Hospitality Leaders Move to Bridge Industry Knowledge Gap
Charles Ajunwa
For the past seven years, the Hotel Managers Conference Africa (HMCA) has led efforts to transform the hospitality industry through impactful knowledge-sharing conferences that bring together top professionals to tackle the sector’s most pressing challenges.
As Nigeria’s hospitality industry evolves to meet growing demand for better service and global best practices, the Hotel Managers Conference Africa remains a leading platform for industry transformation.
From enhancing service delivery and driving sales growth to fostering healthy competition and collaboration among hoteliers, the conference has steadily evolved into one of the hospitality sector’s most influential gatherings.
This year’s edition of HMCA 2026 will place a strong emphasis on bridging the talent and knowledge gap within the hospitality sector while promoting professionalism, innovation, and leadership across the industry.
The two-day conference, scheduled for July 11 and 12 in Lagos, will bring together about 24 leading professionals and hospitality experts to lead discussions on workforce productivity, hospitality operations, service standards, and technology adoption.
Among the distinguished speakers expected at the conference are Prof. Wasiu Babalola, who will deliver the keynote address, alongside Martin Bredenoord, Karl Hala, Funke Olusoga Ogunlade, and Benedicta Ogar.
The conference was officially unveiled during a press briefing at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel, where stakeholders from across the hospitality and tourism industry gathered to reaffirm their support for the initiative. OPay was also announced as the headline sponsor of the conference.
Speaking at the briefing, Chukwudimma Ezembamlu, Director of Hospitality, Fuel and Gas (Key Account Merchant) at OPay, said the company partnered HMC Africa as headline sponsor to help tackle payment collection challenges within the hospitality sector.
According to him, the company identified significant gaps in payment processing across hotels and hospitality businesses and has developed tailored solutions designed to ensure seamless and transparent payment systems.
He explained that the partnership is in line with the company’s broader objective of promoting financial inclusion through technology.
Speaking on preparations for the conference, Convener, Olugbenga Omotayo Sunday, noted that this year’s edition is adopting a more structured and intentional approach, including the establishment of a dedicated learning and development department.
According to him, all keynote sessions, workshops, and panel discussions have been deliberately structured within a learning and development framework to ensure participants derive practical value from the conference.
He added that this year’s edition will place strong emphasis on sales, standards, and service delivery, stressing that the goal is for every attendee to leave the event significantly impacted.
