15 Best Hotel Conferences for Hoteliers in 2025
Attending hotel conferences is one of the most effective ways to keep up with latest trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the hospitality sector.
These gatherings offer invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and discovering innovative solutions to the challenges that hotel leaders face daily. Whether you're a seasoned hotelier or a newcomer to the industry, these conferences can provide the insights and connections you need to drive your business forward.
What You Can Learn from a Hotel Conference
My greatest tip for hotel management is: Learn new skills and improve yourself every day. Attending hotel conferences are a great way to do this.
Attending a hospitality conference is a great way to learn and grow in your industry. Here are some example topics you might come across:
- Hotel Technology: Discover the latest tech tools and software that can make running a hotel more efficient, like new digital hotel management tools.
- Revenue Management Tips: Get practical advice on how to boost bookings and increase profits.
- Guest Experience Best Practices: Learn how to create memorable stays and keep guests coming back, including reputation management tips.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Explore ways to make your property more eco-friendly while saving on costs.
- Crisis Management: Learn how to handle unexpected challenges, from natural disasters to health and safety issues.
- Marketing Strategies: Find out hotel management tips and tricks to make your venue stand out.
- Customer Service Skills: Pick up new approaches to ensure your team provides top-notch service at all times.
- Leadership and Team Management: Discover tips for leading your staff, keeping everyone motivated, and even hiring hotel professionals.
- Networking Techniques: Understand how to build valuable relationships with others in the hospitality field.
- Hotel Industry Trends: Stay up to date with changes and new directions in the hospitality world to keep your business ahead.
These sessions and more will give you knowledge and tools to apply in your everyday work, making the conference a smart investment for anyone in the field.
Best Hotel Conferences 2025 Shortlist
Hotel conferences are a great way to keep a resume for hotel management fresh and unique. Here's my shortlist of the best hotel conferences I think are worth attending in 2025:
- Independent Hotel Show - Multiple locations and dates
- Hunter Hotel Investment Conference - Atlanta, GA (March 18-20, 2025)
- North American Hostel Association (NAHA) Conference - Playa del Carmen, Mexico (April 1-3, 2025)
- AAHOACON25 - New Orleans, LA (April 15-17, 2025)
- BITAC® Operations 2025 - Newport Beach, CA (April 27-29, 2025)
- AHICE Asia Pacific 2025 - North Adelaide, Australia (May 6-8, 2025)
- Hotec Operations 2025 - Orlando, FL (May 19-21, 2025)
- 2025 Boutique Hotel Investment Conference - New York City, NY (June 4, 2025)
- 2025 HAC Conference - Ottawa, Canada (June 16-17, 2025)
- HITEC 2025 - Indianapolis, IN (June 16-19, 2025)
- NoVacancy Hotel + Accommodation Industry Expo - Sydney, Australia (September 17-18, 2025)
- The Annual Hospitality Conference (AHC) 2025 - Manchester, UK (September 29-30, 2025)
- 2025 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference - California, US (September 29-30, 2025)
- Hotel & Resort Innovation Expo - London, UK (September 30-October 1, 2025)
- The Lodging Conference 2025 - Phoenix, AZ (October 6-9, 2025)
Participating in a hotel conference offers valuable opportunities to learn new practices and improve your skills for hotel management. Here are a summery of my picks:
Best Hotel Conferences of 2025
1. Independent Hotel Show 2025 - Multiple locations and dates
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: Independent Hotel Show 2025
The Independent Hotel Show 2025: Conferences Locations and Dates
| Locations | Dates |
| Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam | RAI Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands | March 11-12, 2025 |
| Independent Hotel Show Miami | Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, FL | September 17-18, 2025 |
| Independent Show London | Olympia Events, London, England | October 6-7, 2025 |
| Independent Show Munich | MOC Munich, Munich, Germany | October 29-30, 2025 |
Overview:
The Independent Hotel Show is a series of events dedicated to the needs of luxury and boutique hoteliers. Each event presents a collection of over 200 innovative products and service providers, offering hoteliers access to the latest industry trends, technologies, and solutions in the hospitality industry.
Why you should attend:
The shows will feature expert-led seminars and workshops that provide actionable insights and strategies for your business. There will be an innovation stage for industry leaders to discuss emerging trends, technological advancements, and innovative practices, as well as exclusive networking receptions to build connections with peers and experts. The expected topics to be discussed in this year’s conferences are implementing sustainability in hospitality, utilizing technology to enhance the guest experience, and effective pricing and distribution tactics to maximize profits.
