CPH Hotels: People and technology in harmony – the 2024 annual conference provides impetus for the future.
Schwarzenberg, November 18, 2024 – At its annual conference at the Country Partner Hotel Neustädter Hof in Schwarzenberg, the hotel network CPH Hotels impressively demonstrated how the interplay between people, technology and sustainability can shape the future of the hotel industry. The event brought together hoteliers, industry partners and experts with a varied program, inspiring presentations and intensive discussions.
Thematic focus: Five pillars of cooperation
Several years ago, CPH hoteliers had already defined the five most important key topics for their collaboration in an internal survey: Exchange of experience, sales, digitalization, HR and sustainability. These focal points were recently reconfirmed and formed the central theme of the conference. Sabine Möller, founder and Managing Director of CPH Hotels, emphasized the close links between these topics in her opening speech: “Regardless of whether we are talking about sales, digitalization or sustainability, these are no longer isolated processes. The interlinking of these areas, from HR/employee empowerment, sales and sustainability to technology, is the key to remaining competitive in the future.”
Highlights of the conference: Exchange, practice and inspiration
The conference offered numerous highlights that focused on both professional exchange and practical application:
Speed dating and ideas table: a real highlight was the speed dating, where hoteliers and industry partners had the opportunity to exchange ideas in short, intensive conversations. The motto was – everyone talks to everyone – the perfect basis for the rest of the event! This was complemented by an “ideas table” prepared by the CPH office in Hamburg. Here, participants were able to gather practical suggestions on the topics of sustainability and HR and expand the collection with their own ideas.
The CPH Hotel Park Soltau is a real beacon when it comes to sustainability: Annalena Engelking, responsible for project and quality management at the Hotel Park Soltau, presented the first sustainability report of a CPH hotel, which was prepared in accordance with the criteria of the German Sustainability Code. With a comprehensive framework of practical measures and clear objectives, this report can serve as a blueprint for other CPH hotels in the future. Engelking emphasized: “Sustainability is not only a competitive advantage, but also a responsibility towards guests, employees and the environment.” Regional workshops on this topic are planned for early 2025.
Sales and digitalization in harmony: Marc Grützmacher and the CPH Hotels sales team showed how booking engines, channel management and revenue management form the basis for successful sales strategies. The latest technical developments were presented in collaboration with DIRS/TourOnline, happyhotel and SoftTec. “Efficient technology creates the basis, but success still depends on good, resilient personal networks,” said Grützmacher.
Robotics and AI were the topics of Jörg Holdenried/ Holdenried Consulting, FCSI and HOGA Consultant. He illustrated very clearly how artificial intelligence and robotics not only make processes more efficient, but also create freedom for employees. He emphasized: “Technology is a tool, not a replacement solution! It only works if we actively involve employees in the process.”
The presentation by Prof. Dr. Hartwig Bohne/ Head of the International Hotel Management course at SRH Dresden then focused on employees with an affinity for technology. In his presentation, he introduced the possibilities of the dual study program. At the same time, he clearly outlined the expectations of Generation Z and explained that a modern, technology-oriented approach is crucial for attracting and retaining young talent.
An atmospheric start and valuable encounters
The conference began on Saturday evening with an atmospheric reception in the beer garden of the CPH Hotel Neustädter Hof. A large fire bowl created a cozy atmosphere. Small, tasty snacks from “ein BISSchen Marquard” and welcome sparkling wine from Nektar Natura, who also presented their juice bar, were served. This was followed by a regional buffet in the Valentin restaurant. Small welcome gifts awaited the participants in their rooms, including regional products from host Daniel Frisch and additional gifts from sponsors Edna and Duni. The evening program included an excursion to the Schwarzenberg Railway Museum. It was not only the locomotives on display there that impressed the guests, but above all the enthusiasm with which the museum’s volunteers presented their treasures.
A conclusion with a clear message
The participants praised the intensive and very trusting exchange at the conference. “The future topics of digitalization, sustainability and HR were not only highlighted, but also underpinned with practical solutions. People won’t get anywhere without technology, but technology won’t work without people either. Let’s make the most of this symbiosis,” Möller concluded.
About CPH Hotels
CPH Hotels is a hotel cooperation based in Hamburg and unites around 30 privately managed three- to four-star hotels in Germany and Europe. Under the motto “Simply good hosts”, each member hotel stands for warm hospitality, local authenticity and personal service. With three clear cooperation lines – City Partner Hotels, Conference Partner Hotels and Country Partner Hotels – CPH Hotels offers tailor-made solutions for city, conference and country hotels. Since 1997, the cooperation has focused on independence, quality and success in the private hotel industry, and the managing partner is hotelier Sabine Möller. She is also an honorary member of the advisory board of the German Hotel Association (IHA).
Pressekontakt:
CPH Hotelmarketing GmbH
Walddörferstraße 126
D-22041 Hamburg
Telefon: +49 40 | 656941- 0
E-Mail: presse@cph-hotels.com
Website: www.cph-hotels.com
