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Under the Patronage of

In-person Event

GEC Hospitality Technology Day 2024

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GEC Hotel Technology Day 2024 aims to convene global and regional technology CIOs and leaders, technology solution providers to explore solutions and drive innovation in the hospitality industry. This exclusive event will provide a platform for collaboration, sharing best practices, and exploring the latest advancements in hotel technology. Focused sessions will delve into three key areas: Futuristic Technology – Readiness & Impact, Cybersecurity in Hospitality, and Sustainability & Net Zero Initiatives.

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Key Themes

Futuristic Technology - Readiness & Impact

Discuss emerging technologies poised to transform the hospitality sector.
Explore the readiness of hotels to adopt and integrate AI, IoT, blockchain, and other innovations.
Assess the impact of futuristic technology on guest experiences, operational efficiency, and revenue generation.
With Digital Engagement -At every touch point, from discovery through booking, check in, on-property experience, check out, and post-stay engagement and loyalty, there are opportunities to engage, delight, and enhance revenue.

Cybersecurity in Hospitality

Technology in Sustainability and Net Zero goals

Target Audience

Event Objectives

Foster collaboration among technology leaders to address common challenges and opportunities.
Provide insights into cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of hospitality in real industry case study.
Inspire actionable strategies for enhancing cybersecurity and advancing sustainability goals in hotels.

Speakers

Lijeesh Rajan

Corporate Director of IT Strategy and Services, Rotana Hotels

Mohamed Slama

Project Director Global Guest Technology & Innovation, Accor

Amila Udana Karunaratne

Director of IT Operations- Hospitality, The First Group

Shanaka Perera

Senior Business IT Manager, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Ahmed Shawky

Regional Director of Information Technology | MEA, MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS – MEA

Ahmed Hafez

Corporate Director IT, Jannah Hotels & Resorts

Muhamed Noufel

Cluster IT Manager, Royal Continental Hotels & Suites

Mahmood Ahmed

Head – IT Operations, Media One Hotel

Mahmood Ahmed

Head – IT Operations, Media One Hotel

I currently serve as the Head of IT Operations at Media One Hotel, where my responsibilities encompass a diverse range of essential tasks. At the core of my role is the continuous advancement of our technological infrastructure. This involves identifying and implementing innovative solutions tailored to enhance the hotel's operations, from streamlining processes to optimizing cost-efficiency. A significant aspect of my role involves staying abreast of emerging technologies and trends, ensuring that Media One Hotel remains at the forefront of innovation within the hospitality industry. This proactive approach not only fosters operational excellence but also enhances the overall guest experience. Moreover, I play a pivotal role in managing vendor relationships, particularly those specializing in IT security. By collaborating with experts in the field, I ensure that our systems are fortified against potential cyber threats, safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining the trust of our guests.

In addition to overseeing the integration of new technologies, I am intricately involved in the day-to-day IT operations of the hotel. This includes managing the functionality of our various applications, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing support to staff members across different departments. Furthermore, I take pride in ensuring my team does the seamless execution of events hosted at Media One Hotel. Whether it's a corporate conference or a social gathering, They work diligently behind the scenes to ensure that all technical aspects run smoothly, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience. By carefully analyzing financial data and forecasting future needs, I ensure that our IT expenditures align with the hotel's strategic objectives while maximizing return on investment. Through meticulous budget management, I strive to strike a balance between innovation and cost-effectiveness, identifying opportunities to optimize spending without compromising on the quality of our technology infrastructure or services. This involves negotiating favorable contracts with vendors, implementing cost-saving measures where possible, and continuously seeking opportunities for efficiency improvements. By maintaining a firm grasp on our IT budget, I help drive

AGENDA

GCC Hotel Technology Day 2024

04:00 - 04:30 PM

Registration and Welcome Coffee

04:30 - 04:45 PM

Opening Remarks

Introduction to GEC Hotel Technology Day
Importance of Technology Innovation in Hospitality

04:45 - 05:00 PM

Keynote Address: Futuristic Technology - Readiness & Impact

Key Trends in Hospitality Technology
Adopting AI, IoT, and Blockchain: Challenges and Opportunities

05:00 - 05:45 PM

Panel 1: The Future of AI in Hospitality

Moderator:

Ahmed Hafez | Corporate Director IT | Jannah Hotels & Resorts

Panelist:

Muhamed Noufel | IT Manager | Royal Continental Hotel, Dubai

Amila Karunaratne | Director of IT Operations- Hospitality | The First Group

Mahmood Ahmed | Head – IT Operations | Media One Hotel

Ahmed Hafez

Muhamed Noufel

Amila Udana Karunaratne

Mahmood Ahmed

05:45 - 06:45 PM

Panel Discussion 2: Sustainability and Net Zero

Achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions
Technological Innovations in Sustainable Hospitality

Moderator:

Shanaka Perera | Head of IT | Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Developmenet Authority

Panelist:
Mohamed Slama | Project Director Global Guest Technology & Innovation | Accor

Lijesh Rajan | Corporate Director of IT Strategy & Services | Rotana

Ahmed Shawky | Regional Director of IT | Millenium Hotels and Resort

Shanaka Perera

Mohamed Slama

Lijeesh Rajan

Ahmed Shawky

06:45 - 07:30 PM

Case Studies and Best Practices

Successful Implementation of Technology Initiatives
Lessons Learned and Future Directions

07:30 - 08:00 PM

Deep Dive Workshops (3 Sessions)

Session I: Implementing AI and IoT in Hospitality
Session II: Enhancing Cybersecurity Measures
Session III: Sustainable Practices in Hotel Operations

08:00 - 08:30 PM

CAAS Hospitality Discussions

Collaborative Solutions for Industry Challenges

08:30 PM

Top 20 Champions Awards - Hospitality

Dinner and Networking

26

GEC Hospitality Technology Day 2024

IGNITE YOUR NETWORK

Key Themes

Futuristic Technology - Readiness & Impact

Cybersecurity in Hospitality

Technology in Sustainability and Net Zero goals

Target Audience

Event Objectives

Speakers

Lijeesh Rajan

Mohamed Slama

Amila Udana Karunaratne

Shanaka Perera

Ahmed Shawky

Ahmed Hafez

Muhamed Noufel

Mahmood Ahmed

AGENDA

GCC Hotel Technology Day 2024

Registration and Welcome Coffee

Opening Remarks

Keynote Address: Futuristic Technology - Readiness & Impact

Panel 1: The Future of AI in Hospitality

Panel Discussion 2: Sustainability and Net Zero

Case Studies and Best Practices

Deep Dive Workshops (3 Sessions)

CAAS Hospitality Discussions

Top 20 Champions Awards - Hospitality

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