2. Hunter Hotel Investment Conference - Atlanta, GA (March 18-20, 2025)
- Dates: March 18-20, 2025
- Location: Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, GA
- Pricing: From $1,995-$2,295
- Website: Hunter Hotel Investment Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X
Overview:
The 36th Hunter Hotel Investment Conference is a premier event for hotel owners, developers, and investors. The event emphasizes education and networking and aims to create an inclusive environment where professionals across the hospitality industry can connect, learn, and conduct business effectively.
Why you should attend:
The conference will offer exceptional networking opportunities, educational sessions, and business development in the hospitality industry. It will include interactive activities led by industry experts with insights into current trends, operational strategies, the latest data, and forecasts that can drive your business strategy forward. The expected topics for the 2025 conference revolve around market forecasts, investment strategies, innovation, and sustainable practices in hospitality.
3. North American Hostel Association (NAHA) Conference - Playa del Carmen, Mexico (April 1-3, 2025)
- Dates: April 1-3, 2025
- Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Pricing: From $300-$350
- Website: North American Hostel Association (NAHA) Conference
Overview:
The North American Hostel Association (NAHA) offers hostel owners and operators opportunities to engage with industry leaders and innovators. The association’s mission is to advocate for and empower hostel operators in North America by providing resources and opportunities for collaboration.
Why you should attend:
The event will feature various activities, including panel discussions, workshops, hostel spotlights, and affinity tables discussing industry changes, forecasts, and insights into reservation systems like Mews. There will be representatives from Hostelworld and Cloudbeds to provide updates on industry trends and strategies and an optional post-conference trip to Holbox Island for casual networking opportunities.
Keynote speakers will include Boddy Dyer, co-founder of ITH Hostels; Kevin Kent, manager of Green Tortoise; and Frankie Maduzia, co-founder of Bend Bunk and Brew.
4. AAHOACON25 - New Orleans, LA (April 15-17, 2025)
- Dates: April 15-17, 2025
- Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: AAHOACON25
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
Overview:
The 2025 AAHOA Convention and Trade Show is one of the largest hospitality events in North America, offering an expansive trade show with over 8,000 attendees and more than 550 exhibitors. It provides hotel professionals with insights into investment strategies, operational efficiencies, and trends in the lodging industry.
Why you should attend:
The event will explore the latest innovations, products, and services through a trade show floor with over 550 exhibitors. It will hold a tech pitch competition to discover technological solutions and enhance hotel operations and guest experiences and 30 immersive education sessions covering market trends, strategies to maximize returns in hotel ownership, and best practices for optimizing hotel operations. Additionally, it will also host the Hotel Turnaround Collegiate Championship where students compete to devise strategies to revitalize underperforming hotel properties.
5. BITAC® Operations 2025 - Newport Beach, CA (April 27-29, 2025)
- Dates: April 27-29, 2025
- Location: VEA Newport Beach, Newport Beach, CA
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: BITAC® Operations 2025
- Social Media: LinkedIn
Overview:
The BITAC Operations 2025 is an exclusive gathering for senior executives, focusing on different aspects of hotel operations, including technology, sales, and marketing strategies. It fosters meaningful connections and discussions on innovative solutions to enhance hotel operations.
Why you should attend:
The event allows you to engage in personalized meetings between decision-makers and solution providers and connect with peers for valuable business relationships and networks. You can also participate in educational sessions covering technological advancements to simplify operations, effective sales approaches to boost occupancy and revenue, and best practices for optimizing daily operations to improve service quality and profitability. Expected speakers include industry experts, technology experts in hospitality, and marketing gurus for marketing strategies.
6. AHICE Asia Pacific 2025 - North Adelaide, Australia (May 6-8, 2025)
- Dates: May 6-8, 2025
- Location: Adelaide Oval, North Adelaide, Australia
- Pricing: Starts at $770
- Website: AHICE Asia Pacific 2025
- Social Media: Facebook, X, LinkedIn
Overview:
The AHICE Asia Pacific is the largest and most influential hotel conference in Asia Pacific. It gathers the leading industry experts from Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and beyond into a comprehensive program designed to inspire, educate, and facilitate networking and innovation among hospitality professionals.
Why you should attend:
Last year’s event featured a well-rounded program with powerful and insightful content, delivered by exceptional keynote speakers, including Ruth Hogan, editor at HM Magazine; Alison Adie, Group Director of People & Performance at Naumi Group; and David Bark, Hotels Asset Manager at Mulpha. It was attended by over 1,500 attendees with exhibitions of the latest products, services, and innovations by leading suppliers and service providers. The conference also covered hotel investment opportunities and challenges in the Asia Pacific region and implementing sustainable operations.
