#9 SICILY
12 - 15 May, 2026Mangia’s Brucoli / Sicily
MORE DETAILS COMING SOON
A JOURNEY THROUGH ITALY'S HOSPITALITY RENAISSANCE, WHERE HERITAGE, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND CONTEMPORARY DESIGN CONVERGE
For Sessions #9, we travelled to Sicily, where centuries of history, artisanship and culture continue to shape one of Europe’s most compelling hospitality destinations.
Set between the dramatic slopes of Mount Etna and the shimmering Ionian coastline, our programme explored how Italy’s rich architectural legacy is being reimagined for a new era of hospitality, while examining the wider trends influencing luxury hotels across the globe.
Our host venue, Mangia’s Brucoli, provided a spectacular setting for three days of connection and collaboration. Positioned between the dramatic coastline and the foothills of Mount Etna, the resort reflected the defining theme of Sessions #9: where heritage, landscape and contemporary hospitality converge.
Curated SYNC meetings connected leading suppliers with specifiers from across the EMEA region, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, build lasting partnerships and discover the solutions driving future hospitality developments.
Opening our SYMPOSIA programme, internationally acclaimed designer Paolo Ferrari dove into his keynote ‘From the Desert to the Deep Blue’. Drawing on his award-winning work for Red Sea Global, including Desert Rock and Shebara, Ferrari explored the role of ritual, narrative and emotional connection in hospitality design, demonstrating how architecture can become an immersive experience that resonates long after guests depart.
The next session examined global trends through a distinctly Italian lens. ’Forma e Funzione – The Italian Way’ saw Roberto Palomba of Palomba Serafini Associati, Tania Zaneboni of Lissoni & Partners and Andreas Profanter of NOA explore the relationship between architecture, interiors and product design, considering how thoughtful collaboration can elevate the guest experience.
Italy’s hospitality renaissance took centre stage in ’La Dolce Vita’, as four leading hoteliers—Aldo Melpignano, founder of Egnazia; Gabriele Salini of GSC; Daniele Kihlgren of Sextantio and David Zisser of Omnam Group—discussed the revival of some of the country’s most remarkable historic properties. Together, they explored how heritage and contemporary hospitality can coexist, preserving the character of landmark buildings while responding to the expectations of modern travellers.
Ons Gherib of Belmond, Javier Hortal of Rocco Forte Hotels and Fabrizio Gaggio of Starhotels concluded the SYMPOSIA programme with ‘La Grande Operetta’, a discussion on the opportunities and complexities of designing for one of Europe’s most culturally rich and competitive hospitality markets.
Beyond the panels, Sicily itself became part of the experience. SOCIAL sessions included an optional visit to Syracuse and the island of Ortigia, where centuries of history unfold through beautifully preserved streets, piazzas and waterfronts. Meanwhile, our SUSTENANCE workshops immersed guests in Sicily’s rich culture and traditions, from painting traditional amphorae ceramics alongside the hotel’s resident artist and uncovering the mythology and geology of Mount Etna with a volcanology professor, to exploring Sicilian food culture in collaboration with culinary creatives Casa Lawa and celebrating the island’s renowned viticultural heritage during a guided wine tasting with Tenute Orestiadi.
Sessions #9 concluded with a memorable closing celebration at the spectacular Castello Xirumi Serravalle. Surrounded by citrus groves, fragrant gardens and the timeless elegance of a 16th-century castle, guests gathered one final time to reflect on new ideas, new partnerships and conversations that will continue to shape the future of hospitality long after leaving Sicily.
Keep scrolling to see the full programme…
Schedule
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* Please Note All Timings Are Subject To Change.
VIDEO
GALLERY
AGENDA
ALL DAY
Arrivals & Check-In
14:00
SUSTENANCE: ‘AVVENTURA DI ARRIVO’
Excursion to Ortigia Island
Enjoy a visit to the beautiful island of Ortigia, starting with a guided walk into its historic centre. Discover its rich history as you explore the charming streets and key landmarks, using our recommendations list to guide you. Afterwards, enjoy free time to wander at your own pace—take in the elegant piazzas, browse local shops, relax in cafés, stroll along the waterfront, and visit highlights such as the Fountain of Arethusa. Return transfers and expert guide included.
19:30
SOCIAL: ‘ARRIVO APERITIVO’
Aperol and Arancini at Kaigan, Mangia’s Brucoli
Ease into the evening with a welcome reception at Kaigan (meaning ‘coastal’ – the place you arrive at after a long journey). Enjoy Aperol spritzes and Italian bites at the sun sets behind iconic Mount Etna in the background.
