The Future of Hospitality: Trends and Predictions
/This year, in celebration of World Vegan Day, our team at Vegan Hospitality hosted the third annual Global Vegan Hospitality & Tourism Online Conference, bringing together a global network of hospitality professionals and their vegan customers to explore the growing demand for vegan and sustainable practices in the industry.
What is World Vegan Day?
Each year on November 1, people worldwide celebrate World Vegan Day to highlight the positive impacts of veganism on animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and health. First celebrated in 1994 by The Vegan Society in the UK, this day has evolved into a worldwide event, bringing attention to the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and encouraging everyone, from individuals to large corporations, to make compassionate choices.
The Conference Theme
This year’s theme, The Future of Hospitality: Trends and Predictions, focused on how hospitality professionals can stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry where plant-based and sustainable offerings are increasingly in demand. We aimed to equip attendees with recent dining data, forward-thinking strategies and practical insights to make sustainable choices that align with consumer expectations. Sessions covered topics from vegan menu engineering and plant-based wine selections to the future of certifications and wellness-driven guest experiences.
Event Highlights
We were thrilled with the turnout and engagement at this year’s conference. Here are a few key statistics that reflect the event's success:
200+ attendees from 40+ countries
7 expert speakers representing 4 countries
Missed the event? You can still experience the full 2.5-hour conference recording here.
Session Recap
The conference featured a stellar lineup of industry experts and change makers sharing insights on the latest trends and strategies in vegan hospitality:
Barriers and Opportunities – Insights from Veganuary Participants with Toni Vernelli, Veganuary’s International Head of Policy & Communications.
Haute Cuisine to Spa Cuisine – Culinary evolution in plant-based menu design with Chef Matthew Thompson, Chief Culinary Officer at Phoenix3.
Pioneering Sustainability – An exclusive interview with Peter Eastwood, founder of South Africa’s first plant-forward luxury safari lodge.
Food Trends and Predictions – Global dining shifts with Sophie Downie, Vegan Hospitality Market Research Specialist.
A Deep Dive into Vegan Wines – An interview with Frances Gonzalez, founder of Vegan Wines.
Vegan Menu Engineering in Higher Education – Strategies for university curriculums with Jennifer Elfenbein, Chair of Hospitality Management at Grand Canyon University.
Certifications and the Future of Hospitality – Insights with Hayley Cooper, COO of Vegan Hospitality.
For anyone interested in following up with our speakers, connect with them via their websites or LinkedIn profiles which are linked above.
Why We Chose to Celebrate on World Vegan Day
Hosting our annual conference on World Vegan Day underscores our commitment to celebrating the power of veganism to transform hospitality. This day serves as a reminder of how plant-based practices benefit animals, the planet, and human health. By bringing these values into the hospitality industry, we hope to inspire lasting change across hotels, restaurants, and travel destinations worldwide.
Join Us in Leading the Way
We invite you to watch the conference recording, download our Hotel, Lodge & Accommodation Certification brochure, and become a part of the movement shaping the future of hospitality. Connect with us if you’re interested in a partnership, interview, or speaking engagement.
Watch the full conference here!
Share your takeaways from the conference on social media, or send us an email. We would love to see how the sessions impacted you. We appreciate your engagement as we create a more inclusive, sustainable future for the hospitality and tourism industry!