EMCUP 2026

Changing Course

Cranking up the heat in F&B

February 15 & 16 – 18th edition | Amsterdam (NL)

Today’s hotel guests crave more than just a place to stay. They are seeking authentic, personal experiences that connect them to the soul of a city. They are venturing beyond the lobby, exploring cafés, bakeries, and restaurants to get a firsthand taste of local culture. This is changing the game and reshaping expectations for F&B outlets in hotels, calling for concepts that combine authenticity, creativity and quality. 

At the same time, social and economic changes influence how people live, travel, and spend their money. Guests are more mindful with their budget, but their appetite for quality, creativity, and authenticity continues to increase. They crave experiences that feel personal, fresh and unforgettable. 

This duality presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Hotels must continue to cater to traditional guests who value comfort and care, while also captivating new audiences who seek exciting, immersive, and meaningful experiences.

This is our chance to reimagine hotel F&B. Not just as a service, but as a stage for storytelling, culture, and emotional connection. So let’s turn up the heat. Let’s shake up the menu, stir in bold ideas and serve up experiences that guests will rave about. F&B should be a reason guests choose a hotel and a reason they remember it.

Location EMCup 2026


After 17 unforgettable editions of the EMCup in Maastricht, it’s time for something new.
We’re moving to our vibrant capital city: Amsterdam!


A city that breathes hospitality, offers endless possibilities, and welcomes you with an energy you can feel the moment you arrive. Easy to reach, and let’s be honest, who can resist the charm of the Dutch capital?

Get ready for two unforgettable days of competition, inspiration, and connection, right in the heart of a place that sparks creativity and brings people together.

See you in Amsterdam!

EMCup 2026 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

New schools revealed every other week… stay tuned and watch the competition grow!

🇳🇱 THE NETHERLANDS
  • Breda University of Applied Sciences
  • Hotel Management School Leeuwarden
  • Saxion University of Applied Sciences
  • Hotelschool The Hague
  • Hotel Management School Maastricht
🇫🇮 FINLAND
  • Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
  • Laurea University of Applied Sciences
  • Lapland University of Applied Sciences
🇦🇹 AUSTRIA
  • FHWien der WKW University of Applied Sciences for Management and Communication
🇮🇪 IRELAND
  • Shannon College of Hotel Management, University of Galway
  • Technological University, DUBLIN
🇨🇭SWITZERLAND
  • École Hôtelière de Genève – EHG
  • EHL Hotel School Passugg
  • César Ritz College
  • Les Roches Global Hospitality Education
  • SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern
  • Hotel Institute Montreux
  • Swiss Hotel Management School
🇲🇹 MALTA
  • ITS Malta
🇨🇭SWITZERLAND
  • École Hôtelière de Genève – EHG
  • EHL Hotel School Passugg
  • César Ritz College
  • Les Roches Global Hospitality Education
  • SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern
  • Hotel Institute Montreux
  • Swiss Hotel Management School
🇹🇷 TURKEY
  • Özyeğin University – Faculty of Applied Sciences 
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 ENGLAND
  • Manchester Metropolitan University
🇩🇪 GERMANY
  • Hotelfachschule Hamburg
🇸🇮 SLOVENIA
  • University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies Turistica
🇧🇪 BELGIUM
  • Thomas More University of Applied Sciences
  • Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts
  • VIVES University of Applied Sciences
🇪🇸 SPAIN
  • Centro Superior de Hostelería de Galicia
  • CETT Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy
  • Vatel Madrid
🇵🇹 PORTUGAL
  • Escola de Hotelaria e Turismo de Lisboa e Escola de Hotelaria e Turismo do Porto