Les Clefs d'Or International Congress 2026: Connecting the world's hospitality leaders in Sydney

For delegates, one of the greatest benefits of the congress was the opportunity to connect face-to-face with peers who share similar challenges, opportunities and ambitions.

Jimmy Barker, an Australian nominee for The Les Clefs d’Or Award, described the experience as a reminder that hospitality professionals are part of a truly global community.

"You could forget that you're a part of a 4,000-person society all around the world, driven to create and drive tourism, build up cities and create memorable experiences."

Meeting colleagues from around the world reinforced the scale and strength of the profession.

"Coming from Australia, from Brisbane, being the only Les Clefs d'Or member in my city, meeting representatives from 19 different countries is probably one of the most motivating things in the last five years of my career."

For first-time attendee and award nominee Simona Marciulaityte, the value of gathering in person extended beyond networking.

"When we're talking from a point of vulnerability, when we're talking about real concerns and challenges we're facing, the conversation becomes greater for a solution and you don't feel alone anymore."

A key feature of the congress was the association's Young Leaders Program, which supports emerging concierge professionals and helps build the next generation of industry leaders.

The program brings together participants from across the globe, creating lifelong professional relationships and exposing emerging leaders to perspectives from different markets and cultures.

For previous Young Leaders winner Magali Brandariz, the program had a lasting impact on both her career and her continued involvement in the profession.

"Being in the spotlight really helped me a lot in my career. We keep working a lot for the next generations and trying to choose who will be our next leader.”

Fellow awards committee member and 2025 winner, Gregor Köck, believes the influence extends well beyond the event itself.

"One gets inspired by joining this award and one can inspire after having joined this award."

Throughout the congress, delegates explored how the concierge profession continues to evolve as guest expectations and technology reshape hospitality.

For many attendees, the greatest learning came not from formal presentations but from direct conversations with colleagues from different countries and cultures.

"We work in different hotels, different cities and different countries which work completely differently. Getting those learnings from each and every candidate every year is really important,” said Gregor.

Those connections often become an ongoing professional resource.

"You have a connection, you can pick up a call and that almost impossible thing that you cannot solve, your colleague across the country, across the globe can help you solve it,” said Simona.

The congress also reinforced the enduring value of trusted relationships in hospitality.

"It's not just transactional."

For many international delegates, the congress provided a first opportunity to experience Sydney and Australia.

Delegates consistently highlighted the city's welcoming atmosphere, accessibility and balance between business and lifestyle.

Burak Ipekci, General Secretary - Great Britain of the International Executive Committee, said Sydney's character made it a natural fit for the association.

"The city has an incredibly laid-back, welcoming, friendly energy. Wherever we go, whether it's meeting time or evening events, it is always warm, it's always festive."

The educational program also benefited from being hosted in a destination unfamiliar to many attendees.

"We're enhancing our skills, but we're also learning about a new destination, a new city and experiencing it through our eyes. It's a marriage made in heaven."

When asked what advice he would give organisations considering Sydney as a future host city, his response was simple:

"Two words: no brainer."

The congress showcased Sydney through a program that combined professional development with authentic local experiences.

Delegates explored the harbour city through events at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour, while a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony created a meaningful connection to Australia's First Nations culture.

For Australian organiser and bid champion, Dean McWhinney, President of Les Clefs d’Or Australia, welcoming the global association to Sydney was a significant career highlight.

"It gives me enormous pride to show our beautiful city to the world."

He also acknowledged the role of Business Events Sydney in helping bring the congress to life.

"Business Events Sydney has been the most valuable partnership that we've had throughout the conference. Hands down, the support of BESydney is second to none."

Beyond the economic contribution generated by the event, the congress strengthened international ties across the hospitality sector and elevated Australia's profile within the global concierge community. The event was expected to attract 500 delegates and generate more than $2 million for the local economy.

For attendees, however, the most enduring legacy may be the relationships formed and renewed in Sydney.

As delegates reflected on the week, two words emerged to describe the experience:

"Inspiring."

"Mind-blowing."