Since 2021, Constanze has been the manager of the FutureHotel Innovation Network, coordinating the research activities of this innovation consortium. As a research associate at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, she analyzes relevant trends and develops strategic insights for the hospitality and tourism sector using rigorous scenario techniques. Her focus lies on future-proof solutions and the effective transfer of scientific and practical knowledge. In co-creative formats, she works with partners to design concrete concepts for the hotels of tomorrow. She is particularly driven by questions around the role of hotels within societal, ecological, and economic ecosystems. Her goal: to identify potentials and guide decision-makers toward the future based on evidence. Constanze is the author of the publication FutureHotel – Future Projections for 2035. (© Dante Busquets)

Lisa is a Food Innovation Specialist at NOI Techpark, where she supports companies, start-ups and dedicated innovators in the structured development of innovative food products, from the initial idea to validated market readiness and successful implementation. At the Kitchen Lab, the site’s central development platform, she designs and guides processes and prototypes throughout the entire innovation cycle, from concept development and testing phases to market-ready refinement. In addition, NOI is placing increasing emphasis on the systematic research of digital process solutions for the hospitality sector, as well as on exploring and analysing new interfaces between food service and food innovation, with the goal of identifying emerging industry opportunities at an early stage and leveraging them strategically. (© Ivo Corra)

Manuela is Head of the Innovation Unit at HGV – the South Tyrolean Hoteliers and Restaurateurs Association – where she is responsible for the association’s office at NOI Techpark in Bolzano. She develops and manages strategic innovation and digitalization projects for South Tyrol’s hospitality sector and works closely with research institutions, innovative start-ups, and technology partners. Previously, she spent several years in HGV’s business consulting department. Her professional experience ranges from public relations and international headhunting to project management at the Free University of Bolzano. Manuela combines business expertise with a strong sense for emerging trends and a clear vision: not only to think about the future of tourism, but to implement it in practice — with courage, structure, and impact. (© HGV – Hoteliers- und Gastwirteverband)

With almost twenty years of strategic, conceptual, and operational management experience in the hospitality industry, he is one of the most passionate influencers in the industry. His expertise and foresight make him a renowned moderator, speaker, and discussion participant. Since early 2024, Martin, as Co-Founder and Managing Partner of épique, has been leading the production and distribution of irresistibly delicious, vegan Raw Patisserie products. These are lovingly handmade from the finest organic ingredients in the company’s own manufactory near Munich. All épique Raw Slices are completely organic, vegan, gluten-free, and free from refined sugar.

Martin is an impact investor with a focus on resilience and climate. He advises both start-ups and established companies on financial and strategic decisions and serves on the boards of several funds. In addition, he sees his social impact particularly in coaching young leaders and fathers. He began his career in consulting in Vienna and Eastern Europe before moving into capital markets at Erste Bank. Further positions took him to the Global Treasury of Deutsche Bank in London, before he became one of the youngest board members of an Italian bank, assuming the role of CFO at Volksbank. Since 2023, he has been leading the Fund of Funds 9inch Capital Partners, which invests in European and American venture funds with a clear focus on climate, energy transition and resilience.

Mattèos background lies in brand strategy: in 2002, he developed his proprietary methodology, Biotic Brand Cultivation, framing brands as living systems rather than static constructs. In 2004, he founded Growingdale, a brand strategy agency. In recent years, his focus has shifted toward innovation branding, with a particular emphasis on the new food sector. In 2018, he co-founded Innogusto, a company dedicated to developing plant-based and microbial food concepts. In 2025, Innogusto introduced THE R|E|D KITCHEN ecosystem, an integrated approach to food innovation and commercialisation. In 2026, Mattèo and his wife launched EvoFood, a platform aimed at strengthening the positioning of new food by aligning stakeholders and applying strategic learnings from previous projects. He continues to work as a brand strategist, integrating his expertise in brand systems with food innovation.

Silvia is a consultant for strategic marketing in the hospitality sector. She supports hotels in positioning their brand with a future-oriented approach, developing clear concepts, and implementing marketing strategies effectively and sustainably. Previously, she worked for two internationally active companies in marketing and product development, gaining extensive experience in brand management, market positioning, and strategic business development. This gives her a broad understanding of business contexts and market-oriented thinking. Her focus lies in combining strategy, creativity, and project management – from sound concept development and accompanying coaching processes to the successful implementation of comprehensive marketing and branding initiatives. (© HGV – Hoteliers- und Gastwirteverband)

Thomas Mur graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Innsbruck, specialising in digital communication and marketing. After graduating, he worked for several years as a project manager in electronics development for Audi and VW at ESG GmbH in Ingolstadt. Before joining Fiera Bolzano, he worked in consultancy for medium and large companies in the fields of digital marketing, communication, and recruiting. Since 2015, he has been the CEO of Fiera Bolzano SpA.

Vanessa is Research Director at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO and Professor of Tourism and Hotel Management at SRH University. Her work focuses on developing future-oriented scenarios and solutions for hotel, cultural, and urban systems, which she supports through to practical implementation. She is the founder of the FutureHotel Innovation Network, from which the study FutureHotel – Future Projections for 2035 emerged. The research outlines three future projections for the hospitality industry: the Synergy Hub, the Self-Driving Hotel, and the Placemaker Hotel. The study provides decision-makers with concrete insights into how hotels can act as drivers of innovation for destinations and society while remaining holistic ecosystems that are economically viable in the long term. (© Ludmilla Parsyak)