1998
Jonathan Worsley co-founds IHIF (International Hotel Investment Forum) in Berlin
2001
The data benchmarking company, The Bench is founded in London
2006
AHIC (Arabian Hotel Investment Conference) launched in Dubai hosted by the Jumeirah Group
2008
The Bench merges with STR Global. Sally Marwaha and Jennifer Pettinger become first employees of the business
2010
AHIF (Africa Hotel Investment Forum) launched in Casablanca, let by Matthew Weihs
2012
The Bench's Dubai office becomes operational
2015
The Bench acquires 50% of the SAHIC (South America Hotel Investment Conference)
2016
AviaDev Africa is launched with Jon Howell and Mala Patel in Kigali, Rwanda
2017
Digital Marketing division is launched by Ali Shahid
2018
Saudi Arabia Hospitality Investment Conference launched, hosted by DUR Hospitality
2019
The Bench acquires 100% of the Adriatic Hotel Investment Forum (now IDEEA, led by Marina Franolic)
2020
Launched the Digital Hospitality Tomorrow Series in April 2020 to 6000 industry delegates around the world.
2020
Future Hospitality Hybrid Summit launched with the G20 Secretariat
2021
The Bench Saudi Arabian offices become operational with Saudi national, Jana Bader, as General Manager
2021
Startup Den launched at Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai
2023
FHS Saudi, hosted by Al Khozama, takes place at Al Faisaliah Hotel for the first time to over 1000 delegates.
01
We delight our customers by going the extra mile
02
We innovate and facilitate connections
03
We care about our communities and the environment
04
We create valuable experiences
05
We nurture relationships
Haitham Mattar
Special Advisor, UNWTO
Managing Director MEA & South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Profile
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