11 Best Hospitality Conferences To Help You Innovate In 2025
Attending hospitality and hotel conferences is a fantastic way for hotel managers and hospitality industry leaders to stay on top of industry trends, network with peers, and learn from experts. In 2025, there are several conferences worth attending. Each offers unique insights and opportunities that can enhance your professional growth and operational excellence. Plus, hospitality conferences are the perfect venue to learn about cutting-edge hotel management platforms.
Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, explore new technologies, develop partnerships with exhibitors, or understand the latest market dynamics, these industry events and trade shows have something valuable to offer.
What You Can Learn From Hospitality Conferences
Attending hospitality conferences is a great way to hear new ideas and learn how to make your hotel better.
- Hotel reputation management tips to handle online feedback.
- Ideas for improving hotel guest experiences.
- How to attract more business travelers and groups.
- Strategies for saving money while running your hotel.
- Ways to stay updated on the latest hospitality trends.
- Tips for building a strong and motivated team.
- How to use technology to streamline hotel operations.
- Marketing strategies to boost your hotel’s visibility.
- Advice on creating partnerships with local businesses.
- Stories from successful hoteliers you can learn from.
Best Hospitality Conferences 2025 Shortlist
Hospitality courses are a must-have on any hotel manager resume. Here's my shortlist of the best hospitality conferences I think are worth attending in 2025:
- Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit - Myrtle Beach, SC (March 11-13, 2025)
- 22nd Annual International Hotel Technology Forum 2025 - Faro, Portugal (March 18-20, 2025)
- HD Expo + Conference - Las Vegas, NV (May 6-8, 2025)
- 8TH Hospitality & Travel Technology Innovation Summit - Amsterdam, Netherlands (May 13-14, 2025)
- Hotec Operations 2025 - Orlando, FL (May 19-21, 2025)
- NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference 2025 - New York City, NY (June 1-3, 2025)
- HITEC 2025 - Indianapolis, IN (June 16-19, 2025)
- HSMAI’s Commercial Strategy Conference - Indianapolis, IN (June 17-18, 2025)
- 2025 Women in Travel & Hospitality Conference - Westlake Village, CA (July 17, 2025)
- The Hospitality Show - Denver, CO (October 26-28, 2025)
- The Phocuswright Conference 2025 - San Diego, CA (November 18-20, 2025)
A hospitality conference provides an ideal platform to gain knowledge and advance your hotel manager skills through expert panels and networking. Find more details about each conference below.
Best Hospitality Conferences Of 2025
Hospitality courses teach you simple steps to improve your hotel management career. Here are some of my recommendations:
1. Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit - Myrtle Beach, SC (March 11-13, 2025)
- Dates: March 11-13, 2025
- Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
- Pricing: $1,095 (Standard fee)
- Website: Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, X
Overview:
The Restaurant Franchising & Innovative Summit brings together executives from leading restaurant brands to share their success stories and innovative strategies for franchise growth. The summit features a comprehensive agenda, networking events, and a give-back party.
Why you should attend:
This in-person conference will have engaging and highly specialized activities, including interactive panel discussions, a give-back party promoting community involvement, and structured networking opportunities. Discussions will provide actionable strategies and cover impactful topics, such as optimizing guest experiences to drive profit margins, leveraging hospitality technology, and using analytics to cultivate stronger customer loyalty. Keynote speakers will include Tabassum Zalotrawala, SVP, and Chief Development Officer at McDonald’s; Toni Ronayne, President of Perkins American Food Co.; and Ryan Weaver, CEO at Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken.
2. 22nd Annual International Hotel Technology Forum - Faro, Portugal (March 18-20, 2025)
- Dates: March 18-20, 2025
- Location: Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort, Faro, Portugal
- Pricing: Complimentary pass for hoteliers
- Website: 22nd Annual International Hotel Technology Forum
- Social Media: LinkedIn
Overview:
The 22nd Annual International Hotel Technology Forum (IHTF) gathers over 200 senior executives from Europe’s leading hotels to explore the latest technological advancements in the hospitality industry. It provides an agenda for hoteliers to connect with technology solution providers for their needs.
Why you should attend:
This annual conference will have activities that foster collaboration and encourage real-time problem-solving, including roundtable discussions, audience-driven panels, and Dragon’s Den-style solution pitches. It will cover critical topics, such as mapping the guest experience and journey through advanced technology, automating customer interactions, and future-proofing business models against market disruptions. There will also be keynote speakers who will share their perspectives on innovations to meet guest expectations and how to stay competitive in a technology-advanced industry.
