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About 80 Twenty Hotel Media
Who We Are
80 Twenty Hotel Media is the exclusive platform connecting senior hospitality leaders, innovative industry suppliers, and decision-makers through invitation-only, curated events designed to drive meaningful commercial relationships.
Founded by hospitality veteran Sandra Swatton, our mission is to bridge the gap between hotel professionals and solution providers by facilitating premium forums that spark collaboration, knowledge sharing, and measurable business growth.
Since our launch in Australia, we’ve expanded into New Zealand and the United Kingdom, delivering our signature Boardroom Lunch and Breakfast Series to high-impact hospitality markets worldwide.
The 80 Twenty Story
8 years ago ……….
Our Purpose
At 80 Twenty Hotel Media, our purpose is to bring together the right people in the right room — senior hotel leaders, owners, and solution providers — to exchange ideas, share challenges, and uncover new opportunities for growth. Through our curated events, we create an environment that inspires collaboration, strengthens industry relationships, and drives meaningful commercial outcomes. Our goal is to help build a stronger, more connected hospitality community across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
Our Vision for the future
At 80 Twenty, our mission has always been to connect, inspire, and empower leaders across the accommodation and hospitality industry — no matter where they are. In 2026, our vision is to reach more leaders than ever before by expanding beyond traditional city events. Through the launch of our Breakfast Series and Regional Series, we’re creating opportunities for hotel and accommodation professionals in remote and regional areas to access the same high-quality, personalised experiences that were once limited to CBD locations.
These new formats are designed to bring connection and learning closer to home — offering intimate, purpose-driven events curated specifically for local markets. Looking ahead, we’re also investing in AI-powered solutions to make our events even more accessible. From digital partner panels to virtual learning hubs, our goal is to extend the reach of collaboration and innovation beyond the boardroom — ensuring every leader, from city to coast, can be part of shaping the future of hospitality.
What We Do
At 80 Twenty Hotel Media, our events are built around quality over quantity. We create the right room for the right people — where genuine connections lead to measurable commercial results.
What Makes Us Different:
Exclusive Invitation-Only Format: Each event is strictly capped at 20–25 senior hotel decision-makers and up to three sponsors, creating a focused, high-value environment.
Curated Guest List: Attendees are hand-selected in partnership with our sponsors to ensure every conversation is meaningful and relevant.
No Sales Pitches — Just Relationships: Our sessions are designed for authentic dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy — not sales noise.
Premium Venue Experience: Each event features a formal sit-down setting, guest speakers, and professional facilitation to encourage relaxed yet productive discussions.
Sponsor Influence: Sponsors have input in the attendee selection process and enjoy premium brand visibility through signage, speaker introductions, and facilitated engagement.
Targeted Lead Generation: Post-event reporting provides attendee insights and data for meaningful follow-up — always managed with confidentiality and integrity.
Tailored Facilitation: Every session is guided by an 80 Twenty facilitator to ensure sponsors personally connect with ideal high-value prospects.
Our Team
Managing Director – Sandra Swatton
Sandra founded 80 Twenty Hotel Media to bridge the gap between hotel leaders and industry suppliers. With more than 25 years’ experience in hotel sales, marketing, and training, she continues to lead the Australian and New Zealand programs while guiding the brand’s global expansion.
Facilitator – Emma Edwards (United Kingdom)
Emma brings extensive experience in commercial operations and hotel leadership. She leads the UK arm of 80 Twenty, hosting Boardroom and Breakfast sessions that connect executives and shape industry conversations.
Facilitator – Sandra Swatton (Australia & New Zealand)
Sandra also facilitates across Australia and New Zealand, ensuring each event delivers the same trusted 80 Twenty experience of genuine discussion, relationship-building, and tangible outcomes.
Our Reach
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Australia & New Zealand: Boardroom Lunch and Breakfast Series
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United Kingdom: 2026 Boardroom Launch Series
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Future Regions: Expanding partnerships across Asia and Europe
Our Purpose
At 80 Twenty Hotel Media, our purpose is to bring together the right people in the right room — senior hotel leaders, owners, and solution providers — to exchange ideas, share challenges, and uncover new opportunities for growth. Through our curated events, we create an environment that inspires collaboration, strengthens industry relationships, and drives meaningful commercial outcomes. Our goal is to help build a stronger, more connected hospitality community across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
What our partners say about us
The 80 Twenty Hotel conference is a fantastic platform that helps us to better understand industry trends and market requirements. The event is a great opportunity to participate in industry discussions and forums and learn how to provide better support to the accommodation industry. Our partnership helps us forge real connections in the industry and create new networks and stronger relationships on a national level.
