EHMA Italy spotlights neuroscience, awards talent at Sanremo meeting

European hotel leaders met in Sanremo, Italy, from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 for EHMA Italy’s Autumn Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting. The gathering mixed governance, leadership awards and a keynote on how neuroscience is reshaping luxury dining experiences.

Why it matters: - EHMA’s Italian Chapter used the Sanremo meeting to pair industry networking with governance changes, signaling how the association is adapting to new pressures in European luxury hospitality. - The program also pushed a bigger idea for hotels: guest experience now depends as much on psychology and perception as on service and product. - The event recognized both senior leadership and emerging talent, showing how EHMA is trying to strengthen the pipeline for future hotel executives.

What happened: - EHMA’s Italian Chapter held its Autumn Meeting in Sanremo from 30 October to 1 November 2026 at the Royal Hotel Sanremo. - The gathering brought together Italian hotel general managers and colleagues from other European delegations. - EHMA also convened an Extraordinary General Meeting to review and approve amendments to the association’s Statutes. - Saturday’s program included a meeting of the EHMA Management Council with National Delegates from across Europe. - The event was hosted by EHMA member Marco Sarlo at the Royal Hotel Sanremo. - Ezio A. Indiani, EHMA National Delegate for Italy and general manager of Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, said the Autumn Meeting is one of the most important moments for the delegation and noted the stronger international dimension of this year’s gathering.

The details: - The Autumn Meeting opened with a welcome cocktail and dinner on Friday, 30 October, in the lobby and on the terrace of the Royal Hotel Sanremo. - Members spent Saturday morning on the Italian Chapter’s institutional proceedings, reviewing the agenda and ongoing projects. - The Extraordinary General Meeting focused on institutional governance, transparency and long-term development through Statute changes. - Marco Truffelli, an EHMA member and co-founder of RESILIRĒ - Psychological Growth, presented doctoral research from Oxford Brookes University on Acceptance and Commitment Training and Coaching and its impact on burnout among European luxury hotel general managers. - Truffelli’s session included the interactive “What’s in Your Cup?” exercise, which invited leaders to reflect on pressure, priorities and leadership capacity. - Professor Vincenzo Russo delivered the keynote, titled “The Brain at the Table: How Neuroscience Is Redefining the Gastronomic Experience in Luxury Hospitality.” - Russo focused on the cognitive and emotional processes that shape guest perceptions, decision-making and memorable dining experiences. - The presentation pointed to neuroscience as a tool for improving guest engagement, emotional connection and culinary experiences in luxury hotels. - On Saturday afternoon, attendees toured La Pigna, Sanremo’s historic medieval quarter. - The Gala Dinner took place in the Sala Fiori di Murano at the Royal Hotel Sanremo. - The Farewell Brunch closed the meeting at the Royal Hotel Sanremo. - The Royal Hotel Sanremo opened in 1872 and overlooks the Mediterranean, with a subtropical park around the property. - The Europa Palace in Sanremo also hosted participants. - The Europa Palace dates to 1874 and has been extensively renovated while preserving its historic character.

Between the lines: - EHMA’s governance update suggests the association wants a more responsive structure as luxury hospitality faces changing expectations, technology shifts and leadership challenges. - The neuroscience session shows where the industry conversation is heading: luxury hotels are looking for ways to design experiences that influence emotion, memory and spending behavior. - The burnout research presentation also reflects a growing focus on leader wellbeing, not just guest satisfaction, in high-pressure hotel management roles. - The awards and mentoring recognition suggest EHMA is trying to balance heritage and prestige with succession planning.

What's next: - EHMA said the Statute amendments are part of its continued evolution to meet emerging challenges and opportunities in European luxury hospitality. - The association will continue its educational, networking and research activities across its European membership. - The Italian Chapter is expected to keep expanding projects and initiatives for its member community. - EHMA thanked its Italian Chapter partners for supporting the Sanremo meeting and future initiatives.

The bottom line: - EHMA’s Sanremo gathering framed luxury hospitality as a business of leadership, governance and human psychology — not just service and amenities.