Six years ago, Joe Hanson entered Nigeria’s hospitality ecosystem with a bold idea: to elevate the standards of service, design, and innovation through strategic networking, knowledge exchange, sales, and international exposure. That idea took shape in The Hotel Expo Nigeria (HEN), a now-renowned hospitality trade show that is reshaping the industry with every edition.

Hanson’s approach was clear: “Nigeria’s hospitality potential should not only meet global standards, but it should also define them.” Inspired by from global expos in places like Dubai and other parts of the world. Alongside co-founders, Michael Yanai and Toni-anne Uwaifo, they infused international flair into a distinctly Nigerian context in HEN, which brings together stakeholders from related industry operators, (hoteliers, designers, chefs, suppliers, technology for hospitality, FinTech, lighting interior design and décor, and policy makers) from across the globe, creating an ecosystem that thrives on collaboration using B2B2C model.

Within this short period, HEN has achieved milestones that industry veterans once thought improbable. One of the most profound contributions has been fostering a culture of shared success. “We needed to move from competition to collaboration, noting that there is no tourism without a vibrant hospitality industry.”

This 6th edition is to be held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, scheduled for 29th-30th September 2025. While earlier editions had naturally focused on traditional hospitality players like hotels, restaurants, lighting, interior and design, technology, and entertainment, subsequent editions included manufacturing, finance, tourism, tech, and a host of other previously unrecognized sectors related to the hospitality industry. This year’s edition promises to be even more comprehensive, with recognition from the Hospitality ecosystem.

Read also

This year’s theme: STRATEGISE, CONNECT, INVEST, will focus on collaboration, planning, and funding, and is expected to be graced by over 60 exhibitors and 1,000 guests.

Aside from the opportunities to market, network, and collaborate offered at HEN, a recurring feature will be the Masterclasses and conference sessions with world-renowned experts who will conduct interactive sessions where Hospitality practitioners, decision makers – seasoned and emergent, will address multiple topics in the sector.

The event continues to highlight the need for all players within the sector to attend annually, with the takeaway, that there is no tourism without hospitality! The higher our standards of delivery service, the higher the potential returns on investment in our hospitality and tourism sectors.

WATCH  MARKETING EDGE ONTV