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Why hospitality partnerships matter: what we learned from consultant conversations

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Hospitality is a people-first industry. Connections matter. True partnerships are about building momentum together, sharing knowledge and creating space for honest conversations about where our industry is heading next.

In 2025, our consultant partner events brought that idea to life across multiple markets. From expansive group events to intimate roundtables, each gathering had a simple goal: bring smart, passionate people together and give them something genuinely useful to take away.

As we head into a new year, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what we learned from these events – and how they set the tone for even more collaboration ahead.

Hospitality Horizons – learning that goes beyond the product

Hospitality Horizons is our long-running series of partner events designed for our consultant partners. It’s not a sales forum, but a place to deepen understanding and broaden perspective.

In 2025, we explored the state of hospitality and where it’s moving next. Mews product deep dives were a core part of the agenda – from Payments to RMS – but they were always framed within a wider industry context. We explored questions like:

  • How do modern payment flows remove friction for both guests and staff?
  • What does AI-powered revenue management actually change for a property?
  • Where do consultants see the biggest opportunities for their clients?

These sessions weren’t one-way presentations, but conversations. Consultants shared experiences from the field, compared approaches across markets, and challenged us with the realities they see every day.

The result was shared learning on both sides. Partners increased their knowledge of the Mews ecosystem, while we gained sharper insight into how consultants are helping hotels navigate complexity on the ground.

Edwin Jarrin, Strategic Revenue Manager, said:

“Huge shoutout to Mews for hosting such an awesome dinner in London! Great vibes, great people, and even better conversations. Loved chatting with fellow tech-minded folks about automation, AI, and all the cool ways we can make hospitality smarter and more connected.

Nights like this remind me how fast the industry is moving and how fun it is to be part of it. Can’t wait for the next one!”

Smaller rooms, deeper conversations

Alongside larger Hospitality Horizons events, the consultant roundtables proved the value of going smaller.

With fewer people in the room, discussions went deeper. The focus shifted from broad trends to real-world implications – especially around automation, AI and the pace of change in hospitality.

One presentation on AI sparked particularly valuable debate, not because it promised quick wins, but because it acknowledged reality. The industry is moving too fast for anyone to navigate alone.

Consultants spoke openly about the pressure hoteliers face. Fragmented systems, too many options, too much noise. What they need is clarity, trust and partners who understand how all the pieces fit together.

These conversations reinforced why roundtables matter. They bring together diverse perspectives from across the consulting community and create space for ideas that don’t always surface on a conference stage.

Senna Baillie, Founder & CEO, Coir Consulting & ääni, said:

“Such a great night – brilliant conversations and the energy was spot on. I think Mews did an awesome job with just the right mix of people – many laughs were had along the way too!! Loved talking future-ready hospitality. Roll on the next one!”

Product clarity, shared openly

Another consistent takeaway from 2025 events was the appetite for transparency.

Consultants value clear understanding of technology today and where it’s going next. Not just feature lists, but strategic intent. Across sessions, we covered topics like:

  • The evolution of Mews Payments and upcoming payment options
  • The future of RMS, including the transition to Mews RMS and expansion into F&B revenue optimization
  • DataChat and the move toward agentic AI – systems that don’t just assist, but act
  • Self-service kiosks, mobile access and deeper integrations across the Marketplace
  • Connectivity, from Amadeus GDS to expanding lock integrations

These discussions weren’t about positioning Mews as everything to everyone. They were about showing how an open, flexible platform allows partners to build the right solutions for each hotel.

That openness builds trust. And trust is what turns collaboration into long-term partnership.

Building a connected community

Beyond the agendas and presentations, what stood out most was the energy in the rooms.

Consultants connecting with other consultants. Tech-minded conversations about automation and orchestration. Honest debates about where AI helps and where human expertise remains critical.

There was also strong interest in building better ways to connect expertise across the industry. Feedback confirmed a shared need for trusted communities that help decision-makers find the right support without the noise.

These events didn’t just strengthen individual relationships – they helped connect the ecosystem itself.

Looking ahead to what’s next

If 2025 showed us anything, it’s that the most valuable partnerships are built in dialogue, not slide decks.

Our events proved that when you combine shared learning with genuine conversation, everyone leaves stronger. More informed, more connected, and more confident in the role they play for their clients.

2026 promises to be a truly transformational year for hospitality. This makes the role of the consultant more important and valuable than ever. Throughout the year, we’ll provide more opportunities to come together, more focused sessions and more space for collaboration.

Together, we’ll continue to shape what comes next.