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, will bring together industry leaders to unpack the forces shaping hotel investment, development and operations.
Taking place on March 27 at W Hotel, 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.
Matthew Burke—regional manager, Pacific, STR
A leading voice in hotel market intelligence, Burke brings more than 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.
Chris Lucas—founder and chief executive, 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-defining developments.
In an exclusive fireside chat, Lucas will share his expansion strategy, how he secures flagship locations and his vision for hospitality-led placemaking.
Paige Walker—chief executive, Fiveight
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 its vision for Australia’s built environment.
Tim Sherlock—managing director, Pro-invest Group
Sherlock leads the development and asset management arm of Pro-invest Group, a leading private equity real estate firm.
With more than 22 years in real estate, he drives hotel and commercial projects across Australia and New Zealand, from site acquisition to project delivery, ensuring assets align with market demand and long-term investment value.
Tim will share insights into Pro-invest’s strategic approach to development, sustainability and the evolving hotel investment landscape.
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: Pioneering private developers breaking the mould
In conversation with Chris Lucas
With a powerhouse line-up of 15-plus hotel experts, this is an event that no serious player in the hotel sector can afford to miss.