Intrust Super
We were proud sponsors of the 80 Twenty Hotel Conference which through our involvement we have made invaluable professional connections and been able to tap into markets that could not have been possible through traditional and online marketing mediums. Our involvement has really supported our vision to bolster our brand in the industry.
13Cabs
Our sponsorship with the 80Twenty Hotel Conference was a great opportunity for our business to connect with industry associates on a one-on-one basis, enabling us to build brand awareness and grow our business. As an innovative market-oriented PMS supplier, the exposure to a targeted market was intrinsic in creating meaningful connections with like-minded hospitality operators, setting us up for future success.
RMS
80 Twenty Hotel Media works closely with sponsors, supporters, industry associations and partners. Find out how you can partner with 80 Twenty Hotel Media through a range of sponsor, exhibitor, association and supporter packages.
Here are a few testimonials from the previous Boardroom Lunch Events
“It was a great afternoon and I really enjoyed connecting with the other guests but also learning from the informative speakers – a great balance of personal development and industry update. Looking forward to the next one!".
David Bowen
Director of Hotels
“The Sydney Boardroom lunch was a great initiative to get like minded General Managers around the table to discuss current business challenges in the post COVID world. The addition of the wellness speaker was welcomed as it’s not normally a topic talked about and showed the direct correlation between leadership behaviours and health and wellness. Already looking forward to the next event!".
Sally Burgerss
General Manager
“With figures and outcomes at the forefronts of every mind, its easy to forget about one’s own health and wellbeing and the effects that this can have on our business or staff. 80Twenty’s lunch brought us right back to basics, with Dr Kellie highlighting the direct connection between our own health and our business’ ability to thrive. This was a great opportunity to touch base on the Sydney market, meet and greet and also see where we are headed and the changes involved in the journey. Looking forward to the next on".
Sasha Southam
Accommodation Manager
“It was a great opportunity to get together with GMs that I would not normally cross paths with. I also found the discussion generated by the guest speaker to be really valuable and free flowing”.
Kayte Staraj
General Manager
“A great opportunity to have conversations at a leadership level with GM’s you don’t normally get to meet. Was also nice to hear a guest speaker talk about how we can not only work on our health & wellbeing but how it relates to our teams".
Dane Zaher
General Manager - Brisbane
“I really enjoyed meeting my industry peers, and hearing the operational challenges that others face, but on the other side and a more positive note seeing the increase in demand for Brisbane and what we can expect to see in the future. Then, to top it off, the psychology and mentality behind our leadership approach was fascinating, and I definitely walked out of there with a lot to think about."
Victoria Sgro
General Manager - Brisbane
“Thank you for inviting us to your event on Wednesday. I learned some valuable insights and will stay engaged with Simon. I also appreciate your authentic hosting style. Thanks to Booking.com and MEWS Teams too.”
Steve McPharlin
Director Hotels & Residencies
“A great boardroom lunch for General Managers, and I found it very insightful! Great venue and location. You set the benchmark from the get-go. You’re a dynamo! Can’t wait for the next one!”
Jacki Hendy
General Manager
“The 80 TWENTY Gold Coast event was a great way to connect with a few new people and meet catch up with some old acquaintances. The venue and food was also great”.
Chris Naylor
General Manager
“I had an exceptional experience at the 80 TWENTY leadership lunch hosted by Sandra. The event was flawlessly organised with insightful talks and a great networking atmosphere. Highly recommend for anyone looking to grow professionally.”
Melissa Pearson
General Manager
“A fantastic event — the venue was perfect, the food and beverages were spot on, and the timing worked really well for us. The guest speaker was truly inspirational and motivating. A well-executed event from start to finish”
Mayank Singh
Hotel Manager
“A fantastic and well-run event by 80 TWENTY. The intimate setting made it easy to connect, and Tim’s story of perseverance and self-belief was truly inspiring. The sponsor insights were valuable, and the timing and format were just right.”
Sue Fairweather
General Manager
“Well done to 80 TWENTY for hosting such a high-quality event. Tim was an outstanding guest speaker — so impactful that I’ll be contacting him for our management team’s business planning session. ”
David Brook
General Manager
“A brilliant event from 80 TWENTY — the venue was great, the food fabulous, and the timing spot on. The guest speaker, Tim, was incredibly motivating and someone I’d love to bring in for our leadership team.”
Matt Rippin
General Manager