3. HD Expo + Conference - Las Vegas, NV (May 6-8, 2025)
- Dates: May 6-8, 2025
- Location: Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, NV
- Pricing: $229 (Standard rate)
- Website: HD Expo + Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, X
Overview:
The HD Expo + Conference allows designers, architects, developers, and manufacturers to explore the latest products and services in commercial hospitality design. It offers a curated experience for high-volume project managers, access to leading manufacturers, and high-impact networking opportunities.
Why you should attend:
This annual conference is a blend of innovation, networking, and education, and will provide opportunities to explore the latest trends and products in the future of commercial spaces. The expo will include an interactive show floor with advanced product installations and experiential designs, networking events like Party by the Pool, and award shows. Educational sessions will cover sustainable design practices, trends in the hospitality sector, enhancing guest experience through design, and elevating commercial spaces with technology.
4. 8th Hospitality & Travel Technology Innovation Summit - Amsterdam, Netherlands (May 13-14, 2025)
- Dates: May 13-14, 2025
- Location: NH Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Netherlands
- Pricing: £690
- Website: 8th Hospitality & Travel Technology Innovation Summit
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
Overview:
The 8th Hospitality & Travel Technology Innovation Summit is an exclusive, invitation-only event for over 100 hotel, travel technology, and hospitality professionals to explore services that maintain high occupancy rates year-round. It features researched educational sessions consisting of case studies, panel discussions, and business meetings.
Why you should attend:
The summit will provide curated face-to-face business meetings, where attendees can directly connect with solution providers offering innovations for their businesses. It will also feature interactive presentations, case studies, and panel discussions on IoT integration in hospitality, robotic automation for operational tasks, AI-driven customer insights, and blockchain applications for secure transactions. Expected keynote speakers include leading executives and tech innovators from recognized hospitality brands.
5. Hotec Operations 2025 - Orlando, FL (May 19-21, 2025)
- Dates: May 19-21, 2025
- Location: Caribe Royale Orlando, FL
- Website: Hotec Operations 2025
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram
Overview:
The Hotec Operations is a three-day exclusive event for senior executives from leading hotel chains, top management companies, and purchasing firms. It includes over 10 hours of personalized meetings, structured networking events, and keynote presentations on the latest trends, data, and best practices within the hospitality and technology sectors.
Why you should attend:
The conference focuses on fostering meaningful relationships between buyers and suppliers through pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings for targeted interactions that directly address business needs. There will be key discussions on the latest trends and advancements in hotel operations, like advanced technology solutions, and operational best practices to enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction. These sessions will provide actionable strategies you can immediately apply to improve hotel operations.
6. NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference 2025 - New York City, NY (June 1-3, 2025)
- Dates: May 19-21, 2025
- Location: New York Marriott Marquis, NY
- Pricing: Starts at $2,370
- Website: NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference 2025
- Social Media: LinkedIn
Overview:
The International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) 2025’s theme is “Engagement Drives Returns,” emphasizing the importance of proactive participation and innovation in achieving superior investment outcomes. The event brings together global leaders in hospitality investment to explore industry trends and opportunities.
Why you should attend:
Last year’s networking was facilitated through structured breaks, evening receptions, and dedicated meeting spaces for 500 hospitality-related companies to engage. It featured discussions on innovative deal structure, transformative real estate concepts, and strategic alliances. Keynote speakers from the 2024 event included Ellen Zentner, Managing Director and Chief US Economist at Morgan Stanley; Geoff Ballotti, President & CEO at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts; and Gloria Guevara Manzo, Chief Special Advisor at Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia.
7. HITEC 2025 - Indianapolis, IN (June 16-19, 2025)
- Dates: June 16-19, 2025
- Location: Indiana Convention Center, IN
- Pricing: $675 (HFTP Member), $1,000 (Non-member)
- Website: HITEC 2025
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, X
Overview:
The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) 2025 is the world's largest and longest-running hospitality technology event. It brings together thousands of industry professionals to explore advanced technological advancements and solutions tailored for the hospitality sector.
Why you should attend:
This must-attend event will have over 320 exhibitors at its trade show, showcasing advanced products and services. Its educational sessions will focus on practical applications of technologies like AI and IoT, leadership development, and fostering diverse perspectives. One of the highlight events will be the Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) startup pitch competition, where startups present their hospitality technology concepts to judges. With HITEC 2025, you’ll gain access to the latest technological advancements and network with leaders shaping hospitality technology.
8. HSMAI’s Commercial Strategy Conference - Indianapolis, IN (June 17-18, 2025)
- Dates: June 17-18, 2025
- Location: Indianapolis, IN
- Pricing: Starts at $1,310
- Website: HSMAI’s Commercial Strategy Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, X
Overview:
The HSMAI Commercial Strategy Conference integrates marketing strategies, revenue optimization, sales, and other commercial functions into a connected commercial strategy within the hotel industry and companies. HSMAI has been bringing industry professionals together, fostering education, insights, connections, and inspiration through events curated by industry leaders for industry leaders.
Why you should attend:
Last year’s symposium featured various activities, such as pre-and post-conference workshops, training, roundtables, and networking opportunities to connect with peers, industry experts, and potential partners. Some of the covered topics were successful commercial collaboration, storytelling and data presentation, unlocking untapped revenue in F&B and meeting spaces, and implementing GA4 strategies for hotel success. Notable speakers from past events include David Edelman, a strategic consultant; Ajeet Anand, Senior Vice President of Commercialization for PHG; and Satvika Ananthanarayan, a consulting manager at ZS Associates.
9. 2025 Women in Travel & Hospitality Conference - Westlake Village, CA (July 17, 2025)
- Dates: July 17, 2025
- Location: Westlake Village Inn, CA
- Pricing: $595 + 5% transaction fee (General admission)
- Website: 2025 Women in Travel & Hospitality Conference
- Social Media: Instagram
Overview:
The 2025 Women in Travel & Hospitality Conference is a pivotal gathering for women in the travel and hospitality industries, fostering empowerment, innovation, and transformation. The conference consistently features accomplished women who share their insights, experience, and actionable strategies to thrive in the travel and hospitality industry.
Why you should attend:
The conference will cover industry technology and innovation, hotel ownership and management, entrepreneurship and raising capital, empowering education, and entrepreneurial ventures in the tourism industry. It will host panel discussions on challenges and opportunities within the industry, as well as workshops and breakout sessions for skill development and strategic planning. This must-attend event will also include industry showcases for you to explore new technologies, tools, and innovations.
10. The Hospitality Show - Denver, CO (October 26-28, 2025)
- Dates: October 26-28, 2025
- Location: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO
- Website: The Hospitality Show
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, X
Overview:
The Hospitality Show combines discovery, networking events, education, and curated buying experiences. With over 400 innovative vendors, 100+ industry-leading speakers, and more than 13 hours of networking opportunities, it helps hospitality professionals explore the latest tools and solutions to enhance guest experiences, engage the workforce, streamline hotel operations, and boost profitability.
Why you should attend:
This in-person conference will include main-stage case studies and dedicated breakout tracks discussing current issues, trends, and profitable solutions. There will also be a trade show of over 400 vendors presenting tools and services, and workshops and training focusing on technologies, sustainability practices, and workforce engagement strategies. Last year’s conference had over 100 industry-leading speakers covering innovative leadership, technology disruption, AI and robotics, and customer loyalty.
11. The Phocuswright Conference 2025 - San Diego, CA (November 18-20, 2025)
- Dates: November 18-20, 2025
- Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, CA
- Pricing: Starts at $3,299
- Website: The Phocuswright Conference 2025
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, X
Overview:
The Phocuswright Conference is a platform for networking, professional development, and exploring the latest travel trends. Known for its forward-thinking approach, the conference is a launchpad for innovative ideas and technologies reshaping the travel industry.
Why you should attend:
The conference will include main-stage sessions with industry visionaries, interactive breakout sessions, and the Innovation Launch, where companies present advanced travel industry technologies. You can also participate in the Startup Program to connect with investors and corporate partners. Expected topics to be discussed include digital transformation, customer experience enhancement, sustainable tourism industry practices, and the integration of artificial intelligence in travel services. ce is essential for professionals seeking to stay on top of the latest trends in the rapidly evolving travel industry.
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 hotel industry 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.
Hospitality Management FAQ
Why Attend Hospitality Conferences?
My greatest tip for hotel management is: Learn new skills and improve yourself every day. Attending hospitality conferences are a great way to do this. You can learn about hotel management trends and new technology, hear inspiring presentations from leaders in the industry, and network and make connections.
Do You Need a Hospitality Degree to Work in Hotel Management?
You don’t have to have a hospitality degree to work in hotel management, though it can give you an advantage. Many successful hotel managers have climbed the ladder through experience rather than education. What really matters is being good at handling people, solving issues, and managing daily hotel operations.
Still, some companies may prefer applicants who have completed hotel management courses or have a degree, as this shows a more structured background in hospitality.
Summary
Conferences are just one way to start expanding your hospitality community network so that you can share resource and learn from the best in your industry. That way, you can stay abreast of new techologies, trends, and ideas from around the globe. This can help you negotiate a better salary as a hotel manager in the future.
In conclusion, these conferences offer a wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities for hospitality professionals. They provide a platform to learn, share ideas, and stay ahead in the dynamic hospitality industry.
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