Bio

Patrick van der Wardt, widely known as The Hotel IT Guy, is a seasoned travel and hospitality IT executive with over 30 years of experience driving innovation in the global hotel technology sector. As a thought leader and strategist, Patrick specialises in leveraging cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and SaaS solutions, to transform hotel operations, enhance guest experiences, and optimise revenue streams.

Patrick’s career spans key leadership roles, including Senior Managing Director EMEA at PROVision Partners, where he spearheaded strategic growth initiatives for hospitality technology providers and hotel organisations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Previously, he held senior positions at Amadeus, joining in 2015 after the acquisition of Itesso, a company he co-founded. He also built Brilliant Hotelsoftware from a two-person startup in 1992 into a globally recognised provider of trusted solutions for major hotel chains.

His expertise in property management systems, cloud migration, and distribution strategies has made him a sought-after speaker at international conferences, where he shares actionable strategies for creating “wow” moments for guests through technology.

Based in the Netherlands, Patrick holds a degree in Economics from Catharijne College and is fluent in English, Dutch, and German. With a passion for pushing boundaries and a knack for simplifying complex tech trends, he inspires hoteliers to embrace innovation while preserving the human touch that defines hospitality.