The Hospitality Innovation Lab, launched by the Hospitality Sector Council in partnership with L Marks, is designed to identify and trial bold new technology solutions that can boost productivity, empower teams and support long-term resilience across the hospitality sector.  

Hospitality Tech360 will host the launch of the trial phase, providing a dedicated platform for the newly selected technology providers taking part in the programme, alongside a series of curated content sessions and on-site activity delivered in partnership with the Council. 

The technology providers selected for the trial phase will be announced live on stage at Hospitality Tech360 on 30 March by Jane O’Riordan, Chair of Caravan Restaurants and Chair of the HSC Innovation Working Group. The announcement will mark the official start of the trial phase, which brings together operators, suppliers and policymakers to test practical solutions to shared operational challenges. 

Following the on-stage launch, visitors will be able to meet the participating technology providers within a dedicated co-branded feature area on the show floor. The launch will also be marked with a drinks reception hosted at the event, bringing together operators, suppliers and stakeholders involved in the Innovation Lab. 

The partnership will also see Hospitality Sector Council-curated sessions featured within the Hospitality Tech360 content programme, providing additional context on the strategic role of technology in strengthening UK hospitality. 

Matt Hodgins, Project Director at Hospitality Tech360, said: “Hospitality Tech360 is about creating meaningful connections between operators and the technology shaping the future of the sector. Hosting the trial phase launch of the Hospitality Innovation Lab gives the industry a front-row seat to the ideas and solutions that could make a real difference to productivity and team empowerment in the years ahead. We’re delighted to be working with the Hospitality Sector Council to provide a live platform for this important initiative.” 

The Hospitality Innovation Lab brings together operators, startups and innovators to pilot practical solutions to real-world challenges facing hospitality businesses. Building on the digital and operational advances already reshaping the sector, the programme focuses on improving productivity, enabling teams to work more effectively and supporting sustainable business growth. 

Jane O’Riordan, Chair of Caravan Restaurants and Chair of the HSC Innovation Working Group, said: “The Hospitality Innovation Lab is about turning ideas into action. By bringing operators and technology providers together in a live environment, we can properly test what works, learn quickly and focus on solutions that genuinely support teams and improve how hospitality businesses operate. Launching the trial phase at Hospitality Tech360 allows us to share that ambition with the wider industry from day one.” 

The initiative has been developed by the Hospitality Sector Council in collaboration with L Marks, a corporate innovation specialist, and the Department for Business & Trade (DBT). Together, they aim to create a structured pathway for innovation that supports operators while giving emerging technology providers the opportunity to test, refine and scale their solutions in live hospitality environments. 

Hospitality Tech360 brings together hospitality operators, decision-makers and technology suppliers for three days of insight, discovery and collaboration, exploring how digital tools are transforming guest journeys, service teams and back-of-house operations across the sector. 

Find out more about the Hospitality Sector Council at Hospitality Tech360 by visiting hospitalitytech360.co.uk/hospitality-sector-council-innovation-lab.