The Urban Developer
Hotel Summit
A one-day conference dedicated to the hotel and accommodation sector in Australia.
About the event
Australia’s hotel sector is undergoing a transformation as investor sentiment shifts, new development opportunities emerge and operational models evolve to meet changing market demands.
The Urban Developer Hotel Summit, presented by Gatehouse Hospitality, is set to bring together industry leaders to unpack the forces shaping hotel investment, development and operations.
Taking place on March 27 at W Melbourne, this one-day event will deliver expert insights into where the market is heading and the strategies needed to stay ahead.
With thousands of new rooms coming online and investment strategies pivoting, the summit will delve into market performance, capital flows and the future of hotel development.
Industry heavyweights will dissect economic levers, reveal where investors are placing their bets and explore the disruptive trends and innovations redefining the hotel landscape.
For developers, investors and operators, this summit offers unmatched market intelligence, industry connections and strategic foresight to navigate the sector’s next phase.
Details
- Thursday, March 27
- W Melbourne, 408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
- 8.30 am – 4.00 pm AEDT
- 250 + C-Suite Professionals
- From $335 + GST
Speakers
David Lee
Development Director
Riverlee
As Riverlee’s development director, David Lee is responsible for leading the delivery of a $3 billion project pipeline. Current key projects include Seafarers, New Epping and The Hanging Garden Precinct in Hobart. David is a pragmatic leader prioritising the delivery of innovative, intergenerational precincts while maintaining a respectful approach to people and projects.
Johann de Goede
Director of Asset Management
Pro-Invest Group
Johann is a highly experienced professional currently serving as Asset Management Director APAC at Pro-invest Group, reporting directly to the CEO. A chartered accountant by training, he has extensive experience in asset management, fund management, corporate and fund finance, and strategic financial planning across Australia and internationally. With a proven track record in executing strategic partnerships and aligning business strategies with financial goals, Johann has worked with leading global organisations, driving measurable results. Known for his leadership and strategic thinking, he excels in managing large-scale projects, identifying commercial opportunities, and solving complex challenges, making him a key driver of value and success in his field.
Karen Wales
Head of Hotels, Australia
Colliers
With over 20 years of experience in hotel brokerage, operator selection, and investment advisory, Karen Wales is a key player in shaping Australia’s hotel landscape. As Head of Hotels, Transaction Services at Colliers, she has a deep understanding of capital flows and the dynamics driving hotel investment.
Wales will provide an in-depth breakdown of Australia’s hotel supply pipeline, including the 7,000+ rooms set to enter the market by 2026. Her session will offer critical insight into key developments, competitive pressures, and emerging opportunities for investors and operators alike.
Sam McVay
Managing Director
McVay Real Estate
As Co-Founder of McVay Real Estate (MRE), Sam McVay has overseen $14 billion+ in transactions across retail, hospitality, office, and alternative sectors in Australia and New Zealand. With a career spanning CBRE, Deutsche Bank, and Kimco Realty, he brings deep market expertise. Sam will share insights into major deals, investment trends, and the evolving commercial real estate landscape.
Matthew Burke
Regional Manager Pacific
STR
A leading voice in hotel market intelligence, Matthew Burke brings over two decades of experience in hospitality operations and revenue management.
Burke’s session will break down Australia’s hotel market performance, examine the supply pipeline and pinpoint key forces shaping the sector.
Paige Walker
Chief Executive Officer
Fiveight
Paige Walker leads the property arm of Andrew Forrest’s Tattarang, shaping dynamic, design-led destinations across Australia.
With a focus on investment, placemaking, and hospitality-driven precincts, Fiveight is redefining urban experiences. Walker will offer insights into Fiveight’s evolving portfolio including One Circular Quay and Waldorf Sydney and their vision for Australia’s built environment.
Chris Lucas
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Lucas Restaurants
The visionary behind some of Australia’s most celebrated dining destinations, Lucas has built an empire that extends beyond the plate, shaping urban precincts and city-shaping developments.
In an exclusive fireside chat, Lucas will share his expansion strategy, how he secures flagship locations and his vision for hospitality-led placemaking.
Anthony Ries
Chief Commercial & Financial Officer
Gatehouse Hospitality
Anthony is the Chief Commercial & Financial Officer at Gatehouse Hospitality, overseeing the group’s strategic and operational direction. A CPA member, he combines technical expertise with a client-focused investment approach.
With a background in financial markets at Macquarie Bank and Citigroup, he has over 15 years in corporate banking and treasury, holding senior roles at NAB and NSW Treasury. Anthony has structured funding for ASX-listed tourism and leisure groups, private developers, and hospitality ventures, including greenfield projects and business repositioning.
Brett Howlett
Project Director
Riverlee
As Project Director at Riverlee, Brett is responsible for the strategic direction, oversight, and management of Riverlee’s Seafarers project, playing a key leadership role in all facets of the development – from planning and design to construction and settlement.
With over 30 years of experience in the field and the unique ability to balance future vision with day-to-day practicalities, Brett continues to skilfully steer the Seafarers project through all commercial, design and construction matters as they arise, making him an integral leader of the project’s success.
Jo Street
Managing Director
Furn-Niche
As the Managing Director of a leading FF&E design firm, Jo is a passionate and experienced professional with over 20 years of industry experience. She has established a reputation for her exceptional design expertise and her ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of industry professionals.
Jo’s focus on delivering exceptional results is evident in her work, where she works closely with clients, project managers, designers, and manufacturers to ensure that every project meets the highest standards of quality and exceeds client expectations.
Kyle Fitzsimmons
Founder and Managing Director
Cosmo
Angela Biddle
Principal
FK
Angela Biddle is an interior designer with over 20 years’ experience specialising in hotels, lifestyle residential and mixed-use developments, with a portfolio of work that spans Europe, the Middle East, North and South America and Australia.
Angela’s expertise lies in strategically positioning projects to ensure the design expression maximises the commercial potential of a project. Her understanding of hotel operations and brand positioning, combined with her excellence in project design and delivery, has positioned her as an industry leader and exceptional project ally.
Tanel Paabo
Vertical Lead – Hospitality, Oceania
Salto Systems
Lucia Grambalova
Chief Investment Officer, Head of Asset Management
Hotel Capital Partners
Lucia draws on over 20 years experience in the hotel industry with leadership roles across property investment, asset management, funds management and hotel operations. Lucia is an experienced and accomplished investment professional focusing on equity and debt investing.
During her career, Lucia led the execution of real estate investment and asset management mandates including sourcing and acquisition of hotel real estate investment globally, debt opportunities, deal structuring and capital raising together with the provision of bespoke asset management for companies such as Mulpha Australia Limited, CapitaLand (Ascendas) and Mirvac Group.
Register your interest
Be the first to know when event details are released.
Program at a glance
Keynote: The state of the Australian hotel market
Keynote: Inside Australia’s hotel supply pipeline
Panel: Deal flow, total returns and investor sentiment
Interactive case studies
Panel: Forces of change in the hotel sector
Panel: Privates developers breaking the mold
In conversation with Chris Lucas
Meet our partners
PRESENTING PARTNER
MAJOR PARTNERS
SUPPORTER PARTNERS
EXHIBITORS
BD PARTNERS
Interested in sponsoring this event or a future event?
Speaking opportunities
Prominent and bespoke branding
Priority tickets and seating
Attendee details and more
