Oracle: A Senate Of Visionaries Shaping The Future Together
Thank you for joining us for the fourth annual Hospitality Industry Think Tank
On 31 July 2026 industry thought leaders gathered at Emperors Palace to discuss challenges and opportunities for hospitality and tourism.
Think Tank charts a course through AI, adaptability and youth opportunity
Key Takeaways
The world is changing faster than the hospitality industry can plan for it, and the businesses that will thrive are the ones that build the agility to adapt, rather than waiting for certainty. This was the central thread running through the day.
Keynote address
Johnny Goldberg
The Chairman of Global Business Solutions delivered a keynote on the future of AI, innovation and the transformation of the hospitality industry.
Full Panel Discussions
If you were unable to attend, we are pleased to share full recordings of four panel discussions held during the event. As this is a fundraising initiative for Touching Dreams — and attendees purchased tickets to participate — we encourage viewers to consider making a voluntary donation when accessing the recordings. All proceeds directly support the youth development and conservation initiatives championed by Touching Dreams.
Panel 1: Leading through uncertainty
What does it take to lead through uncertainty in an industry evolving at unprecedented pace.
Panel 2: Technology and AI
Progress on training your AI tools and simplifying interfaces between different systems.
Panel 3: Industry Associations
FEDHASA, SATSA, VOASA, SASTRA and TBCSA — their relevance, and how they engage with the government
Panel 4: Climate change and risk
Preparing for the new reality of changing weather systems and managing risk and cover.
Think Tank Agenda
Welcome - Dave Milne, Peermont Hotels
Keynote address - Johnny Goldberg, Chairman, Global Business Solutions
Welcome - Dimitris Manikis, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
- Panel 1: The economic impact of geopolitics. The ongoing Ukraine and Gulf war and how the ever-changing trade tariffs are pushing Southern Africa in an eastward direction.
- Panel 2: Technology and AI. The change and progress since last year’s conversation on training your AI tools and simplifying interphases between different systems.
- Panel 3: Our Associations FEDHASA, SATSA, VOASA, SASTRA and TBCSA, and their relevance. A discussion around the impact of the upcoming Municipal Elections in SA and how they engage with the government.
- Panel 4: Preparing for the new reality of changing weather systems and managing risk and cover. We’ll discuss sustainability and environmental grading requirements and how to fund these.
- Panel 5: Calling on Industry to support environmental and social impact through Touching Dreams - the drive behind the Think Tank and Gala Dinner.
The full agenda and confirmed panellists can be viewed here.
