The VK Wrap-Up 2026: Nordic Hotels & Resorts Marks a Year of Milestones

Each January, the people of Nordic Hotels & Resorts and Strawberry kick off the year with a bang at Vinterkonferansen (VK). This year, more than 4,000 participants convened at Strawberry Arena in Stockholm for VK 2026—a weekend of recognition, reflection and forward momentum. For Nordic Hotels & Resorts, the occasion offered a moment to focus on its people, its brands and the year that shaped them.

As January frost settled over a snowy Sweden, colleagues from across Nordic Hotels & Resorts and its parent brand, Strawberry, gathered for its company highlight of the year: Vinterkonferansen (VK). An annual industry meeting point and one of the largest hospitality conferences in Northern Europe, VK unfolded over two days through talks, performances, awards, and conversations.

The 2026 edition brought together 4,000 Strawberry colleagues from across the Nordic region on January 10-11. It was a moment to take stock of a year defined by movement and ambition, and to recognise the collective effort behind a portfolio that continues to shape contemporary Nordic hospitality. Reflection and celebration went hand in hand, underscoring the role the hospitality industry now plays as one of Europe’s most active and evolving sectors.

NHR Brand Sessions: The People Behind the Experience

Saturday morning marked Nordic Hotels & Resorts’ own opening chapter of the weekend with its Brand Sessions—a longstanding tradition given new shape this year. For the first time, the programme was divided into two sessions, one for the Luxury & Lifestyle Division, and one for the Resorts Division. Held ahead of the main conference, these gatherings created space to focus on what matters most: the people.

Across both sessions, the spotlight was firmly on those who bring the hotels to life—hoteliers, chefs, concierges, spa leaders, front-of-house teams, and everyone in between. With a brand- and people-led perspective that has become a defining feature of Nordic Hotels & Resorts, speakers reflected on the year behind them. 2025 emerged as a year of refinement, shaped by continued growth in experiential travel, the lasting relevance of Nordic design, and a deeper integration of community and culture into the guest journey.

The sessions concluded with the annual Nordic Hotels & Resorts awards, recognising excellence across the portfolio. These honours celebrate not only standout properties, but also the individuals whose commitment, creativity and care define everyday life within the hotels.

VK Nordic Hotels & Resorts Awards 2025 – Luxury & Lifestyle

Brand Experience of the Year: Hotel Lilla Roberts

Food & Beverage Venue of the Year: Stockholm Under Stjärnorna 

Guest Experience of the Year: Hotel Kämp

Problem-Solving of the Year: Avalon Hotel and Hotel No13

Department Manager of the Year – Luxury: Markus Forsén, Hotel Kämp

Department Manager of the Year – Lifestyle: Edwin Bratt, Hobo Stockholm

Employee Engagement of the Year: Amerikalinjen

Employees of the Year:

Patrick Bjerregaard Nielsen – Admiral Hotel. Henrikke Bull Haraldsen – Amerikalinjen. Shrey Verma – At Six. Jacob Edwards – Avalon Hotel. Katja Sysmälä – Hobo Helsinki. Filip Bååth – Hobo Stockholm. Venla Saaratmo – Hotel AX. Emelie Rydell – Hotel C Stockholm. Ewelina Magdalena Dziewit – Hotel Christiania Teater. Anna Lakner – Hotel F6. Emmi Lisko – Hotel Fabian. Linda Rehnström – Hotel Fratelli. Glauber Postatni de Moraes – Hotel Haven. Milla Liljanko – Hotel Kämp. Kaija Rapi – Hotel Klaus K. Rida (Rico) Ettyjani – Hotel Lilla Roberts. Charlotte Forum – Hotel Odeon. Timur Mamedov – Hotel St. George. Liv Jarstam – Nordic Light. Xuan Phan – Sommerro. Philip Thörn Bülow – TAK Stockholm. Timmy Larsen – THE THIEF. Mikayla Shipley – Villa Copenhagen. Jennifer Yousif – Vox Hotel.

General Manager of the Year Nominee – Luxury: André Julseth, Sommerro

General Manager of the Year Nominee – Lifestyle: Daniel Barsoum, Vox Hotel

VK Nordic Hotels & Resorts Awards 2025 – Resorts

Guest Experience of the Year: Frösö Park Hotel

Problem-Solving of the Year: Norefjell Ski & Spa

Department Manager of the Year: Joanna Malarz, Norefjell Ski & Spa

Workplace of the Year: Aronsborg Konferenshotell

Brand Experience of the Year: Copperhill Mountain Lodge

Employees of the Year: 

Frida Baarsen – Aronsborgs Konferenshotell. Magnus Meyer – Copperhill Mountain Lodge. Gabi Gerda Furulund – Farris Bad. Hanna Lidfors – Frösö Park Hotel. Ali Panahi – Hernö Gin Hotell. Tummas Láadal – Hotel Føroyar. Nina Instefjord – Hotel Riviera. Roza Lipinska – Lily Country Club. Sara Helberg – Norefjell Ski & Spa. Lisa Eriksson – Selma Spa. Monica Fløgstad – Son Spa. Nathalie Jonsson – Stenungsbaden Yacht Club. Julia Olofsson – Strömstad Spa & Resort. Sipan Horori – Wood Hotel Bodø. Emma Nilsson – Yasuragi.

General Manager of the Year Nominee: Ane Johansen, Farris Bad

VK 2026: Powered with Pride

Beyond the Brand Sessions, the main conference took place as a two-day exploration of Strawberry’s distinctive culture and shared ambitions. On the main stage, a programme of talks and conversations touched on leadership, responsibility and the evolving role of hospitality across the Nordic region, all under this year’s time “Powered with Pride”.

The awards ceremony brought the conference to a close. This year’s honours once again placed Nordic Hotels & Resorts in focus, with properties recognised through both WeCare Hotel of the Year and General Manager of the Year. The awards reflected not only strong leadership, but a consistent ability to deliver considered, high-quality guest experiences while keeping sustainability at the core.

VK Awards 2025 – Nordic Hotels & Resorts Winners

New Hotel of the Year: Hernö Gin Hotell

WeCare Hotel of the Year: Villa Copenhagen

Luxury Hotel of the Year: At Six

Lifestyle Hotel of the Year: Hotel Christiania Teater

Resort Hotel of the Year: Lily Country Club

General Manager of the Year: André Julseth, Sommerro