#9 SICILY
12 - 15 May, 2026Mangia’s Brucoli / Sicily
MORE DETAILS COMING SOON
A MULTI-COURSE MENU OF TALKS, MEETINGS AND WORKSHOPS EXPLORING ITALY'S HOTEL RENAISSANCE AND GLOBAL TRENDS IN HOSPITALITY
Steeped in rich layers of civilisation, culture and cuisine, as much as it is drenched in sunshine for much of the year, Sicily promises to be a beguiling location for our next event.
Host hotel Mangia’s Brucoli offers dramatic seafront views over Mount Etna from its extensive grounds and gardens. It sits on the island’s east coast between Taormina – home to many of Sicily’s most glamorous resorts, as recently highlighted in The White Lotus – and Syracuse – a city state that rivalled Athens for power and status in Ancient Greece, its stunning historical buildings and significant archaeological sites continuing to attract visitors today.
Our programme kicks off with a keynote presentation by Paolo Ferrari, emerging as one of the most sought-after creative visionaries in luxury hospitality. Ferrari will take guests on a journey ‘From the Desert to the Deep Blue’ focusing on his recent Saudi hotel projects for Red Sea Global – Desert Rock and Shebara. These two landmark projects, one embedded in an arid mountain landscape, the other a string of shimmering oceanside pods, have won widespread acclaim, including multiple AHEAD Awards. They will provide a portal to Ferrari’s cinematic world view and user-centric design approach, with its emphasis on ritual and artistry.
Further SYMPOSIA sessions will explore global trends through a specifically Italian lens.
Roberta Palomba of Palomba Serafini Associati will be in conversation with Tania Zaneboni of Lissoni + Partners looking at form and function at the intersection of architecture, interiors and product design.
Four innovative owners and investors at the forefront of Italy’s resurgent and dynamic luxury hotel scene – Aldo Melpignano, Gabriele Salini, Daniele Kihlgren and David Zisser – will explore how past and present are being interwoven across a diverse array of historic properties around Italy.
Economist Alessandra Priante, current President for the National Tourist Board of Italy, will provide a snapshot view of the country’s tourism revival and the wider global factors driving this growth.
Senior design representatives of leading international hotel groups with a significant presence in Italy, including Belmond, Rocco Forte Hotels, and Starhotels, will discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by one of Europe’s most attractive, yet complex, hospitality markets.
SYNC Sessions will provide curated one-to-one meetings between specifiers and suppliers to find the solutions to help deliver on these opportunities across the EMEA region and beyond.
SOCIAL activities kick off with an optional excursion to Syracuse / Ortigia – one of Europe’s most beautifully preserved and historically layered city centres. SUSTENANCE workshops encompass everything from a metaphysical scramble up the slopes with a resident Sicilian volcanologist, to hands-on adorning of ‘amphorae’ ceramics to a collaborative session with culinary creatives Casa Lawa.
As the sun sets behind Mount Etna, Sessions Sicily will end in a ‘grand finale’ closing dinner at a very special location to be announced soon.
Schedule
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* Please Note All Timings Are Subject To Change.
GALLERY
AGENDA
ALL DAY
Arrivals & Check-In
14:00
SUSTENANCE: ‘AVVENTURA DI ARRIVO’
Excursion to Syracuse / Ortigia
Discover the rich history of ancient Syracuse with a guided visit to the Neapolis Archaeological Park, including its iconic Greek Theatre. Continue to the charming island of Ortigia to explore the Duomo, Arethusa Spring, and picturesque piazzas. Enjoy free time to wander at your own pace. Return transfers and expert guides included.
20:00
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
SYNC MEETINGS
6 x 20 minute meetings between specifiers and suppliers
12:45
SOCIAL: LUNCH AT DONNA FLORIANA & AL GRANO
14:00
SYMPOSIA: ‘SECONDO’ SEMINAR
Panel: Forma e Funzione – The Italian Way
Roberta Palomba – Co-Founder, Palomba Serafini Associati
Tania Zaneboni – Partner and Interior Design Coordinator, Lissoni + Partners
Leading lights in Italian design explore the shifting boundaries between architecture, interiors and product design and how these are manifested in their hospitality projects.
15:00
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.
Pupillo Vino & Verità – An intimate wine tasting hosted by Sicily’s renowned Cantine Pupillo, 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: LA TAVOLA IN THE TREES
A magical three-course 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
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
SYNC MEETINGS
6 x 20 minute meetings between specifiers and suppliers
12:45
SOCIAL: LUNCH AT DONNA FLORIANA & SCAUSU
14:00
SNAPSHOT: ‘DIGESTIVO’
A grappa-sized shot of insights into the Italian hotel market with Alessandra Priante. President, National Tourist Board of Italy
14:30
SYMPOSIA: ‘LA GRANDE OPERETTA’
Panel: Luxury, Lifestyle and ‘The White Lotus’ Effect
Ons Gherib – Senior Vice President of Design & Construction, Belmond
Javier Hortal – Director of Project Services,Rocco Forte Hotels
Fabrizzio Gaggio – Co-CEO, Starhotels
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.
17:00
FREE TIME
18:30
TRANSFERS TO CLOSING DINNER
19:30
‘IL GRAN FINALE’
An unforgettable end to Sessions Sicily with a closing dinner at a surprise venue.
