How Young Leaders Connect, Grow, and Lead Through HSMAI Europe

Hospitality runs on passion – on people who thrive on connection, creativity, and community. For the next generation, that energy is finding direction through HSMAI Europe’s Rising Leaders Council and Connecting Future Leaders, two initiatives helping ambitious leaders aged 35 and under connect, grow, and lead.

Together, they are creating opportunities for young leaders to expand their networks beyond their own organisation, gain new perspectives, and play a more active role in shaping the future of hospitality.

Whether you are a senior leader looking to support emerging talent within your organisation, or a young leader looking to get involved, there are several ways to engage through HSMAI Europe’s young talent initiatives.

Rising Leaders Council

The Rising Leaders Council brings together hospitality leaders aged 35 and under from across Europe who want to contribute to the industry beyond their day-to-day roles.

Council members:

• share the perspective of young leaders,
• support the development of young talent initiatives at HSMAI Europe
• strengthen engagement across the hospitality community.

The Council is a chance to connect with peers from across Europe, exchange ideas, and play an active role in shaping initiatives that support the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Nora Galfi
Former Director of Growth Marketing, Lighthouse, former vice-chair of the HSMAI Europe Rising Leaders Council (Belgium)

“I still remember how excited I was to be able to share professional experiences through the beautiful community that HSMAI Europe offers. Being a leading voice in the industry and helping others grow by giving back and sharing our experiences – that was what I hoped to achieve by becoming a member of the Rising Leaders Council.” Read more

Dany Katra
Revenue Onboarding and Success Senior Manager, Accor, member of the HSMAI Europe Rising Leaders Council (France)

“HSMAI Europe offers exceptional visibility across the hospitality landscape, and its events create opportunities to build meaningful connections with a wide range of stakeholders, including hotel chains, independents, suppliers, and many more”. Read more

For them, HSMAI Europe’s initiatives have provided not just professional development, but also personal growth, helping them gain perspective, confidence, and lifelong friendships.

The Rising Leaders Council offers a chance to take your next step: to shape the conversation, influence the industry, and inspire others.

So step up. Get involved. Be part of the future of hospitality.

Are you a senior leader?

Encourage a young leader from your organisation to apply. 

Are you a young leader?

Apply to join the Council. (Your application must be supported by your employer)

To learn more about the Rising Leaders Council, please contact Yana Kyrylyuk at yk@hsmai.eu

Connecting Future Leaders Committees

The Connecting Future Leaders Committees bring together hospitality leaders aged 35 and under who want to help build and strengthen the young leaders community in their own country.

Committee members:

• support the planning and delivery of Connecting Future Leaders events,
• engage young leaders in their local market,
• help create opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration.

Committees are currently being established or expanded in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Norway.

Hero Azeez
General Manager, Hotel Christiania Teater, chair of the Connecting Future Leaders Committee Norway

“What motivates me most is that HSMAI Europe truly lives its values. Being surrounded by peers from across the industry has expanded my network and given me fresh perspectives, reminding me how powerful collaboration can be.” Read more

Are you a senior leader?

Encourage a young leader from your organisation to join a local committee.

Are you a young leader?

Apply to join a Connecting Future Leaders Committee in your country. (Your application must be supported by your employer)

To learn more about the Council, please contact Yana Kyrylyuk at yk@hsmai.eu

Upcoming Connecting Future Leaders Events

Connecting Future Leaders (CFL) is a platform that brings together young leaders, talents, and other professionals in the hospitality and travel industry aged 35 and below to share experiences, build networks, and exchange professional insights.

You can:

• join a local committee to drive the initiative in your local market,
• attend our events and become part of the community.

Register for our upcoming events:

• 4 November (Wed) | London, United Kingdom
• 12 November (Thu) | Amsterdam, Netherlands
• 19 November (Thu) | Paris, France
• 20 November (Fri) | Athens, Greece
• Date to be confirmed | Oslo, Norway
• Date to be confirmed | Lisbon, Portugal
• Date to be confirmed | Madrid, Spain

See our events calendar here. 

HSMAI Europe Is for All Stages of a Career

Our young leader initiatives are part of HSMAI Europe’s broader commitment to attract, develop, and engage young commercial talent across Europe.

Whether you are a senior leader looking to support emerging talent, or a young leader wanting to grow your network and contribute to the industry, we invite you to explore the opportunities available and get involved.

Rising Leaders Council application form (both hoteliers and vendors) 

Connecting Future Leaders Committee application form (both hoteliers & vendors). 

Valeriya Starovoytova
Senior Revenue Manager, Accor, member of the HSMAI Europe Rising Leaders Council (France)

“Get involved because it’s a unique opportunity to build connections and expand your professional network while fostering personal and professional growth. Engaging with peers and mentors can open new perspectives, inspire you, and help bring out the best in yourself.” Read more

Interested to know more?

Contact Yana Kyrylyuk, Young Talent Program Manager, at yk@hsmai.eu.