07:30
BREAKFAST AT MEDITERRA
09:30
SYMPOSIA: ‘PRIMO’ PRESENTATION
Keynote: Paolo Ferrari – ‘From the Desert to the Deep Blue’
Paolo Ferrari – Principal Designer, Studio Paolo Ferrari
The award-winning designer compares and contrasts two sensational AHEAD Award-winning Saudi projects: Desert Rock and Shebara, and how his user-centic approach adapts to differing environments.
10:30
COFFEE BREAK
10:45
SYNC MEETINGS
6 x 20 minute meetings between specifiers and suppliers
12:45
LUNCH AT MEDITERRA & AL GRANO
14:00
SYMPOSIA: ‘SECONDO’ SEMINAR
Panel: Forma e Funzione – The Italian Way
Roberto Palomba – Co-Founder, Palomba Serafini Associati
Tania Zaneboni – Partner and Interior Design Coordinator, Lissoni & Partners
Andreas Profanter – NOA
Leading lights in Italian design explore the shifting boundaries between architecture, interiors and product design and how these are manifested in their hospitality projects.
14.45
SYMPOSIA: DOLCE DESSERT
Introducing Casa Lawa
Casa Lawa founder Lukas Lewandoski gives an introduction to this unique retreat in the shadow of Mount Etna, a former 19th-century grape press, now reimagined as a residency, kitchen, and guesthouse built on connection, creativity, and community
15:00
COFFEE BREAK
15:20
SYNC MEETINGS
5 x 20 minute meetings between specifiers and suppliers
17:00
SUSTENANCE: ‘CONTORNO CREATIVO’
Optional Workshops:
Cucina Casa Lawa – An exclusive partnership with Casa Lawa, a creative melting pot on the slopes of Mount Etna combining guesthouse, kitchen and a series of collaborative residencies and retreats,
Amphora Art – A creative ceramic painting experience led by the hotel’s resident artist, where guests decorate traditional amphora while exploring the rich storytelling of Sicily’s Greek heritage.
Etna Elements – An on-site conversation led by a volcanology professor and alpine guide, offering fascinating insight into Mount Etna. Through engaging storytelling, you will discover the power, history, and mythology of Europe’s most active volcano.
Vino & Verità with Tenute Orestiadi – An intimate wine tasting hosted by Sicily’s renowned Tenute Orestiadi , celebrating the island’s rich viticultural heritage. Journey through a curated selection of estate wines, discovering the unique terroir, traditions, and stories behind each glass.
20:00
SOCIAL: A TAVOLA, IN THE TREES
A magical dinner set in the Olive Garden, surrounded by softly lit olive trees and twinkling fairy lights.
07:30
BREAKFAST AT MEDITERRA
09:30
SYMPOSIA: ‘LA DOLCE VITA’
Panel: Renaissance and Revolution – Historic Hotels meet the new wave of Italian Hospitality
Aldo Melpignano – Founder, Egnazia Ospitalità Italiana
Gabriele Salini – Founder, GS Collection
Daniele Kihlgren – Founder, Sextantio
David Zisser – Founder & CEO, Omnam
Four innovators at the forefront of Italy’s resurgent and dynamic luxury hotel scene explore how past and present are being interwoven across an incredibly diverse array of historic properties from ‘alberghi diffusi’ to agriturismi; majestic ‘masseria’ to re-purposed grand palazzi.
10:30
COFFEE BREAK
10:45
SYNC MEETINGS
6 x 20 minute meetings between specifiers and suppliers
12:45
SOCIAL: LUNCH AT DONNA FLORIANA & SCAUSU
14:00
SYMPOSIA: ‘LA GRANDE OPERETTA’
Panel: Luxury, Lifestyle and ‘The White Lotus’ Effect
Fabrizzio Gaggio – Co-CEO, Starhotels
Javier Hortal – Director of Project Services,Rocco Forte Hotels
Ons Gherib – Senior Vice President of Design & Construction, Belmond
Pilar Rodriguez Esteban – SVP Projects, Construction, Engineering & Maintenance, Minor Hotels
Once fragmented and largely defined by family-run businesses, Italy’s luxury hotel market is undergoing an incredible renaissance shaped by booming visitor numbers, international investment, and increased penetration of branded hotels. Three of the leading players in the European hotel market, each with a strong presence in Italy, explore the challenges and opportunities involved.
14:45
COFFEE BREAK
15:00
SYNC MEETINGS
4 x 20 minute meetings between specifiers and suppliers
16:20
FREE TIME
18:15
TRANSFERS TO CLOSING DINNER
*PLEASE NOTE TRANSFERS WILL BE FROM 18:15 PROMPT AT THE HOTEL LOBBY.
19:30
‘IL GRAN FINALE’
An unforgettable end to Sessions Sicily with a closing dinner at the majestic Castello Xirumi Serravelle, an elegant and enchanting countryside estate of citrus trees, aromatic flora and island palms with a 16th century castle at its heart.
*STAGGERED RETURN COACHES WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 22:30.
