The 33rd CHME Conference took place from 20–23 May 2025 at the Edge Hotel School, University of Essex, bringing together close to 100 delegates from over 15 countries, including Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Canada, Turkey, and Australia. Themed “Transforming the Hospitality Sector through Innovation,” the event addressed the pressing challenges facing the hospitality and tourism sectors in a post-pandemic world. Participants included academics, doctoral researchers, practitioners, and students, all contributing to a diverse and impactful programme that spanned five thematic tracks, including hospitality management education and innovation in customer and employee experiences.
The conference began with a doctoral symposium and welcome reception at Wivenhoe House Hotel. Attendees were treated to three keynote addresses: Prof. Iis Tussyadiah explored AI’s future in hospitality, Duane Vinson delivered market insights on global hotel performance, and Dr. Shelagh Mooney challenged the audience to confront industry inequalities through a critical race lens. Nineteen parallel sessions hosted 54 paper presentations, with topics ranging from technological engagement to sustainable staffing. A symbolic tree-planting ceremony on Day 3 marked the commitment to growth and resilience, followed by a celebratory gala dinner. The event concluded with the handover to CHME 2026 host University of Surrey (9–12 June). Delegates praised the event’s clarity and staff professionalism, describing it as one of CHME’s best-organised conferences to date.