By Ozolua Uhakheme
Convener of the Hotel Managers Conference Africa (HMCA) 2026, Mr. Omotayo Olugbenga Sunday, has reassured stakeholders that this year’s conference will mark a new phase in the growth of the platform.
He said the conference, scheduled to hold between July 11 and 12 at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, would not be “business as usual.”
“We are scaling up in all ramifications and it will be something phenomenal,” he said.
Sunday spoke during the unveiling of the conference headline sponsor, confirmed sponsors and speakers at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, last Tuesday.
He explained that the eighth edition of the conference aims to bridge the gap between international hotel brands and local operators in Nigeria.
Among stakeholders who pledged continued support at the unveiling ceremony were President of the Association of Tourism, Hospitality Consultants in Nigeria, Olatunde Oluloye; Vice President of the association, Adedayo Adesugba; President of the Restaurant, Café, Bar and Clubs Association, Morenike George-Taylor; General Manager of Ogeyi Place Hotel, Port Harcourt, Dr. Ebikaboere Seimodei; Group General Manager of Continental Hotels Group, Karl Hala; Director of Hospitality Key Account Business at OPay, Chukwudimma Ezembamalu; General Manager of Glocient Hospitality, Mr. Lanre Balogun; Benedicta Ogar; and other industry stakeholders.
“We want a situation where guests enjoy a consistent experience, whether in international or local hotels,” Sunday added.
According to him, HMCA, established in 2016, has grown into a major platform bringing together hospitality leaders to discuss management, operations, service delivery and industry trends.
He noted that despite initial challenges such as funding constraints and low industry acceptance, the conference has recorded steady growth in participation and stakeholder support over the years.
Sunday disclosed that the 2026 edition would adopt a more structured learning approach through a dedicated learning and development framework.
He explained that sessions would focus on key areas including sales, service standards and customer experience.
“We are intentional about what participants will learn. All our keynote sessions, workshops and panel discussions are designed to ensure participants are greatly impacted,” he said.
He also revealed that the conference would introduce mentoring and specialised breakout sessions tailored to different professionals within the hospitality industry. According to him, the initiative would create opportunities for direct engagement between experienced industry leaders and participants.
Sunday described hospitality as central to tourism development, noting that the sector plays a key role in promoting Nigerian culture and heritage.
“Every tourist experience begins with hospitality. From our cuisine to décor, hotels are already integrating Nigerian culture into their services,” he said.
He stressed that the eighth edition of the conference would continue to encourage the use of local content, including indigenous food, art and design, to improve guest experience and promote tourism.
However, he identified funding and insecurity as major challenges affecting the sector, stressing the need for a stable environment to support industry growth.
Sales Director of Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Ada Mathews-Ojukwu, highlighted the importance of the conference and urged organisations to allow key staff members to attend and benefit from the discussions.
Group General Manager of Continental Hotels, Mr. Karl Hala, expressed excitement about hosting the conference for the third consecutive year and assured organisers and participants of maximum support.
He urged speakers at the conference to take ownership of Nigeria’s stories, noting that the country is “not competing but defining Africa.”
General Manager of Glocient Hospitality, Mr. Lanre Balogun, described conferences such as HMCA as essential for professionals committed to excellence in the hospitality industry.
“They play a vital role in developing not just the facilities we represent, but the people who run them — our teams, managers and leaders,” he said.
Balogun noted that HMCA provides a valuable platform for networking, reconnecting with industry peers and building relationships that strengthen the hospitality ecosystem.
“If we are serious about raising hospitality standards in Nigeria, then being present in rooms like this is part of the responsibility,” he added.
He also noted that Glocient Hospitality is sponsoring the conference for the fourth consecutive year.
General Manager of Ogeyi Place Hotel, Port Harcourt, Dr. Ebikaboere Seimodei, said the conference has become a trusted platform for professionals, investors and stakeholders to exchange ideas that drive growth and competitiveness in the hospitality industry.
She expressed optimism that this edition would strengthen partnerships and position Nigeria as a hub for hospitality and cultural tourism.
Seimodei further stated that the conference is expected to generate actionable outcomes that will improve service delivery and attract investment into the sector. She urged both government and private sector players to support the initiative in order to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s hospitality industry.
Financial technology company OPay was announced as the headline sponsor of the conference.
OPay’s Director of Hospitality Key Account Business, Mr. Chukwudimma Ezembamalu, said the company partnered with HMCA to address payment challenges within the hospitality sector.
He stated that Nigeria’s hospitality industry is approaching an important turning point, as travellers now arrive in the country with expectations shaped by experiences in global destinations such as Dubai, London and Singapore.
“This is why OPay is positioning itself as a long-term partner for the hospitality industry and would make a major announcement for hotel businesses during the conference. We are not coming as a vendor. We are coming as a partner,” he said.
Ezembamalu added that Africa’s hospitality future would be shaped by digital infrastructure capable of making payments, bookings and customer experiences easier for operators and guests alike.
Among the distinguished speakers expecHted at the July conference are Prof. Wasiu Babalola, who will deliver the keynote address, alongside Martin Bredenoord, Karl Hala, Funke Olusoga Ogunlade and Benedicta Ogar.