The Hotel Expo Nigeria, one of the country’s biggest hospitality trade shows, is set to return to Lagos in September with its sixth edition.

The event, billed to hold at the Landmark Event Centre on September 29 and 30, 2025, is spearheaded by Joe Hanson, who has been pushing for higher service standards and global recognition for Nigeria’s hospitality sector since 2019.

According to Hanson, the idea behind the expo is to create a platform where hoteliers, designers, chefs, suppliers, tech innovators, policymakers and other players in the sector can collaborate instead of compete.

He said, “Nigeria’s hospitality potential should not only meet global standards, but it should also define them.”

Hanson, alongside his co-founders, Michael Yanai and Toni-anne Uwaifo, started the initiative after drawing inspiration from global expos in Dubai and other countries. Over the years, the project has grown into a hub for knowledge sharing, networking and business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) partnerships.

The 2025 edition, themed Strategise, Connect, Invest, is expected to attract over 60 exhibitors and more than 1,000 guests. Organisers said it will feature masterclasses and conferences led by international experts who will engage participants on new ideas shaping the industry.

Earlier editions focused largely on hotels, restaurants, interior design and entertainment. But in recent years, the expo has expanded to include finance, manufacturing, tourism and technology.

Hanson noted that the consistent growth of the event shows the link between hospitality and tourism, stressing that both industries must work together for Nigeria to see stronger returns on investment.