Acclaimed chef and hotel expert announced for Hospitality Exchange 2025

Hospitality Exchange 2025 is set to return to the Crowne Plaza, Belfast on Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th October 2025, bringing together over 600 industry professionals for two days of inspiration, insight and celebration.

Organised by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, this year’s conference builds on its reputation as the region’s premier hospitality event. The Hospitality Exchange 2025 programme promises topical and interactive content, featuring thought-provoking panel discussions, inspirational success stories, and a dedicated networking lounge.

Aktar Islam, the celebrated Chef Patron of the two Michelin-starred restaurant Opheem, will be a headline speaker at this year’s event. As part of this special appearance, Aktar and his team will present an exclusive celebratory dinner on the evening of 13th October at The Merchant Hotel, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience the innovation and finesse behind Opheem’s award-winning cuisine.

Chef Aktar Islam said: “It is a real pleasure to be visiting Belfast and to take part in Hospitality Exchange 2025. Northern Ireland has a vibrant and growing food scene, and I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences, connecting with fellow professionals, and celebrating the incredible talent within the local hospitality industry.”

Born and raised in Birmingham, Aktar Islam is widely recognised as a pioneer of modern Indian gastronomy. In 2024, Opheem made history as one of only four Indian restaurants in the world to be awarded two Michelin stars.

Another highlight of this year’s programme is the Rising Stars Awards Lunch on 15th October, hosted by broadcaster Pamela Ballantine and headlined by hospitality icon Alex Polizzi.

Known to millions as The Hotel Inspector, Alex Polizzi brings decades of industry expertise, having launched and run successful hotels as part of the renowned Polizzi family. Alex will reflect on her career in hospitality and television, offering candid and practical leadership advice. The event will also honour emerging hotel talent, shining a light on the sector’s future leaders.

The 2025 programme is designed around three powerful themes:

• Excelling – Celebrating tourism as a vital economic driver, with case studies showcasing its positive impact on regional development and local communities.
• Engaging – Highlighting the power of hospitality to connect people and places, through meaningful guest experiences and inclusive, cross-community collaboration.
• Evolving – Demonstrating the sector’s adaptability and progress, fuelled by innovation, resilience and a forward-looking approach in a changing world.

With a dynamic mix of keynote speakers, panel discussions and peer-to-peer networking, Hospitality Exchange 2025 will offer practical insights for professionals across every area of the tourism and hospitality sector, from hoteliers and restaurateurs to destination marketers and visitor attractions.

The final conference programme will be announced in September. For updates and ticket information, visit hospitalityexchange.org.uk.