A pair of international hospitality experts are amongst the keynote speakers confirmed for the Hospitality New Zealand Conference and Trade Show, HNZ26, New Zealand’s largest hospitality and accommodation conference.
Rotorua will welcome hospitality and accommodation operators, leaders, changemakers, and innovators from across the motu to HNZ26, held on 23-24 June at the Energy Events Centre.
Amongst the first speakers confirmed to attend are Preston Lee, a US hospitality performance strategist, and Atilla Bús, an internationally-renowned flavour researcher, bartender and author.
Preston Lee is an entrepreneur and hospitality expert who founded The 30% Rule in 2023 to help independent restaurants scale by focusing on culture, systems, training and leadership development.
The 30% Rule has boosted consistency and guest experience in more than 200 restaurants and driven over $250 million in additional sales for clients.
Preston will share his insights on how hospitality can thrive in a world of constant disruption at HNZ26, inspiring operators to elevate both hospitality standards and operational efficiency.
Atilla Bús works at the intersection of contemporary mixology, sensory design, and storytelling. With more than a decade of international experience, Atilla’s focus “is not on alcohol content, but on flavour as an emotional and cultural medium.”
Atilla has collaborated with bars, brands, and creative communities across Europe, Asia and Australia, gradually shifting his attention toward alcohol-free and low-ABV drinks.
At HNZ26, Atilla will speak about emerging trends in flavour-driven no- and low-ABV beverages, sustainability-led design, and shifting consumer expectations. He'll also host a masterclass exploring flavour design, structure, and technique that operators can directly apply in their businesses.
Kristy Phillips, Hospitality NZ’s Chief Executive, says having Preston and Atilla at HNZ26 sets the tone for what will be a great programme of inspiring speakers and informative sessions.
“The theme for HNZ26 is all about ‘manaakitanga (hospitality) in motion’, and Preston and Atilla are great examples of this. They’re both at the top of their game in their respective fields in hospitality. We can’t wait to welcome them to Rotorua to share their expertise at HNZ26.”
Further announcements on the HNZ26 programme will be made in the lead up to the event, Kristy Phillips continues.
“HNZ26 is the must-attend event on your calendar. We have a great line up planned, with inspiring keynotes, expert panels, a massive trade expo supported by Coca Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), alongside networking and social opportunities.
“We’ll be announcing more speakers and sessions soon, but don’t miss the chance to make the most of early bird pricing now.”
As part of HNZ26, the 2026 LION Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence will also be held across the two nights, celebrating both people and businesses.
Kristy Phillps says: “There will also be two unforgettable awards nights celebrating New Zealand’s finest in the hospitality and accommodation industries at the 2026 LION Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence.
“These awards are a chance to recognise the best of our industry, celebrating the best of New Zealand’s hospitality and accommodation sector.”
Entries for the 2026 LION Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence close on 31 March, and businesses across the food, beverage, and accommodation sectors are encouraged to enter multiple categories to showcase their achievements.
The programme’s highest honour, the Supreme Award, will be selected by independent judges from the category winners, recognising the pinnacle of excellence in New Zealand hospitality.