The programme has been announced for The Mediterranean aha Forum, in Partnership with VisitMalta Incentives & Meetings, taking place on 18 March 2026 at the Malta Marriott Resort & Spa, St Julian’s.
Leaders from hospitality, tourism, government, banking, design and advocacy will come together to explore how accessibility is shaping the future competitiveness of destinations, guest experience and inclusive employment.
Speakers include Dr Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister of Malta and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism; H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President Emeritus of Malta; Oliver Scicluna, CEO of Aġenzija Sapport; and Tolene van der Merwe, Director UK & Ireland at the Malta Tourism Authority.
The forum will also feature lived-experience perspectives, leadership conversations and collaborative roundtable discussions exploring the commercial, social and design dimensions of accessible hospitality.
The programme for the day is as follows:
10.30 – 11.15
Registration and Welcome Refreshments
11.15 – 11.20
Introduction to the Day
Miriam Greenaway, HelmsBriscoe — Event MC
Leadership
11.20 – 11.30
Opening of the Forum
Dr Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister of Malta and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism
Q&A
11.30 – 11.40
Welcome Address
Shawn Pisani, Vice President, HelmsBriscoe — Malta Lead, Accessible Hospitality Alliance
Q&A
11.40 – 12.00
Keynote Address
H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President Emeritus of Malta
Exploring accessibility as a defining factor in social inclusion, economic growth and national development.
Q&A
12.00 – 12.15
Keynote Address
Oliver Scicluna, CEO, Aġenzija Sapport
Opportunities for employers embracing people living with disability as colleagues.
Q&A
Lived Experience
12.15 – 12.25
Personal Address
Shelley Cowan, Associate Partner, BB Merchant Services
Sharing the journey from inaccessible to accessible hospitality.
12.25 – 12.40
Table Reflection Conversations
Tables reflect on Shelley’s address and discuss what resonated most.
Each table selects a spokesperson.
12.40 – 12.55
Shared Reflections and Speaker Response
Three tables selected by the MC share reflections.
Shelley responds.
12.55 – 14.00
Lunch
Roundtable Discussions
14.00 – 14.30
Participants explore how accessibility is shaping hospitality, tourism, design and employment across organisations and destinations.
Key themes include:
• Commercial return on accessibility investments
• Designing for dignity, not compliance
• Kindness & Accessibility
• Accessible hotels
• Accessible destinations
• Universal design
• Workforce inclusion
14.30 – 14.45
Roundtable Summaries
A spokesperson from each roundtable shares key discussion points.
14.45 – 14.55
Roundtable Q&A
Lived Experience
14.55 – 15.05
In Conversation
Robin Sheppard, Chair, Accessible Hospitality Alliance
Interviewed by Piers Zangana, Director, Susa Comms
Don’t Let Paralysis from the Neck Down Stop You Building the UK’s Largest Independent Hotel Group
Latest insights from A Solitary Confinement, Robin’s bestselling autobiography.
15.05 – 15.15
Table Reflection Conversations
Tables reflect on Robin’s interview and discuss what resonated most.
Each table selects a spokesperson.
15.15 – 15.25
Shared Reflections and Speaker Response
Three tables selected by the MC share reflections.
Robin responds.
Destination Leadership
15.25 – 15.40
Malta Tourism Authority
Tolene van der Merwe, Director UK & Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority
Because Everyone Deserves to Travel: Building Malta’s Accessibility Blueprint
Q&A
Introducing Access Champions
15.40 – 15.55
The Access Champions Collective — Movement Forms Community
Denis Sheehan, Managing Director, Accessible Hospitality Alliance
Q&A
Closing Address
15.55 – 16.00
Shawn Pisani
Conversations Continue over Drinks and Canapés
16.00 – 18.00
Drinks and canapés will be served, opening with a live performance by Angela Bettoni — writer, performer, advocate and speaker with Down Syndrome.
Due to the popularity of the Forum, the event has moved to the Malta Marriott Resort & Spa’s main Ballroom. Tickets to attend the full day including lunch and the early evening drinks and canapés are €100.
Tickets are available by application: Please send an email to agreen@handcnews.com
