A Dynamic Opening: Surf Shirt Chic Sets the Tone
The conference kicked off with a welcome event at the newly opened Mondrian Gold Coast, where attendees were encouraged to embrace a light-hearted surf shirt chic dress code. This relaxed atmosphere allowed leaders to connect with one another in a more informal setting before diving into the more intense discussions that would follow. A sunrise Surf Life Saving session hosted at the Northcliffe Surf Club further embraced the region’s lifestyle and provided a refreshing moment of well-being for the delegates.
Thought-Leadership, Innovation, and Business Strategy
The following two days at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre were packed with a full agenda of keynote speeches, business deep dives, breakout workshops, and thought-leadership forums. With the guidance of MC Melissa Doyle, the sessions focused on critical areas of hospitality, including people and culture, loyalty programs, brand strategy, commercial planning, operational excellence, and responsible hospitality.
Keynote Insights from Accor’s Global Leaders
The conference featured notable global leaders, including Jean-Jacques Morin, Accor’s Group Deputy CEO, who opened the proceedings with a keynote addressing the ever-evolving travel landscape. Morin emphasized the importance of agility and resilience, noting that such qualities are integral to maintaining strong performance across every business level. Patrick Laurent, Accor’s CFO for the Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, also took the stage, sharing insights into Accor’s financial strategy, investment priorities, and the significance of financial resilience for the company’s sustained growth.
A highlight of the conference was the dynamic panel discussion with leaders from Accor’s Middle East, Africa, Turkey, and Asia Pacific regions. Led by Duncan O’Rourke, the discussion showcased the diversity and innovation at the heart of Accor’s global presence, providing valuable insights into how different regions are shaping the future of hospitality.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders
A special segment of the conference, the Emerging Leaders Forum, brought together aspiring General Managers for an afternoon of development and insight into leadership in hospitality. This forum featured a Q&A session with industry veterans Neil Scanlan from Colliers and Llewelyn Wyeth from Accor, who offered practical advice on navigating ownership and management in the hotel sector. Furthermore, the LEAD workshop encouraged participants to co-create solutions to real-world business challenges, fostering collaborative problem-solving among the future leaders of the industry.
An Inspirational Closing by Curtis McGrath
The conference reached its emotional peak with a powerful session from Australian Paralympic gold medalist Curtis McGrath. McGrath shared his personal story of resilience, service, and transformation, which inspired the audience to reflect on the deeper impact of their work. His message resonated with leaders, urging them to think beyond business outcomes and consider their contribution to people, purpose, and possibility.
The Future of Brand Strategy
Brand strategy was also a focal point of the conference. Global Brand Presidents Benoit Racle and Jean-Yves Minet led in-depth forums on how Accor’s brands are evolving to meet the needs of tomorrow’s travelers. These discussions provided a behind-the-scenes look at how the company is positioning itself to stay ahead of market trends and anticipate the shifting expectations of guests. The sessions explored how the brands are innovating in response to new demands for sustainability, flexibility, and exceptional experiences.
Supplier Hub: Showcasing Innovation and Partnerships
A dynamic Supplier Hub at the conference provided an interactive space where partners and sponsors showcased their products and services. This marketplace served as a vital connector between Accor’s operational needs and the innovative solutions provided by key suppliers. The Supplier Hub underscored the importance of partnerships in driving future-facing innovations across the hospitality industry.
Accor Pacific Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Hospitality
The conference culminated with the prestigious 2025 Accor Pacific Awards, held at a Gala Dinner on June 24. This event recognized the exceptional performance of individuals and hotels within the Accor network. Novotel Perth Murray Street received the top honor as Hotel of the Year for its all-around operational excellence. Other winners included The Sebel Twin Towns Coolangatta, which claimed the Art of Hospitality award for outstanding guest experience, and Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff, which was recognized for its leadership in responsible hospitality.
The awards ceremony also included a special address by Mr. Pierre-André Imbert, Ambassador of France to Australia, who spoke about Accor’s French heritage and its significant contributions to the global hospitality industry. The evening was capped with a thrilling live performance by Sneaky Sound System, an iconic Australian music act whose high-energy set had attendees dancing into the night.
Leadership for the Future of Hospitality
Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor Pacific, wrapped up the conference with a closing remark that highlighted the core values driving the company’s growth. He emphasized that leadership in today’s hospitality industry is about more than just performance. It’s about creating partnerships, making a positive impact, and fostering a purpose-driven organization. Accor’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and high performance was evident throughout the conference, reaffirming the company’s ambition to be the most innovative and sustainable hospitality network in the region.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
The 2025 Pacific Leaders’ Conference of Accor was successfully able to bring together its best hospitality sector minds, inspiring innovation, strategic planning, and collaboration. It reaffirmed its focus on sustainable development, operational superiority, and delivering unforgettable guest experiences. With its future direction, Accor’s leadership group stands ready to continue to set Pacific region hospitality benchmarks.
References: Official Accor Group Website, Queensland Government
Image Credit: Official Accor Group Website
Tags: Pacific’s hotel operator, Accor, Hospitality,
