The hospitality industry is constantly evolving with new trends, technologies, and innovations. Attending conferences is a great way for hoteliers, restaurateurs, travel agents, and other hospitality professionals to stay up-to-date, network, and bring fresh ideas back to their businesses.
As we look ahead to 2024, here are 20 hospitality conferences that hospitality professionals and enthusiasts should consider attending.
1. HITEC 2024: The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference
2. AAHOACON 2024
3. HOTEC 2024
4. Independent Hotel Show 2024 Amsterdam
5. The Glamping Show
6. Boutique Hotel Owners
7. Boutique Hotel Investment Conference 2024
8. Women Leading Travel and Hospitality Summit 2024
9. The Hotel Show Africa 2024
10. The Hotel Show Dubai 2024
11. Hotel, Restaurant & Catering 2024
12. Hospitality Design Expo & Conference
13. Independent Lodging Congress
14. Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals Conference
15. Hotel Data Conference
16. International Luxury Travel Market
17. HSMAI Strategy Conferences
18. Digital Travel Summit
19. Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit
20. The Lodging Conference
HITEC 2024: The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference is one of the world's largest and longest-running hospitality technology events. It is organized by the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), a global nonprofit hospitality association. The event will take place on June 24-27, 2024 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
The event will feature over 50 industry education sessions, hundreds of industry solution providers, and thousands of industry minds in attendance. The theme of the event is "Building the Future of Hospitality Together". The event will cover topics such as commercial strategy, digital marketing, customer experience, ecommerce, and innovation.
The event will also offer pre- and post-event workshops, trainings, and roundtables that will provide more in-depth learning and networking opportunities for the attendees. Some of the speakers and presenters at the event include:
- Ummara Marshall, Global Sr. Director, POS/F&B Tech, Marriott International
- Leonel Domingues, CTO & Co-Founder, Nonius
- Doug Rice, Founder and CEO, Hospitality Technology Network
AAHOACON 2024 is the nation's largest event exclusively for hotel owners and operators. It is organized by the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), which represents more than 60% of the U.S. hotel market. The event will take place on April 2-5, 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
The event will feature over 50 industry education sessions, hundreds of industry solution providers, and thousands of industry minds in attendance. The theme of the event is "Building the Future of Hospitality Together". The event will cover topics such as commercial strategy, digital marketing, customer experience, ecommerce, and innovation.
The event will also offer pre- and post-event workshops, trainings, and roundtables that will provide more in-depth learning and networking opportunities for the attendees. Some of the speakers and presenters at the event include:
- Cecil Staton, President & CEO, AAHOA
- Chip Rogers, President & CEO, AHLA
- Roger Dow, President & CEO, U.S. Travel Association
- and many more!
Hotec Operations 2024 is an event that is designed for professionals in the operations and technology sectors of the hospitality industry. It is organized by Questex McLean Events, a company that specializes in creating and delivering high-quality events for various industries.
The event will take place on June 11-14, 2024 at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA. The event will feature pre-scheduled, one-to-one meetings between buyers and suppliers, as well as keynote presentations, networking opportunities, and educational sessions. The event will cover topics such as commercial strategy, digital marketing, customer experience, ecommerce, and innovation.
The event is exclusive and invitation-only, and it aims to provide a relaxing, luxurious, and intimate setting for attendees to meet, engage, and do business with ease, effectiveness, and speed. The event is part of the Hotec series, which also includes events for design, food and beverage, and spa and wellness.
The Independent Hotel Show is an annual hospitality event that focuses on managers of luxury and boutique hotels and independent-minded hoteliers from all over Europe. It is a place to get inspired by top designers, leading technology and the latest hospitality trends. The next edition of the show will be held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on 12-13 March 2024. You can find more information about the show on its official website or on other sources.
The Glamping Show is an annual event that brings together glamping suppliers, exhibitors, and industry experts to showcase the latest products, services, and trends in the glamping industry. The show is held in UK at NAEC Stoneleigh Park and tickets are free.
The next Glamping Show will run from 19-21 September 2024. The show will feature over 100 exhibitors from across the glamping sector, including bell tents, wigwams, gypsy caravans,eco toilets, portable washrooms, storage containers, and lighting. Visitors will also have the opportunity to attend a range of seminars and workshops hosted by leading industry figures.
The Boutique Hotel Owners Conference is an annual event organized by the Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA), a global organization that represents the interests of independent and boutique hotel owners, operators, developers, and innovators. The conference aims to provide a platform for networking, learning, and inspiration for the boutique hotel industry.
The 13th edition of the conference will run from September 30th to the 1st of October 2024, at the Westlake Village Inn in Los Angeles, California.
The Boutique Hotel Investment Conference 2024 is an event that will bring together the leaders and innovators of the boutique hotel industry. It is organized by the Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA), a global organization that represents the interests of independent and boutique hotel owners, operators, developers, and collaborators.
