#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.
Roberto Palomba of Palomba Serafini Associati, Tania Zaneboni of Lissoni & Partners and Andreas Profanter of NOA will be in conversation 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.
Senior design representatives of leading international hotel groups with a significant presence in Italy, including Ons Gherib of Belmond, Pilar Rodriguez Esteban of Minor Hotels, Javier Hortal of Rocco Forte Hotels, and Fabrizio Gaggio of 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.
Sessions Sicily will end in a ‘grand finale’ 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.
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 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.
ALL DAY
BREAKFAST, CHECK-OUT & DEPARTURES
Please note all timings are subject to change.
SPEAKERS
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