Ah, Black Friday. That magical time of the year when people elbow each other for TVs they don’t need, and we all somehow feel tricked into buying socks online “because they were 60% off.” Retailers are out there screaming “Sale time!” while we in hospitality are just trying to figure out how to sell that last suite on a rainy Tuesday in March.
So instead of pretending I know how to make a hotel bed look as crisp as a Zara checkout line on Black Friday, I’ve decided to drop a different kind of offer. One that doesn’t involve dodgy discount codes or ticking clocks.
It involves… cocktails. Hoteliers. Strategy. And some very exciting news for 2026.
First things first: a cocktail party you actually want to go to
If you’re heading to Madrid this January for FITUR (and really, who isn’t?), save the date: we’re hosting a cocktail party exclusively for hoteliers, and it’s going to be packed. We’re expecting over 200 hotel professionals, the kind of people you want to clink glasses with. Not just because they’re good company, but because you’ll walk away with smarter ideas, real connections, and maybe even the WhatsApp of that revenue manager who really gets OTA strategy.
Think less small talk about minibar prices and more real conversations about driving ancillary revenue, tech integration, and what the heck “hyperpersonalisation” actually means.
There’ll be no sales pitches and certainly no plastic cups. Just hospitality pros talking shop over great drinks in an informal setting, hosted by yours truly & Cristina Blaja; and a few very interesting people..
Write it down: 22nd of January in Madrid. Reach out to me directly for RSVP.
And now… a keynote reveal worthy of a drumroll
While everyone else was busy hoarding air fryers and Bluetooth speakers this week, we were securing a world-class keynote speaker for next year’s Global Revenue Forum Madrid 2026 (#GRFMAD26 for the hashtag-lovers).
We’re thrilled to announce that Sam Gratton. Yes, that Sam Gratton ex JPMorgan & Goldman Sachs turned into expert communicator, with over 120,000 followers on Linkedin.
Sam specialises in improving public speaking skills for managers globally. And that’s what he’ll do at the Global Revenue Forum Madrid 2026.
If you’re into dynamic pricing, agile revenue teams, and understanding what’s next for our industry, Sam’s session alone will be worth the trip. Also, he’s charming as hell and not afraid to share the occasional mic-drop truth bomb. So, bring a notebook (or at least clear your camera roll for screenshots).
#GRFMAD26: What’s cooking?
We’re still putting together the full agenda for the Global Revenue Forum Madrid 2026, but here’s what I can already tell you:
- It will be held at the same spot as last year, given the tremendous welcome we enjoyed on the first edition (Espacio Maldonado. C/ Serrano 104 -just opposite the American Embassy).
- We’re going bigger and bolder than in 2025, with more networking formats designed for actual business growth (and fewer “panels for the sake of panels”).
- The theme? Commercial Leadership for the next generation. How do we future-proof our strategies in an increasingly volatile, tech-driven, guest-demanding landscape?
- We’re inviting voices from revenue, distribution, digital marketing, tech and yes, even ops, because revenue touches everything now.
- The vibe? Still intimate. Still hyper-practical. No fluff, no filler, just real tools and stories that move the needle.
And if you’re thinking, “Sure Pablo, but what if I’m more into spas or F&B or experience design?” I’ve got news for you: those are revenue streams too. And we’re talking about them. Holistic revenue strategy is the name of the game now.
So, what’s in this for you?
While Black Friday gets people excited about 30% off vacuum cleaners, I get more excited about the idea of hundreds of hospitality professionals gathering to shape the future of our industry. No gimmicks. Just insights, inspiration, and intentional networking.
Want to be part of the January cocktail party? Keep an eye out, as spots will go fast. (Yes, there will be a guest list. And no, your cousin who once worked front desk at a hostel doesn’t count.)
Interested in attending at #GRFMAD26? Reach out now or visit https://madrid.globalrevenueforum.com/page/4576357/buy-tickets as tickets are already live and selling.
And if you just want to chat about Black Friday strategies that actually apply to hotels… let’s talk. But I’ll tell you now: if your plan involves bundling spa treatments with discounted room nights and calling it “dynamic packaging,” we need to have a longer conversation.
Catch you at the bar in January?