7. Hotec Operations 2025 - Orlando, FL (May 19-21, 2025)
- Dates: May 19-21, 2025
- Location: Caribe Royale Orlando, Orlando, FL
- Website: Hotec Operations 2025
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram
Overview:
The Hotec Operations 2025 is an event for senior executives from leading hotel chains, top hotel management companies, and purchasing firms. The agenda includes over 10 hours of one-on-one meetings, more than 12 hours of curated networking activities, and insightful keynote presentations.
Why you should attend:
The conference will have personalized 20-minute sessions with leading buyers and suppliers and more than 12 hours of networking activities, including icebreakers, team-building exercises, meals, and cocktail hours so you can build quality, authentic partnerships. There will also be presentations on the latest trends, data, and best practices within the hospitality operations and technology community and on expected topics like customer experience excellence and leading hotel development trends.
8. 2025 Boutique Hotel Investment Conference - New York City, NY (June 4, 2025)
- Dates: June 4, 2025
- Location: New York City, NY
- Pricing: Starts at $695
- Website: 2025 Boutique Hotel Investment Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, X
Overview:
The 2025 Boutique Hotel Investment Conference is for independent boutique hotel investment, aiming to transform and redefine what it means to be a hotelier and accelerate growth in boutique hospitality. The conference gives solutions to the complexities of expansions, hotel business models, and investing.
Why you should attend:
The conference will offer live presentations where boutique hotel projects are pitched to seasoned investors, providing real-time insights into investment decision-making processes and curated networking opportunities for connections with potential clients, investors, and collaborators. It will include discussions on equity investment for boutique hotels, high-end boutique hospitality growth, and contemporary F&B trends and their influence on operational strategies. The event will also help you gain insights into technologies and the innovators behind them.
9. 2025 HAC Conference - Ottawa, Canada (June 16-17, 2025)
- Dates: June 16-17, 2025
- Location: The Westin Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Website: 2025 HAC Conference
- Social Media: X, LinkedIn
Overview:
The Hotel Association of Canada’s National Conference (HAC 2025) is Canada’s largest gathering of hotel industry professionals. It is a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and industry advocacy and aims to address current challenges, explore trends, and foster collaboration.
Why you should attend:
Last year’s conference gathered a diverse group of hotel industry professionals, including hotel owners, operators, and suppliers to help each other drive business growth. It gave insights and access to trends, data, and best practices that shape the Canadian hospitality industry and allowed participation in discussions that influence policies in the hotel sector. It also featured expert-led presentations and panel discussions on sustainability in hotel operations and workforce development and exhibitor showcase on innovative productions and services.
10. HITEC 2025 - Indianapolis, IN (June 16-19, 2025)
- Dates: June 16-19, 2025
- Location: Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Pricing: Starts at $675
- Website: HITEC 2025
- Social Media: LinkedIn
Overview:
The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) is a premier conference for the latest innovations, expert-led educational sessions, and networking opportunities with hotel industry professionals. It aims to provide hospitality professionals and practitioners with the tools and insights to enhance operational efficiency and improve guest experiences.
Why you should attend:
With HITEC 2025, you can engage in a comprehensive program featuring over 50 sessions covering trends, best practices, and innovative solutions. It will have an exhibit hall showcasing innovative projects and services from hospitality technology providers, co-located events for more activities and insights during HITEC week, and educational discussions on data security, sustainable solutions, and guest experience enhancement. The conference will also host the Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) where innovative startups can pitch their ideas on hospitality technology.
11. NoVacancy Hotel + Accommodation Industry Expo - Sydney, Australia (September 17-18, 2025)
- Dates: September 17-18, 2025
- Location: ICC Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Pricing: Free
- Website: NoVacancy Hotel + Accommodation Industry Expo
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram
Overview:
The NoVacancy Hotel + Accommodation Industry Expo is a two-day expo where 300 leading suppliers showcase the latest innovations to modernize properties, optimize operations, enhance guest experiences, and maximize profits. It includes educational sessions, networking opportunities, and live demonstrations to stay ahead in the hospitality industry.
Why you should attend:
You can participate in nine function-specific summits offering practical and outcome-driven seminars on various aspects of the accommodation industry, including revenue and distribution strategies, technology innovations, and design and aesthetics. It will also feature the Global GreenTag Information Hub to help you make informed decisions about sustainable products, innovations, and practices, and live podcast sessions with discussions on the hospitality industry, leadership, and visitor economy.
Last year’s keynote speakers included Adrian William, COO at Accor Pacific; Shaizeen Contractor, COO at Trilogy Hotels; and Telena Frost, Director of Revenue Management APAC at Choice Hotels.
12. The Annual Hospitality Conference (AHC) 2025 - Manchester, UK (September 29-30, 2025)
- Dates: September 29-30, 2025
- Location: Manchester Central Convention Complex, Manchester M2 3GX, UK
- Website: The Annual Hospitality Conference (AHC) 2025
- Social Media: LinkedIn, X
Overview:
The Annual Hospitality Conference (AHC) covers traditional hotels, alternative living concepts, food and beverage, bars, pubs, and restaurants. It offers a well-rounded program featuring notable speakers, engaging presentations, and interactive workshops addressing contemporary industry issues.
Why you should attend:
This annual conference will allow you to explore the exhibition floor featuring key businesses with proven track records in enhancing returns in the hospitality sector and providing solutions for your operations. It will host interactive workshops and debates, evening receptions, and power hour to facilitate connections and matchmaking sessions that enhance networking experiences. The expected topics for this year’s conference are economic outlook, hotel performance forecasts, sustainability and ESG, and design and staffing.
13. 2025 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference - California, US (September 29-30, 2025)
- Dates: September 29-30, 2025
- Location: California, US
- Website: 2025 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, X
Overview:
The 2025 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference is dedicated to independent boutique hotel ownership, leadership, and innovation. It’s a two-day event where industry leaders, creatives, and trailblazers engage in impactful dialogue, facilitated networking, and innovation in contemporary travel and boutique hospitality.
Why you should attend:
With the conference, you can join a community of pioneers who have transformed the hospitality industry and what it means to be a hotelier and participate in discussions on hotel ownership, management, leadership, and innovation. It will have structured networking sessions, connecting you with potential clients, investors, and collaborators. It will also feature creator-driven conversations on evolving business models, current market and industry trends, successful strategies, and tools for the boutique hospitality sector.
14. Hotel & Resort Innovation Expo - London, UK (September 30-October 1, 2025)
- Dates: September 30-October 1, 2025
- Location: ExCeL London, UK
- Pricing: Free
- Website: Hotel & Resort Innovation Expo
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, X
Overview:
The Hotel & Resort Innovation Expo is the UK’s leading business event for the hotel sector. It brings together over 300 exhibitors and 100 industry-leading speakers to deliver access to the latest products, technologies, and strategies to enhance guest experience, streamline operations, and boost profitability.
Why you should attend:
The expo will have a keynote theatre where influential speakers share insights on the market and offer valuable content to help you propel your business forward and the HI Connect, a dedicated networking area to collaborate, form alliances, and gain and form professional knowledge and business relationships with hoteliers.
The seminars are expected to cover strategies for designing a culture of employee engagement, sustainable designs through life cycle assessment, and AI’s role in transforming hotel operations. It will also host an awarding ceremony to recognize trailblazers who present innovative solutions to elevate hotel businesses.
15. The Lodging Conference 2025 - Phoenix, AZ (October 6-9, 2025)
- Dates: October 6-9, 2025
- Location: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix, AZ
- Pricing: TBA
- Website: The Lodging Conference 2025
Overview:
The Lodging Conference 2025 convenes over 2,900 hotel owners, executives, and dealmakers globally. It facilitates open discussions, deal-making, and knowledge sharing on development, finance, franchising, management, construction, and operations.
Why you should attend:
This industry conference will have interactive sessions where industry leaders discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the hotel sector. You can participate in various recreational and socializing events to help you network and build relationships in relaxed environments.
Last year’s keynote speakers included Ian Ackland, Managing Director at Booking.com; Jason Ballard, Head of Operations at Hyatt Hotels Corporations; and Geoff Ballotti, President & CEO at Wyndham Hotels & Operations, discussing development and investment, operations, and management, and current market conditions.
Why Attend a Hotel Conference?
Attending a hospitality conference as a hotel manager can address several professional pain points, including:
- Staying Updated on Industry Trends: Conferences provide the latest insights on what’s happening in the industry, helping managers stay competitive and avoid falling behind.
- Solving Operational Challenges: By attending workshops and panels, managers can learn new strategies and best practices to improve day-to-day operations and overcome common problems in hotel management.
- Networking with Peers: Conferences offer a chance to connect with other professionals facing similar challenges, enabling managers to exchange ideas, solutions, and support.
- Adapting to New Technology: With technology trends rapidly changing, conferences can help managers learn about new tools and software that can simplify tasks and enhance guest experiences.
- Improving Guest Satisfaction: Sessions focused on guest experience, customer service, and feedback management can provide actionable steps to boost satisfaction and loyalty.
- Leadership and Staff Management: Managers can gain tips on leading their teams more effectively, improving staff engagement, motivation, and performance.
- Revenue and Cost Management: Conferences often include insights on revenue management and cost-saving strategies that can positively impact the bottom line.
- Stress and Burnout Management: Learning from peers and experts about work-life balance and stress management strategies can help managers avoid burnout and maintain productivity.
- Problem-Solving for Emergencies: Crisis management and risk prevention sessions help managers prepare for unexpected issues, from natural disasters to sudden operational hiccups.
- Career Growth and Development: Conferences can inspire professional growth, opening up new ways of thinking and opportunities for hotel management career advancement through connections and knowledge gained.
Tips for Hotel Conference First Timers
Here are some things to consider if you are attending one of these events for the first time:
- Plan Ahead: Review the conference schedule and choose sessions that align with your goals and interests. This helps you stay organized and maximize your time.
- Arrive Early: Arrive at the venue early to register, get acquainted with the layout, and settle in before sessions start. This can help reduce stress and give you a chance to network before the crowd builds.
- Dress Professionally and Comfortably: Wear business-appropriate attire that is also comfortable for long days. Bring a lightweight bag for essentials like notebooks, chargers, and business cards.
- Network with Purpose: Be proactive in introducing yourself to other attendees. Ask questions and engage in discussions during breaks or meals to build connections relevant to your career or business.
- Bring Business Cards: Ensure you have an ample supply of business cards to exchange with new contacts. A professional card leaves a lasting impression and facilitates post-event follow-ups.
- Take Notes: Bring a notebook or use a note-taking app to jot down key insights from sessions and conversations. This will help you remember important points and stay engaged.
- Engage in Q&A Sessions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions or participate in discussions during panels and workshops. This demonstrates your interest and positions you as an active participant.
- Plan for Post-Event Follow-Up: Schedule time to follow up with people you met and review notes after the conference. Send personalized connection requests on LinkedIn and recap any conversations to keep the relationship going.
Hotel Industry FAQ
Here are a few additional questions I thought I would touch on. Hopefully, you find them helpful!
How to network at hospitality events?
- Prepare and Research: Familiarize yourself with the event agenda, keynote speakers, and attendees. Knowing who will be there helps you target specific individuals or companies you want to connect with.
- Elevator Pitch: Have a concise introduction ready about who you are and what you do. Tailor this to be engaging and relevant to the hospitality industry to make a memorable first impression.
- Engage in Active Listening: When conversing, focus on understanding the other person’s business, challenges, or needs. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets the stage for more meaningful connections.
- Attend Workshops and Panels: Join discussions and activities during the event. This will naturally place you in situations where you can meet people who share your interests.
- Follow-Up Quickly: Collect business cards or contact info and follow up within 48 hours with a personalized message referencing your conversation. This keeps your connection fresh and shows professionalism.
- Utilize Social Media: Share your presence at the event on LinkedIn or Twitter, and use event hashtags to engage with attendees online. This helps reinforce your in-person connections and extend your reach.
Do You Need a Hospitality Degree to Work in Hotel Management?
While a hospitality degree isn’t a requirement for hotel management, it can be beneficial. Many hotel managers begin in entry-level jobs and learn through hands-on experience. Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills are often key to success in this field.
However, some employers may look for candidates who have taken hotel management courses or earned a degree, as it demonstrates a commitment to understanding the industry in a formal way.
Other Hotel Management Resources
Don't stop there! Here are some other great strategic resources for hoteliers:
- You can read hotel management books and hospitality management books to gain insights into running successful operations.
- Listening to hospitality podcasts or hotel podcasts lets you hear real-world tips and stories from industry experts.
- Attending travel conferences connects you with professionals while keeping you informed about industry innovations.
- Presenting or showcasing at hospitality conferences helps you share your expertise and gain visibility.
- Joining hotel communities provides a platform to learn, network, and grow alongside other hoteliers.
- Subscribing to hotel newsletters and hospitality magazines ensures you never miss important updates or resources in the hospitality world.
Other Hotel & Event Management Conferences
Here are some additional conferences that you may interested in as a hotelier or event planner.
- Conferences about the travel industry more generally or hospitality conferences specifically
- Conferences for restaurant owners and managers or those looking to up their catering game
- Conferences for event planning professionals (and hotels who hope to court them)
- Networking and conferences for facilities management personnel
What Next?
Whether you're looking to expand your hotel management knowledge, find new business opportunities, or connect with other industry professionals, attending the right hotel conferences can make all the difference. I encourage you to explore these opportunities and consider how they can benefit your career and business.
Make sure you join our newsletter to learn about more industry events and resources for hotel managers!
