Last weekend, the Italian Chapter of the EHMA met at the stunning Borgo Egnazia in Puglia. Hosted by co-owner Aldo Melpignano and General Manager Emanuele Manfroi, who has been an EHMA member since 2023, this event drew unprecedented attendance and underscored the Italian delegation’s commitment to tackling the evolving challenges in the luxury hospitality industry.
Event Highlights:
Welcome Dinner
The weekend kicked off with a festive welcome dinner on Friday in the picturesque piazza del Borgo. The evening was suffused with traditional Apulian gastronomy and vibrant cultural performances, setting an exuberant tone for the meeting.
Leadership Confirmation
On Saturday morning, during the working session, Ezio A. Indiani was re-elected as National Delegate alongside his Deputy, Damiano De Crescenzo, ensuring continued visionary leadership for the chapter.
Mentoring Impact
The “Mentor Me” programme’s 5th edition was a highlight, celebrated under the leadership of Ivan Artolli and committee members Roberto Cappelletto, Cristiano Cabutti, Damiano De Crescenzo, and Giuseppe Mariano. Notable achievements by mentor-mentee pairs such as Riccardo Bortolotti with Aldo Werdin, and Rocco Trimboli with Max Musto were spotlighted.
Sustainable Innovation
The “ESG and Sustainable Growth” project was introduced by Palmiro Noschese, with contributions from institutional relations committee members Alessandro Cianella, Andrea D’Alessandro, Giuseppe De Martino, Emiliano Fucarino, Cinzia Montelli, Nello Ottiglio, and Danilo Zucchetti, aiming to promote sustainable business practices across the industry.
Technological Advancements
The “EHMAgine – Innovating beyond boundaries” initiative, driven by Gioele Camarlinghi, Giacomo Battafarano and Riccardo Bortolotti with external support from Gianni Buonsante, CEO of Ingenia Direct, seeks to foster technological innovation and process improvement in the hospitality industry.
Special Insights
Invited by our member Gaetano Torino, Dr. Luigi Carnevale, the prefect for Brindisi, shared valuable insights into the logistical challenges of hosting the G7, highlighting the complex security and coordination efforts required for such a significant international event.
Visionary Address
Aldo Melpignano discussed the unique hospitality model that has made Borgo Egnazia a global icon of Puglia hospitality, contributing to the region’s international tourism appeal.
Gala Dinner
The weekend culminated in a gala dinner on Saturday night in the grand G7 room, during which Giuseppe De Martino was honoured as “Italian Hotel General Manager of the Year 2024.
Lunch and Farewell Brunch
On both occasions, attendees enjoyed a spread of typical local foods on the La Frasca terrace, capturing the essence of Puglia’s rich culinary traditions.
Last weekend was not only a platform for discussion and updates but also a vivid celebration of our industry’s culture and innovation, setting a strategic course for the future.
