By Denis Sheehan, Managing Director, Accessible Hospitality Alliance: The aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks: Movement forms Community
The second aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks took place on Wednesday 5th November bringing hospitality people together at Scale Space in West London’s White City.
People with lived experience of disabilities shared their experiences with attendees.
Operators embarking upon their accessibility journeys heard from fellow operators already on theirs sharing learning with peers, not competitors.
Access Champions appointed by operators following the first aha Forum, less than five months ago, provided valuable insight to initiatives already underway within their businesses. An Access Champion network for cross organisation learning was initiated.
Suppliers set out how working with operators enables remarkable results in accessibility.
More operators joined as members of Accessible Hospitality Alliance, more suppliers joined as sponsors, and current sponsors renewed their support of Accessible Hospitality Alliance’s purpose.
Following the first aha Forum, the consensus of opinion from attendees was that a movement had been formed. The second saw community emerge, stronger connections develop and recognition that the actions that stemmed from the first were to be built upon. Hospitality’s accessibility community formed.
Many of the attendees present at The aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks now take over this ‘review’, as their words say much more than mine.
I should add, the request for comments was sent out only hours before publishing this review, so depending on when you are reading this, it’s another measure of enthusiasm for the growing movement and community that is Accessible Hospitality Alliance. As more are received this page will be regularly updated, so please come back and check for more.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have embraced our purpose to date: A hospitality world that welcomes everyone. And welcome other likeminded hospitality people to join our movement and community, everyone is welcome.
“What a great pleasure it was to be at The aha Forum last week in partnership with Thomas Franks. A great opportunity to network with some inspiring thought leaders across the hospitality sector, each striving to make their businesses more inclusive, accessible and welcoming to those with additional needs, disabilities, neuro-divergence and for those who face complex barriers around accessing the sector. There was a determined atmosphere in the room to be part of a movement for genuine change and I look forward to all of the things that we will achieve together as this network grows.”
Donna Marie Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer, The Clink Charity
“The aha Forums are so inspirational and allow some of the top people in accessible hospitality to come together to share best practice and encourage others start the journey in their businesses. The potential to drive change in our industry that is so needed. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful organisation.”
James Dixon-Box, Operations Director, Marsham Court Hotel, and UK Government-appointed Disability & Access Ambassador for the Hospitality Industry
“The aha Forum was a wonderful reminder of how powerful it can be when people come together with a shared purpose. The conversations and insights exchanged throughout the day left me both inspired and motivated to continue driving meaningful change within our industry.”
Luciana Patran, Group Manager, Thomas Franks London
“The aha Forum stopped me in my tracks. It made me think of the world through a new set on eyes. I met some incredibly inspirational people who lit up the conference and conveyed a powerful message of empathy, understanding and walking in the shoes of others’. I am a better man for being part of this accessibility movement.”
Neil Fillbrook, Group Chief Executive Officer, BB Merchant Services
“What an incredible organisation! The Accessible Hospitality Alliance brings together kind, passionate professionals to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations on improving the lives of individuals living with disabilities. Their commitment to inclusion and innovation is truly inspiring.”
Paulius Kriksciunas, National Hotel Services Manager, Bupa
“The time for change is now…”
Neil Butler, Hotel Manager, The Chester Grosvenor
“Enlightenment for the soul and mind and a chance for humans who have the power to make change for the better.”
Kofi Jeffers, Security Manager, Kimpton Fitzroy London
“Listening to the experiences and ideas of others left me truly empowered, reaffirming that meaningful change is not only possible but already underway, driven by brilliant minds and unwavering determination to create better opportunities, build stronger communities, and live with greater purpose.”
Sheridon Mascoll-Parker, Business Development Director, Guarantee Laundries
“An outstanding event, we at Hatch Mansfield are proud to be involved. Fabulous guest speakers delivering informative content, combined with engaging and productive discussions. The diversity of experience of the attendees created a wide range of very positive input. Hearing first-hand about the lived experience of those that deal with accessibility challenges daily was both eye-opening and moving. I hope this growth and action continues so we can truly embrace this community in the Hospitality work and play space.”
John Ferguson-Smith, National Accounts Manager, Hatch Mansfield
“The aha Forum was a truly inspiring and thought-provoking event. Attending as a representative of RNIB (the Royal National Institute of Blind People), it was great to have so many people in one room from the hospitality sector who are as equally committed to building an inclusive society as we are at RNIB. I made several connections and discussed ideas for future collaboration with a number of businesses. I’m looking forward to the next forum!”
Hannah Whitcombe, Corporate Partnerships Manager, RNIB
“It was wonderful to attend and chair a roundtable at The aha forum, and also to find out about the tremendous work across the sector to improve disability inclusion both for employees and for guests. It was also fantastic to have the opportunity to connect with like-minded colleagues committed to driving accessibility in the sector forward”
Kim Hoque, Professor of Human Resource Management, King’s Business School, King’s college London
“I was extremely honoured to be invited to The aha forum in November. Not only was it humbling experience and truly highlighted how privileged I am, I also happened to be in the presence of some extraordinary role models. Vicky Freeman was inspirational in her keynote speech, highlighting simple changes can make a huge difference. George Shippy exuded confidence and held the room. Not only was his account positive and powerful but it had me walking away saying – yes, I back you! Someone wise beyond his years.
“Overall I walked away feeling positive about the future of accessibility in hospitality – a long way to go, but the people in the room, including me, are willing to fight for what is fair and accessible for all.”
Dorrianne Casey, Coaching, Learning and Development Manager, BM Caterers
If you are a hospitality operator and are interested in membership of Accessible Hospitality Alliance, or as a supplier of products and services becoming a sponsor partner, simply complete the form here and one of the Accessible Hospitality Alliance team will respond to you promptly.