The conference will take place on June 5, 2024 at the Westlake Village Inn in Los Angeles, California. The conference will feature speakers, panels, workshops, and social events that will explore topics such as emerging technologies, new business models, market tools and strategies, and the future of boutique hospitality. The conference will also celebrate the achievements and innovations of the boutique hotel sector, and recognize the leaders and trailblazers who have shaped the industry.
The Women Leading Travel and Hospitality Summit 2024 is an event that will bring together the leaders and innovators of the boutique hotel industry. It is organized by the Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA), a global organization that represents the interests of independent and boutique hotel owners, operators, developers, and collaborators.
The summit will take place on June 10-12, 2024 at the The Ballantyne, Charlotte. The theme of the summit is "The Future of People in Boutique Hospitality", and it will feature speakers, panels, workshops, and social events that will explore topics such as emerging technologies, new business models, market tools and strategies, and the future of boutique hospitality.
The Hotel Show Africa 2024 is a trade show that caters to the needs of the hospitality industry in sub-Saharan Africa. It will take place from June 11 to June 13, 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. The show will feature products, services, and designs for hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars. It will also offer valuable content and insights into the latest industry trends.
The show will attract thousands of regional and international buyers from hotels, restaurants, and resorts. It will also have a stellar advisory board of industry leaders and experts who will provide strategic guidance and insights. Some of the speakers for the 2023 edition were Neil Markovitz, Chief Executive Officer of Newmark Hotels, Fabio Nava, Vice President of Hotels & Hospitality Sub-Saharan Africa at JLL, and Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo, Chief Operating Officer of City Lodge Hotel Group.
The show will have various sectors such as retail franchise, kitchens and bathrooms, interior design, fit-out and lighting, FM, cleaning and laundry, outdoor furniture, pool and spa, tableware, HORECA and food service, hospitality technology and security, furnishings and decor, hospitality franchise, and operating equipment and supplies. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their latest products, ideas, and trends to potential customers and partners. The Hotel Show Africa 2024 is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the hotel and hospitality market across sub-Saharan Africa.
The Hotel Show Dubai 2024 is an event that showcases the latest products, trends, and innovations in the hospitality industry. It is the longest running and most trusted business event for the hospitality industry in the Middle East. It will take place from 4 to 6 June, 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Hotel Show Dubai 2024 is a great opportunity for hospitality professionals to network, discover, and do business with influential buyers from across the region and the world.
Hotel, Restaurant & Catering 2024 is an upcoming event that will take place from 25 to 27 March 2024 at ExCeL London. It is the UK's leading business event for hospitality and foodservice professionals, where you can test, taste and source the latest products from over 1,500 suppliers. You can also attend seminars, competitions, demos and network with industry peers.
The Hospitality Design Expo & Conference is an annual event that showcases the latest products, services, and innovative developments in the hospitality industry. It is the largest single destination for hospitality product discovery in the United States. The event is held at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, and is scheduled to take place from April 30 to May 2, 2024. The expo offers a platform for networking and connecting with industry professionals, and features over 100 visionary industry speakers and more than 30 conference sessions. The event also provides CEU-accredited education and limitless networking opportunities. If you are interested in exhibiting, you can apply for a space on the official website.
The Independent Lodging Congress (ILC) is a global community of independent hoteliers and hospitality professionals who convene to learn, network and celebrate. The ILC hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Indie Awards, the Indie Confab, and the Indie Congress. These events aim to explore different aspects of the hospitality industry, such as design, innovation, sustainability, and culture.
The next ILC event is the Indie Confab in Palm Springs, California, on February 13-14, 2024. This event will showcase the unique hospitality scene and community of Palm Springs, through immersion, participation, and conversations. You can learn more about the event and get tickets on their website.
If you are interested in joining the ILC community, you can also sign up for their membership, which gives you access to exclusive perks and discounts.
The Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is an international nonprofit association that provides education, networking, and professional development opportunities for hospitality professionals involved in finance and technology. HFTP organizes various events throughout the year, such as conferences, symposiums, and forums, to bring together industry experts and peers to share the latest trends, best practices, and solutions in hospitality finance and technology.
Some of the upcoming events hosted by HFTP are:
- The Digital Horizons 360 Symposium, which will be held on February 20-21, 2024 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. This symposium is designed to create an EU hospitality technology 'thought leadership' community and will elevate the relevant discussions beyond the traditional hospitality tech supply chain. HFTP has partnered with Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) to moderate and publish a resulting report.
- The Club Summit, which will be held on March 25-26, 2024 in Savannah, Georgia, United States. This event provides club professionals with two days of advanced-level education addressing industry strategy, trends and engagement, in a smaller-group setting that supports interactivity and collaboration.
- The HITEC Charlotte, which will be held on June 24-27, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. HITEC is the world's largest hospitality technology show, gathering thousands of industry professionals to share the latest ideas, innovations, and solutions in hospitality technology.
