The hospitality industry is undergoing structural change, from evolving ownership and financing models to pressing workforce and compliance challenges. With these shifts comes the need for sharper strategy, stronger governance, and smarter capital deployment.
Zampa Partners and VB Advocates invite you to an executive conference that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to explore the future of Malta’s hospitality sector. The event will feature keynote interventions and panel discussions on:
- Capital, Ownership & Finance – how M&A activity, succession, ownership structures, debt listings, ESG, and investor priorities are reshaping Malta’s hospitality landscape.
- People & Workforce Transformation – addressing demographic change, skills shortages, third-country nationals, regulatory processes, and how employers can balance immediate operational pressures with long-term talent strategies.
- Technology & Strategy – insights on how digital transformation and AI will drive competitiveness and growth in the years ahead.
Designed for owners, operators, general managers, HR leaders, financiers, and investors, this conference will provide an in-depth look at the forces redefining the hospitality industry in Malta, and the opportunities for those leading change. Registration is €50 per attendee.
Agenda:
| Time |
Title |
Speakers |
| 8:30 |
Registration |
|
| 9:00 |
Opening Remarks |
Jeanelle Cachia - Senior Associate at VB Advocates |
| 9:05 |
Tourism Policy in Action: Incentives and Emerging Priorities |
Charles Mangion - Chairman at MTA |
| 9:15 |
Hospitality Human Challenges: Workforce Realities and Solutions |
Tony Zahra - President at MHRA |
| 9:30 |
Panel 1: The Shifting Landscape of Work |
Annika Galea - Director at Hilton Malta
Karl Schranz - General Manager at Recruitment & Quality Talent ltd
Eric Zahra - CEO at Identita'
Pierre Fenech - CEO at ITS
Michelle Buhagiar - HR Senior Team Leader at Zampa Partners
Moderator: Julia Darmanin - Associate at VB Advocates
|
| 10:15 |
Break |
|
| 10:35 |
Keynote Speech: Strategic Outlook for Malta's Hospitality & Tourism Economy |
Dr Gordon Cordina - Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Bank of Valletta |
| 10:50 |
Keynote Speech: The Chamber's Perspective - Strategy, Growth and Competitiveness |
Dr Marthese Portelli - CEO at Malta Chamber |
| 11:05 |
Panel 2: Capital Meets Control - Ownership models in Malta's hospitality landscape |
Paul Pisani - President at Verdi Hotels
Albert Bonello - Managing Director of Finance and Administration at AX Group
Daniel Grima - Managing Director at G3 Group
Karl Briffa - Partner at VB Advocates
Moderator: Kris Bartolo - Partner at Zampa Partners
|
| 11:40 |
Panel 3: Hospitality Finance in Transition - Debt, ESG, and Investor Priorities |
Luca Vella - Partner at VB Advocates
Tonio Fenech - Executive Director at Von der Heyden Group
Justin Mizzi - Partner at QP
Mark Bajada - Chairman of Bajada Lyons Group
Moderator: Kris Bartolo - Partner at Zampa Partners
|
| 12:15 |
From Insight to Innovation: AI as the Next Step |
Gege Gatt - CEO at EBO.AI |
| 12:35 |
Closing Remarks |
Matthew Zampa - Managing Partner at Zampa Partners |
| 12:40 |
Lunch |
|
Register:
