, EquipHotel will present an extensive number of exhibitors, all participating to create B2B dialogue and drive business in the hospitality and restaurant industry. Spread over the four main themes – Design, Well-being, Technology and Services and Foodservices – 1,200 French and international exhibitors will reveal their newest products and innovations. Visitors will be able to connect with other professionals within a context where conscious development has been chosen as the principal objective, and return home with new discoveries and knowledge – not to mention a sense of optimism and hope, and an awareness that a transformation based on strong human values is a necessity as well as just a common goal.

Visit the Equip Hotel registration page and use the promo code IPIARCTNC to get your free ticket for the event.

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