69th UICH Les Clefs d'Or Congress in Madrid

More than 60 Concierge from the UK section, plus partners, business affiliates and guests attended the International Congress in Spain last week.

Those from the Great Britain and Commonwealth section who attended the event

During the event, members took part in a General Assembly, Museum and Palaces Tour, Education Day, Paella Night and many other activities.

Binoy Nair, President of The Society of the Golden Keys of Great Britain and the Commonwealth said: "With more than 60 members in attendance, we were proud to be one of the largest sections represented at the incredible Les Clefs d'Or® International Congress, hosted by our friends Les Clefs d´Or Spain - Las Llaves de Oro Españolas in Madrid. A fantastic display of our unity, dedication, and commitment to excellence." 

"We all left with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to apply all the new insights and make this wonderful profession always more and more special!" (Simone Caretti, Head Concierge, The BoTree)

The Golden Keys GB members who took part in the litter pick

Litter Pick

During the trip, members of the GB section joined forces with members from international sections for a litter pick organised by the higher education company, Cruz Roja Espanola - and they collected more than 100kg of rubbish from the Sierra de Madrid.

Simone Caretti, Head Concierge of The BoTree and Business Affiliate Liaison Officer for the Society said: "Alongside our Les Clefs d'Or International friends from around the world, we went to clean-up in the stunning Sierra de Madrid supporting the Cruz Roja Española. 

"Together, we collected more than 100kg of litter, helping to preserve this beautiful area of natural beauty. As Concierge, we are not just creators of great experiences, we are also ambassadors of our environment. Small actions, big impact!"

An 'Incredible' Congress

Reflecting on the trip, a spokesman for The Society said: What an incredible Les Clefs d'Or International Congress in Madrid! Huge thanks to Les Clefs d´Or Spain - Las Llaves de Oro Españolas - for being such fantastic hosts and for organising an unforgettable event. We are very grateful for the learning opportunities, beautiful experiences and friendships that will last a lifetime. A special thank you to our country dinner sponsors – Alliants, Bicester Village and COYA Restaurant and Pisco Bar – for their generous support in making the evening so special."

Representing Team GB for Les Clefs d’Or International Young Concierge Award

After winning Young Concierge of the Year at The Society of the Golden Keys of Great Britain and the Commonwealth Awards 2024, Jack McCarthy represented Britain in the International Young Concierge of the Year Award competition in Spain

Jack McCarthy represented the section for the title International Young Concierge of the Year.

Jack, Head Concierge at 1 Hotel Mayfair, started his career in the hotel industry at the tender age of 16 and later became the youngest ever Concierge to receive the Golden Keys.

A spokesman for the GB branch said: "A huge well done to Jack McCarthy MIH for his outstanding effort in representing our section. His passion and commitment did not go unnoticed and made us all incredibly proud!"

The GB representatives celebrating the Concierge industry in Madrid

Memories of Madrid

Diogo Coelho, Head Concierge at The London EDITION said: "I'm grateful for the inspiring connections, shared knowledge, and warm hospitality. A brilliant few days celebrating the best of our profession."

Simone Caretti added: "Another phenomenal congress, this time in Madrid, offering a rich exchange of ideas and inspiring new perspectives. We all left with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to apply all the new insights and make this wonderful profession always more and more special!" Emiliano Del Pizzo, Head Concierge at The Kensington, The Doyle Collection, said: "What an incredible, inspiring, and truly entertaining experience! I had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful new friends from our global community and hearing from amazing professionals like Maud Bailly, CEO at Sofitel; Amanda Frasier from Forbes Travel Guide; Karen Joyce from Virtuoso Travel, and all our exceptional Concierge speakers."

He added: "This is a memory I’ll treasure forever."

During the Congress, Toru Machida, former President of The Society of the Golden Keys, was elected to a prestigious position. Read more about this and other Society news in The 'Last' Word.

Fun and education captured in Madrid. Photos: Sanjay Kaloya