- The Club Forum, which will be held on October 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut, United States. This one-day event is designed to provide club professionals with the opportunity to connect with industry peers, share ideas and discuss club-related challenges in a small group setting. Each Forum focuses on a pressing topic to explore.
The Hotel Data Conference is an annual event that provides data and technology professionals in the hospitality industry with the latest insights, trends, and best practices for leveraging data and driving success. The conference is hosted by STR, a leading provider of data and analytics for the global hospitality sector. The conference features keynote speakers, panel discussions, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and data presentations covering various topics such as market performance, revenue management, distribution, consumer behavior, innovation, and more.
The next Hotel Data Conference will be held in August 7-9, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. The conference offers both in-person and virtual attendance options, with different registration fees and benefits. The conference agenda and speakers will be announced closer to the event date.
The International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) is a series of events that showcase the best of the luxury travel industry to an exclusive network of travel advisors, media, and exhibitors from around the world. The ILTM portfolio includes global flagship events in Cannes and Asia Pacific, as well as regional events in Arabia, Latin America, North America, and Africa. The ILTM events are designed to create moments that matter for the luxury travel community, by facilitating high-quality appointments, networking sessions, educational seminars, and social events.
The ILTM Cannes is the most prestigious and influential event in the ILTM portfolio, attracting thousands of participants from over 100 countries every year. The ILTM Cannes is held in December at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France, and features four days of pre-scheduled meetings, inspiring keynote speakers, industry insights, and glamorous parties. The ILTM Cannes is the ultimate platform for the luxury travel industry to showcase their products and services, connect with new and existing clients, and discover the latest trends and innovations.
The ILTM Cannes 2024 will take place December 9-12 in Cannes, France.
The HSMAI Strategy Conferences are a series of events that aim to provide hotel professionals with the latest insights, trends, and best practices in marketing, revenue optimization, and sales. The conferences are organized by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), a global organization of sales, marketing, and revenue optimization professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry.
The HSMAI Strategy Conferences are held annually in different regions of the world, such as Americas, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Brazil. Each conference has a specific theme and focus, such as commercial strategy, digital marketing, sales leadership, or revenue optimization. The conferences also feature pre- and post-conference workshops, trainings, and roundtables that offer more in-depth learning and networking opportunities for the attendees.
Some of the upcoming HSMAI Strategy Conferences are:
- Sales Leader Forum: An HSMAI Commercial Strategy event | November 8, 2023 | Long Beach, CA, USA
- Marketing Strategy Conference: Commercial Strategy Week| 2024: June 25 | Charlotte, N.C., USA
- ROC Americas: Commercial Strategy Week | 2024: June 26 | Charlotte, N.C., USA
- ROC Europe: January 18, 2024 | London, UK
- ROC APAC: May 9-10, 2024 | Singapore
The Digital Travel Summit is a series of events that focus on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the travel industry. The summit brings together digital leaders from various sectors of the travel industry, such as airlines, hotels, OTAs, and more. The summit aims to provide a platform for networking, learning, and sharing best practices in areas such as marketing, customer experience, ecommerce, and innovation.
There are different editions of the Digital Travel Summit that cater to different regions of the world, such as Europe, APAC, and Americas. Each edition has a different theme, agenda, and speakers, but they all share the common goal of building the future of travel together.
Some of the upcoming Digital Travel Summits are:
- Digital Travel Europe 2024: June 25-26, 2024 | London, UK
- Digital Travel APAC 2024: May 9-10, 2024 | Singapore
- Digital Travel Americas 2024: Date and location to be announced
The Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit is an event that aims to provide hotel professionals with the latest insights, trends, and best practices in marketing, revenue optimization, and sales. The summit is organized by Networld Media Group, the publishers of FastCasual.com, PizzaMarketplace.com, and QSRweb.com.
The summit is held annually in different regions of the world, such as Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Each summit has a specific theme and focus, such as commercial strategy, digital marketing, sales leadership, or revenue optimization. The summit also features pre- and post-summit workshops, trainings, and roundtables that offer more in-depth learning and networking opportunities for the attendees.
Some of the upcoming Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summits are:
- Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit | March 24-26, 2024 | Kansas City, MO.
The Lodging Conference is one of the leading hotel industry events in the world. It is organized by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), a global organization of sales, marketing, and revenue optimization professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry.
The Lodging Conference brings together the hotel industry's most influential owners, operators, presidents, CEOs, investors, and dealmakers to strategize about development, finance, franchising, management, construction, design, and operations. The conference also features pre- and post-conference workshops, trainings, and roundtables that offer more in-depth learning and networking opportunities for the attendees.
The Lodging Conference is held annually in different regions of the world, such as Americas, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Brazil. Each conference has a specific theme and focus, such as commercial strategy, digital marketing, sales leadership, or revenue optimization..The next Lodging Conference will be held on October 7th-10th, 2024 at The JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. The theme of the conference is "Building the Future of Hospitality Together".