Hospitality Sector Council to launch technology trial at Hospitality Tech360

The Hospitality Sector Council (HSC) will launch the trial phase of the new Hospitality Innovation Lab during the Hospitality Tech360 show, part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week at Excel London from 30 March to 1 April.

The Hospitality Innovation Lab, launched by the HSC in partnership with investor L Marks, is designed to identify and trial new technology solutions that can boost productivity, empower teams and support long-term resilience across the hospitality sector. 

Hospitality Tech360 will host the launch of the trial phase, providing a platform for the newly selected technology providers taking part in the programme, alongside a series of curated content sessions and on-site activity delivered in partnership with HSC, which facilitates co-operation between the hospitality sector and the government.

Jane O’Riordan, chair of Caravan Restaurants and the HSC Innovation Working Group, will announce the technology providers selected for the trial phase live on stage at Hospitality Tech360 on 30 March.

Visitors will be able to meet the technology providers within a co-branded feature area on the show floor. The launch will also be marked with a drinks reception at the event, bringing together operators, suppliers and stakeholders involved in the Innovation Lab.

The partnership will also see HSC-curated sessions featured within the Hospitality Tech360 content programme, providing additional context on the strategic role of technology in strengthening UK hospitality.

Matt Hodgins, project director at Hospitality Tech360, said: “Hospitality Tech360 is about creating meaningful connections between operators and the technology shaping the future of the sector. Hosting the trial phase launch of the Hospitality Innovation Lab gives the industry a front-row seat to the ideas and solutions that could make a real difference to productivity and team empowerment in the years ahead.”

O’Riordan added: “The Hospitality Innovation Lab is about turning ideas into action. By bringing operators and technology providers together in a live environment, we can properly test what works, learn quickly and focus on solutions that genuinely support teams and improve how hospitality businesses operate. Launching the trial phase at Hospitality Tech360 allows us to share that ambition with the wider industry from day one.”

The initiative has been developed by HSC in collaboration with L Marks and the Department for Business & Trade (DBT). Together, they aim to create a structured pathway for innovation that supports operators while giving emerging technology providers the opportunity to test, refine and scale their solutions in live hospitality environments.

Hospitality Tech360 is part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week alongside fellow shows HRC, the Pub Show, IFE and IFE Manufacturing, as well as culinary competition International Salon Culinaire.