Berlin Hotel Conference Keynote Speaker Wins Prestigious Film Award

The 7th Annual International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) will feature a keynote address by Joe Simpson, whose presentation of "Touching the Void" recently won best film honors at the 31st annual Evening Standards British Film Awards in London, England.

The film recounts Joe Simpson and Simon Yates' successful 1985 climb to the summit, and dangerous descent down, the Siula Grande mountain in the Peruvian Andes. Film critics have hailed the film as "an account of psychological, even philosophical witness of the rarest compulsion", saying it is "showcasing the triumph of the human spirit, the immense instinct to survive and the innate strength we have within us to succeed."

Simpson is the author of five books on mountaineering and a regular on the speaking circuit, where his inspirational messages are enhanced by the use of stunning photography of his adventures. During his keynote presentation at IHIF, Simpson will discuss the many inspirational messages to be found in the telling of this powerful human drama.

The IHIF is one of Europe's largest and most important conferences for hotel investment professionals. Last year's attendance exceeded the 1,000 mark and is expected to be even stronger this year. Organisers of the event are CB Richard Ellis Hotels, Advanstar Communications and Burba Hotel Network.