Hotel Expo Nigeria (HEN) has pledged to give greater value to stakeholders in the hospitality industry as it returns to Lagos for its seventh edition, with a focus on business, collaboration and strategic partnerships.
Convener of HEN, Joe Hanson, said the event was moving beyond visibility to create opportunities for businesses to collaborate and strike partnerships.

He said: “The next phase of HEN is about moving from visibility to value. We want people to leave HEN with more than contacts and conversations; we want them to leave with opportunities, collaborations, partnerships, and deals that can change the trajectory of their businesses. ‘Unlock, Explore, Build’ is not just a theme for us – it is a call to action for the industry.
“Since its establishment in 2019, HEN has evolved into a platform bringing together professionals and businesses across hospitality, tourism, technology, design, food and beverage, finance and related sectors.”
He disclosed that the 2026 edition will introduce the HEN Networking Roundtable, designed to facilitate high-level networking, strategic conversations and business engagement among key decision-makers.

The roundtable, to be held within the HEN Exhibition, will bring together hotel owners, hospitality consultants, investors, technology providers, brands and other industry stakeholders for curated discussions.

Co-Founder Michael Yanai expressed confidence in the initiative, stating that its curated format would enable stakeholders to engage directly, identify mutual interests and explore practical opportunities for collaboration.
The organisers will also introduce “Talk Sessions,” replacing the regular panel sessions. The format will feature 10-minute presentations focused on a single idea, with speakers expected to proffer solutions on specific topics.
Speakers include; Co-Founder, Jara Beach Resort & Lufasi Lodges, Millie Slade; Food, Beverage and Spa Manager, The Wheatbaker Hotel, Salome Danjuma; CEO, Aviators Magazine, Toni Ukachukwu; Group CEO, Club Conceirge International and GoTravelCC, Moyo Ogunsiende; Senior Director, Lodging Development – West Africa, Dami Adepoju; and Managing Director and CEO, Food Concepts Plc, Kofi Abunu.

Others are, President, ACAMB, Jide Sipe; FCA, FCTO, Principal Consultant, FTE Consulting and Deputy Vice President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Dr. Titilayo Fowokan; MD, W-Hospitality Group, Trevor Ward; Author, Strategist and Hospitality Expert, Bruce Prins; GM, Business Development & Strategy, Cruxstone Group, Utibe Bassey; and CEO, Bedrock Residences, Onyinye Okonji.

The organisers said HEN 2026 would provide a platform for stakeholders to examine the current state of the hospitality sector and explore the opportunities and partnerships needed to support its next phase of growth.
The event, scheduled for September 28 and 29, 2026, at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, will be held under the theme “Unlock, Explore, Build.”