The aha Forum is a gathering of minds and hearts from across hospitality, united by one shared purpose, a hospitality world that welcomes everyone. At its core, The aha Forum exists to lead conversation, debate and action. By bringing people together to address issues driven by inclusive perspective.
The inaugural aha Forum prompted attendees to comment saying…
“Great to take part in an event where purpose was clear and authentic.”
“Not just an illuminating event full of takeaways to investigate, but a live masterclass in hospitality.”
“The range of different people meant I heard lots of different viewpoints, some I can take back and apply, others that will need board approval, but we will talk, and we will act. Thank you for a day that has challenged my thinking.”
“A well-structured event that brought a very diverse group of people together. The format, especially the roundtables and the panel group discussion allowed everyone to contribute. Emmanuel Kelly’s performance ended the day showcasing the amazing talent available to be harnessed from making Employment accessible in both entertainment and hospitality.”
“The event made a lasting impression, not just on my business thinking, but on me as a person. Thank you.”
“I found the event insightful, inspiring and informative. Hearing and engaging with those who are directly affected by the challenges of accessibility helped bring home the real lived issues being faced by people every day.”
So, what stirred attendees to garner such feedback?
Six roundtables – took place simultaneously, everyone attending was involved sharing their experience and knowledge. Led by people who shape the hospitality industry and the world of accessibility. People like ex Chair of the Institute of Hospitality, and current GM at Marcliffe, Kellie Rixon MBE FIH. Ross Calladine, the Accessibility and Inclusion Lead for VisitEngland, also appointed as Disability and Access Ambassador for Tourism by the UK Government.
A panel group discussion – The Inclusive Workplace, Led by Professor Peter Jones MBE, Chair, The Crumbs Project. The panel included leading hotelier James Dixon- Box MIH, Operations Director at Marsham Court one of the most accessible hotels in the UK and winner of countless awards for accessible hospitality.
An interview with Robin Sheppard – Co-Founder and President of the UK’s largest independent hotel group, Bespoke Hotels, and co-founder and Chair, Accessible Hospitality Alliance. Who shared his experience as a person living with disability, an accessibility advocate, and the hotelier who created ‘Liberty Rooms’, Bespoke’s accessible room brand.
A keynote from Michael McGrath MBE reflecting on – The business of leadership in accessible hospitality. At 18 Michael’s dream of becoming the GM of The Savoy Hotel was halted by a diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy. Michael was disABILITY Champion Hilton Hotels UK & Ireland (2004-2008) – Paralympic Torchbearer (London 2012) – Founder & CEO UK’s Leading Experiential Muscular Dystrophy Family Charity, Muscle Help Foundation – Record Breaking Polar Adventurer – Professional Speaker – Disability Advocate – Included in Power 100 list for four consecutive years (from 2019) as one of Britain’s most influential people with a disability – Advisory Board Member, Accessible Hospitality Alliance.
Live performance by Emmanuel Kelly at The aha Forum
In 2024, Emmanuel became the first physically differently-abled artist to perform to stadium crowds when he opened for Coldplay on their record-breaking “Music Of The Spheres” world tour.
Emmanuel gave insight to his astonishing journey so far, from being abandoned in a box in a dessert in Iraq, half dead he was found by soldiers and taken to an orphanage in Baghdad.
Humanitarian Moira Kelly heard about Emmanuel whilst working in Albania. Months later Moira flew to meet him, two and a half years later, after many complications, Moira brought Emmanuel to Australia.
Over the next fourteen years, Emmanuel had six surgeries, stepping over huge obstacles such as learning how to walk and how to feed himself using a knife and fork. But Emmanuel’s biggest obstacle was learning to embrace and love himself on the inside and out, overcoming his insecurities.
Today, Emmanuel has become a media sensation after his Australian “X-Factor” audition singing “Imagine” went viral, and has captured, inspired, and entertained close to 1 billion people worldwide with his performances.
Emmanuel Kelly performed Yellow at The aha Forum last month, just as he did last year alongside Chris Martin, opening for Coldplay on their world tour.
Listen as Emmanuel speaks candidly about his life, sharing deeply personal stories of overcoming unimaginable challenges, with humility, insight, and disarming self-deprecating humour.
The video closes with My Sky, a song Emmanuel composed that when first released gained over 30 million views on TikTok.
Emmanuel alongside Chris Martin and Joanne Reay founded 0utlyer, a Film and TV production company with a powerful Inclusion Mission.
0utlyer are working with Accessible Hospitality Alliance to build an accessibility bridge between the worlds of Entertainment and Hospitality.
Moments that transformed into a movement
The aha Forum prompted much positive feedback and was even coined as the formation of a movement by attendees. Amy Bowden, Business Development Manager, Genuine Dining framed the transition perfectly saying: “What an incredible afternoon! The guest speakers, the roundtable discussions and finishing the day listing to Emmanuel Kelly’s incredible voice, it was all fantastic.
“I left with pages of notes, lots of ideas, new connections, and feeling inspired and motivated to support and be part of a movement, not a moment!”
What Next?
The next aha Forum will take place in October 2025 in the City of London. The date and venue will be announced soon, as will the itinerary. Tickets for the first aha Forum were snapped up quick and sold out soon after being released. If you are interested in attending the next aha Forum you can register your interest here.
