On the legendary Promenade des Anglais, where the spirit of the French Riviera meets timeless elegance, the iconic Hotel Negresco once again proved that true luxury is not frozen in the past—it evolves. In February 2026, this century-old masterpiece became the stage for one of the most forward-thinking gatherings in hospitality: “Digital Transformation in the Hotel Technology”, organized by World BI Group and hosted under the leadership of Mansoor Nasir.
Stepping into the Negresco is like traveling 100 years back in time—crystal chandeliers, curated art, and an unmistakable sense of grandeur. Yet, during this conference, history didn’t just coexist with the future—it embraced it. AI, robotics, data ecosystems, and human-centric technology were woven into conversations that will shape the next decade of hotels and resorts worldwide.
A Destination Where Business Meets Inspiration
Nice is not only a place to indulge the senses, but also a strategic destination for professionals shaping tomorrow’s hospitality. The Digital Transformation in the Hotel Technology conference offered exactly that rare balance: an immersive cultural experience paired with high-level knowledge exchange. For those seeking both inspiration and impact, there was no better place—or moment—to be.
The Big Questions Shaping Hospitality’s Future
Across panels and deep-dive sessions, industry leaders tackled the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing hotels today:
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How can AI-powered city ecosystems help hotels better collect, analyze, and act on data?
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Can robots and automation replace backstage operations while preserving the irreplaceable human touch at the front desk?
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What are the real impacts of AI on guest personalization, cost optimization, and operational efficiency?
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Where do government regulations, ethical concerns, and risk management come into play?
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Should hotels source or outsource AI solutions—and how fast is too fast?
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Is the luxury market, across generations, truly ready for AI and robotics in five-star hotels and resorts?
These debates revealed one clear truth: technology is no longer optional—it is strategic.
Top 5 Panel Discussions That Defined the Conference
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Prof. Dr.-Ing. Vanessa Borkmann, Head of Business Unit Urban Systems Engineering Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO
Deep Dive Session: Digital Urban Development and Data-Driven Innovation in Future Tourism and Hospitality
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Vanessa Borkmann | Digital Transformation in the Hotel Technology | Hotel Negresco | Nice | France | Photo by Anna Gav -
Quentin Vuillin, Sales Director, Duetto
From Revenue Management to Profitability Maximization: The Strategic Role of Duetto -
Andre Doria, Head of Digital Empowerment, PortoBay Hotels & Resorts
Rui Alves, Digital Transformation, PortoBay Hotels & Resorts
The Human-Centric Revolution: Rebuilding PortoBay’s Tech for Guests and Staff -
Jon Siberry, Director of Revenue Management / Group Revenue Manager, Z Hotels / Sarova Hotels
Connecting the Circle: Luxury vs. Budget – Which Model Will Dominate the Future of Hospitality Revenue? -
Lorin Wahlers, Sales Director Global Key Accounts, Quinta / Quicktext
How to Generate More Direct Bookings in a World of Generative Search and MCP
Where Networking Meets Luxury
Set within the refined and artistic atmosphere of the Negresco, networking unfolded naturally—over coffee breaks, elegant lunches, and spontaneous conversations beneath historic ceilings. Moderated with insight and energy by Irena Šimunić and Ryan Haynes, the conference brought together CEOs, business owners, digital leaders, and top IT executives from across the globe.
Among the distinguished speakers and contributors were:
Jeremy Wolf, Nicolas Frangos, Michael Palkowski, Dr. Alexander Lennart Schmidt, Markku Pajarinen, Néstor Castanedo Ruiz, Mario Manfuro, Nuno Leandro, Paul Sarkis, Alexander Schober, Magnus Kleist, Tomas Holan, Mihaela Prekalj Radic, Fran Kauzlaric, Dr. Rajat Dhawan, Gabor Kelemen, Alexandru Otero Tamayo, Otilia Demian, Christopher Meignier, Laurenz Schwarzhappel, Adrianna Rak, Charline Poullet, Caroline Medioni, Ivo Remmelg, Roger Ei Khoury, Filip Vlach, Paulo Sousa, Paul Sarkis, Rachelle Auge, and Luis Fernandez Garcia—a true reflection of the industry’s diversity and depth.
VIP Insider
At Hotel Negresco, passion, art, and history stood shoulder to shoulder with AI, data, and robotics. This conference was more than an event—it was a statement. A statement that the future of hospitality is intelligent, human-centric, and deeply connected.
Join the Hotel Technology Conference with World BI Group and become part of a top-profile global network—where luxury meets innovation, and where the future is already checking in.
