Hospitality Rocks 2026 raises more than £20,000 for industry charities
More than 2,000 hospitality and events professionals filled Evolution London for a sold-out night of entertainment, celebration and fundraising in support of Hospitality Action and Only A Pavement Away.
Hospitality Rocks 2026 returned in spectacular style this week, uniting more than 2,000 hospitality and events professionals and raising more than £20,000 for two leading industry charities.
Held at Smart Group’s flagship venue, Evolution London, the sold-out event once again proved its status as a standout fixture in the sector’s social calendar, bringing together immersive entertainment, world-class hospitality and a strong sense of industry unity.
This year’s New York, New York theme transformed Evolution London into a vibrant Big Apple-inspired setting, complete with iconic street scenes, themed bars and large-scale theatrical installations. Guests were transported from the Thames to Times Square, with the energy building from the opening cocktail reception through to the final dance of the night.
Entertainment on the evening included live music, high-energy performances, Rockaoke with a specialist band, DJ sets and fairground-style dodgems, while guests enjoyed a three-course banquet created by Moving Venue, Smart Group’s award-winning catering arm.
Hospitality Rocks was launched in 2016 by Smart Group as a post-festive celebration for hospitality and events professionals and has since grown into one of the most anticipated annual gatherings in the industry.
Greg Lawson, CEO of Smart Group, said: “It is always an honour to host Hospitality Rocks and to celebrate the incredible people who make our industry what it is. To welcome over 2,000 guests and raise more than £20,000 for Hospitality Action and Only A Pavement Away is something we are immensely proud of. These charities provide vital support to people across our sector and we are delighted to continue championing their work.”
Funds were raised throughout the night via a charity auction, fairground dodgems and Smart Group’s donation of £5 from every ticket sold.
Hospitality Action supports current and former hospitality professionals facing financial, physical and emotional hardship, while Only A Pavement Away helps homeless people, ex-offenders and veterans into sustainable employment within hospitality.
