As a strategic advisor, Christian is responsible for the introduction of new business models, technologies, partnerships and solutions for both guests and employees across Strawberry’s 250 hotels. Involved during the incubation and concept phases of new projects and hotel concepts.

Experienced international keynote and inspirational speaker, with expertise in the fields of innovation, future trends, digitalization and the strategic value of unconventional thinking.

Prior to my current role, I served as the Director of the Future Business department at Strawberry until March 2020, a role focused on disruptive innovation. This position involved significant testing of several small scale projects (MVPs) and providing internal education on industry trends. I have managed several “world’s first” projects, such as pioneering digital check-in, mobile keys (Google Wallet & Apple Wallet Key) and leading initiatives in AI, blockchain, voice assistance, VR/AR, the digital guest journey app and various other solutions for staff and guests.

This experience is built upon a foundation of ten years in hotel operations, where I served as a Hotel Manager at various hotels within the Winn Hotels Group.

Floor Bleeker is a global technology and transformation leader with over 20 years of experience driving large-scale digital change across hospitality, travel, retail, education, and technology sectors. He combines technical experience with strong commercial and operational leadership.

Most recently, Floor served as Group Chief Technology Officer at Accor, where he led a global organization of more than 1,500 technology professionals and managed an annual budget exceeding USD 250 million. As a member of the executive leadership team, he was responsible for enterprise technology strategy, platform modernization, cybersecurity, data, and large-scale transformation programs across a portfolio of 50+ global hotel brands and 5,800+ hotels.
Prior to Accor, Floor held multiple CIO and CTO roles across international organizations,
delivering complex transformations in multi-brand, multi-market environments. He is currently a board director and advisor to technology and hospitality companies, supporting strategy, AI, transformation, and go-to-market execution.

In recognition of his impact on the industry, Floor was inducted into the Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame in 2024.

Matthew Stephens is a senior hospitality technology leader with more than 30 years’ experience across operations, technology, leadership, and commercial strategy. He brings a pragmatic, guest‑centric perspective to digital transformation, with a particular interest in how AI and data can be applied thoughtfully in luxury and innovative hospitality environments.

With experience spanning both hotel operations and enterprise technology leadership, Matthew offers a holistic view of how digital platforms, intelligent automation, and design‑led technology can enhance guest experience while delivering measurable commercial outcomes. His work focuses on translating innovation into practical capability—supporting teams, improving decision‑making, and strengthening financial performance.

Matthew is also passionate about the role technology can play in enabling regenerative and responsible travel, helping hospitality organisations balance growth, luxury experiences, and long‑term sustainability. He is especially interested in how digitally enabled; guest‑first approaches can create more meaningful, resilient, and commercially successful hospitality businesses.

A highly experienced and results-driven IT leader with over 25 years in the hospitality industry, including the past 15 years leading technology strategy, operations, and digital transformation as Head of IT for a major hospitality group. Kiran is renowned for a strong blend of technical expertise and commercial acumen, he has successfully delivered scalable, secure, and guest-centric technology solutions across complex, multi-site environments.

Popy Bernardo is an experienced IT professional based in Sydney, Australia. As of 2023–2025, Popy has been recognized as a CIO50 honouree. A valued member of YHA Australia team since 2013, holding roles including IT Manager and currently Chief Information Officer (CIO).

One of the most respected and accomplished hoteliers in the Australian market, Scott is highly regarded in the industry for his ability to build strong, capable teams and lasting partnerships. Scott worked at Accor for nearly 30 years, most recently as Senior Vice President of Operations, Pacific North, where he was responsible for 85 hotels throughout NSW, ACT, QLD and NT. His hotel operations expertise includes all segments from luxury to economy, and all facets of F&B strategy, from large-scale events to bespoke concepts.

Scott is now Chief Executive Officer at Trilogy Hotels, an independent hotel management company that celebrates everything about hospitality and meeting the needs of hotel owners, guests, brands and teams. Scott is a proud graduate of the Blue Mountains Hotel School.

Rodger Powell launched THSA – Hotel Advisors in 2005 after a 25-year career in senior and C-suite hotel and tourism roles. Today, THSA is recognised as a leading specialist hotel advisory and asset management business in Australasia.

Acting almost exclusively for hotel owners, developers and investors, THSA specialises in hotel asset management, performance improvement, market demand and feasibility studies, hotel operator selections, due diligence, dispute resolution and expert witness roles. They also collaborate with all tiers of government on planning and place-making.

THSA’s impressive client roster includes some of the region’s largest multi-national developers, equity investors and financial institutions, high net worth individuals and boutique private enterprises. Some of the largest LGAs in the country also rely on THSA’s expertise.

Rodger is a passionate hotel and tourism professional whose hands-on experience delivers a wealth of advice and uncommon insights that balance innovation, value and risk. They are extremely proud that all their business comes from referrals.

Nikki is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and leading expert in helping people adapt to change and accelerate success.

She has won numerous awards, including Entrepreneur of the Year by ACE, named as an EY North America Entrepreneurial Winning Woman, honoured as one of the 21 Leaders for the 21st Century, recognized as Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Women, LA Woman of Influence by The Business Journals, and Women of Entrepreneurship by LA Lakers.

In her 25-year career, she has helped global brands transform their culture and capabilities. Now she is on a mission to help business leaders reinvent the way they lead, live, and succeed.

Ted Horner is Managing Director of E. Horner & Associates, a technology consulting practice specializing in the hospitality industry. Ted is widely regarded as Australia’s leading consultant in this area.

Over the last 36 years he has consulted for a variety of clients from developers and international operators of large resorts, boutique hotels golf clubs, convention center‘s and licensed premises.

Ted has been involved in staging a number of conferences and exhibitions for the industry from as early as 1996.

In 2002 he was a founding member of HTNG (Hotel Technology Next Generation) a non-profit body which was established in the US to promote open systems integrations between vendors in the industry and today he is an Executive Advisor to HTNG. In 2004 he was the first non-US person to be elected to the HITEC Technology Hall of Fame for his contribution to the advancement of technology in the hospitality industry

Ted’s mission at the Summit is to raise the level of awareness of technology within the hospitality industry to ensure that it is seen and used properly as an important management tool.