In collaboration with Semark Group and Hospitality News Middle East Hodema organized and moderated a series of Talks during Saudi Horeca Riyadh which took place from November 22nd to 24th 2022. Several topics were tackled among which “Human resources in the spotlight and understanding Saudization” “”Women in the driving seat: how leadership roles are evolving in KSA’s hospitality sector” “”What new? Uncovering hot trends and the latest F&B concepts in the KSA”” and “”How hotel operators are contributing to Vision 2030″”.

As part of Horeca trade show Hodema moderated six panels during Horeca Connects which took place from March 22nd to 24th 2022 at Seaside Arena in Beirut. Numerous key players in the hospitality industry were gathered to discuss various topics among which “hospitality vision in Lebanon: public and private strategies” “Franchising: a smart escape for Lebanese brands?” “Human resources in Lebanon how to stop the talent bleed?” “Rural tourism: where are the new opportunities?” “Beyond 2022: GMs discuss what the future holds for Lebanon’s hospitality” and “Opportunities in times of crisis”.

Adapting to the new normal of digital exhibitions the first Saudi Horeca Live a virtual meeting place for the hospitality and foodservice industries highlighted more than 20 talks and roundtables. Nada Alameddine managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services moderated the panel “General Managers discuss challenges and the changing hospitality landscape” which occurred on September 7th 2021. Three general managers from well-known hotel brands talked about the challenges and the changing face of the hospitality industry in the kingdom. The sessions also highlighted the role of Vision 2030 in opening up Saudi Arabia to the world.

To watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RirxqvOhBOE

As part of a series of 12 talks powered by Hospitality News Middle East and funded by the USAID Lebanon Enterprise development (LED) project Nada Alameddine managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services moderated the panel “How travel agencies and tour operators in Lebanon can adapt and innovate” which was held on April 28th 2021. This final in a series of talks welcomed a panel of travel agents tour operators and tourism experts to discuss the current state of the industry and how to attract visitors to Lebanon. The panelists were: Jean Abboud president of the Association of Travel & Tourist Agents in Lebanon; Mohamad Fakih managing director of Concord Travel Int.; Aline Ghanem managing director of Exclusive Services Group; Georges Kmeid CEO & GM of Supreme Services Travel & Tourism; Amine Nasser GM of Saad Holding; and Rawan Rida director of sales and marketing at Rida International Travel & Tourism.

To watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAc2QdVxOBo

As part of a series of 12 talks powered by Hospitality News Middle East and funded by the USAID Lebanon Enterprise development (LED) project Nagi Morkos founder and managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services moderated the panel “Rethinking the future of Lebanese cuisine” which was held on April  22nd 2021. The 11th virtual roundtable welcomed a panel of renowned Lebanese chefs restaurateurs and entrepreneurs to share their views on how Lebanese cuisine can evolve. The panelists were: Youssef Akiki owner and managing partner of Kitchen Backstage and Brût restaurants; Joe Barza master chef and owner of Joe Barza Culinary Consultancy; Maroun Chedid chef and restaurateur; Alan Geaam Michelin star chef and owner of Restaurant Alan Geaam; Hussein Hadid chef caterer and food consultant at Hussein Hadid SAL; Mireille Hayek founder and owner of Em Sherif; and Philippe Massoud executive chef and owner of ilili brands.

To watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fLzKT3zSto

To watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7__qPS0Ox0k

As part of a series of 12 talks powered by Hospitality News Middle East and funded by the USAID Lebanon Enterprise development (LED) project Nagi Morkos founder and managing partner of Hodema Consulting Services moderated the panel “Changing perceptions: what Lebanese influencers and bloggers are doing to promote Lebanon” which was held on April 8th 2021. The ninth virtual roundtable gathered well-known bloggers social media influencers and communications professionals to interact virtuallyand suggest ways in which Lebanon can be promoted particularly online. The panel included: Eddy Bitar cofounder of Live Love Beirut; Marwan Habib managing partner of Yummy Solutions SARL; LisaJerejian editor of Lebanon Traveler and communications manager of Hospitality Services; Lucas Lamah managing partner ofBeiruting.com; Christina Naim blogger – Lebanon Eats & Traveling with Thyme; and Anthony Rahayel founder ofNoGarlicNoOnions.

To watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj2t9l5jBSQ

As part of a series of 12 talks powered by Hospitality News Middle East and funded by the USAID Lebanon Enterprise development (LED) project Nada Alameddine managing partner of Hodema Consulting Services moderated the panel “Lebanon’s general managers discuss challenges and the changing hospitality landscape” which was held on March 31st 2021. The eighth virtual roundtable invited hoteliers from some of Lebanon’s top properties to share their experiences and suggest ways in which tourism could be supported during these immensely uncertain times. The panel included: Chadi Gedeon GM of Mövenpick Hotel Beirut; Hala Massaad GM of Raouché Arjaan by Rotana; Cyril Mouawad hotel manager of Le Royal Hotel Beirut; Georges Ojeil GM of Four Seasons Hotel Beirut; Manrique Rodriguez GM of Phoenicia InterContinental Beirut; and Mark Timbrell GM of Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort

To watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unxCdPwaQrw

As part of a series of 12 talks powered by Hospitality News Middle East and funded by the USAID Lebanon Enterprise development (LED) project Nagi Morkos founder and managing partner of Hodema Consulting Services moderated the panel “From Lebanon to the world: connecting local brands to international buyers” which was held on March 25th 2021. The seventh virtual roundtable invited producers and importers to discuss challenges and opportunities and highlighted ways food and beverage firms in Lebanon could enter the export market. The panel included: Rani Azzi commercial director of Sodimo (France); Joseph Bitar CEO of Lebanos Food Trading; Marwan Fares CEO of Food Choice Companies; Fady Gemayel president of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI); Georges Nasrawi VP of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI); Laila Slim director of Tropifrais; Philippe Massoud founder and owner of ilili Restaurant and ilili Box; and Faouzi Issa co-owner and winemaker of Domaine des Tourelles.

To watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7los-6ps7y4

As part of a series of 12 talks powered by Hospitality News Middle East and funded by the USAID Lebanon Enterprise development (LED) project Nada Alameddine managing partner of Hodema Consulting Services moderated the panel “What Lebanon’s municipalities are doing to boost tourism” which was held on March 18th 2021. During this sixth virtual roundtable heads of municipalities and rural tourism specialists discussed what projects are being undertaken to encourage visitors to their regions. The panel included: Nazih Abi Semaan president of Ehmej Municipality; Khalil Harfouche president of the Union of Jezzine Municipalities; Joe Saad president of Rachaya El Wadi Municipality; Omar Sakr president of the Lebanon Mountain Trai lAssociation; Bassam Salameh president of Kfardebian Municipality; and Georges Youssef president of Menjez Municipality.

To watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAt5CK40Pas

As part of a series of 12 talks powered by Hospitality News Middle East and funded by the USAID Lebanon Enterprise development (LED) project Nagi Morkos founder and managing partner of Hodema Consulting Services moderated the panel “Guesthouses and alternative lodging in Lebanon: Smart marketing during an economic crisis” which took place on March 11th 2021. The fifth virtual roundtable gathered a panel of industry professionals including guesthouse owners and communication specialists to examine how guesthouses and privately run accommodations in Lebanon can promote themselves during dire economic conditions. The panel included: Lisa Jerejian editor of Lebanon Traveler and communications manager of Hospitality Services; Joseph Kalaydjian founder and CEO of Cheez Hospitality; Faysal Saab managing partner of Al-Haush Agritourism; Ramzi Salman founder and owner of Bkerzay eco village; Sarah Trad owner of Beit Trad; Mardig Troshagerian architect entrepreneur and Airbnb host; and Elsa Yazbek Charabati senior journalist travel and communication expert of Voyage Voyage bi Lebnen.

To watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzttA5wBAcQ

As part of a series of 12 talks powered by Hospitality News Middle East and funded by the USAID Lebanon Enterprise development (LED) project Nagi Morkos founder and managing partner of Hodema Consulting Services moderated the panel “The catering and events industries in Lebanon: adapting to a new normal” which was held on March 4th 2021. The fourth virtual roundtable invited a panel of industry professionals including chefs caterers and event planners to discuss the challenges the sector has faced as a result of Covid-19 economic paralysis and other factors. The panel included: Charles Arbid president of Lebanon’s Socio-Economic Council; Karim Audi owner and GM of Nicolas Audi Catering; Ghada Blanco founder of Ghada Blanco Weddings & Events; Nicolas Cattan owner and GM of Cat & Mouth Catering; Hussein Hadid chef caterer and food consultant; and Mariana Wehbe founder and creative director of Mariana Wehbe PR.

To watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dPtjpZ8y4A