Top Hospitality Trade Shows for 2024
by The Ottimate Editorial Team
When you’re busy managing and enhancing your hotel operation, attending hospitality trade shows may seem like a daunting task. However, these shows provide you with the opportunity to experience the latest products, services, and trends firsthand, helping you stay ahead of your competition and position your hotel(s) for future success. So, it’s worth investing your time and money to attend these shows.
However, knowing which hospitality trade shows to attend is super important, so we’ve listed the ones that are a must-attend in 2024. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Why Attend Hospitality Trade Shows?
- Top U.S. Hospitality Trade Shows in 2024
- Swing By Ottimate at Hospitality Trade Shows
- Prioritize 2024 Hospitality Trade Shows
Why Attend Hospitality Trade Shows?
Travelers’ wants and needs are ever-changing, and the hospitality industry is constantly evolving.
Your hotel chain’s marketing, sales, and operation must be educated on the latest trends and best practices to stay relevant and ahead of the competition.
Attending hospitality trade shows allows you to learn from industry professionals about best practices to serve your guests well and run your hotels with excellence.
In addition to education, networking is a huge benefit to attending hospitality trade shows.
Hospitality trade shows showcase the hottest new products to give you an edge in the hospitality world.
According to ConferenceSource, 64% of tradeshow attendees aren’t current customers of the businesses on display, and 77% of executive attendees use trade shows to find a new supplier.
The relationships and connections you make in the hospitality industry have a real business impact.
At hospitality trade shows, you can:
- Find new business, new partnerships, and growth opportunities
- Learn about the newest technology and the latest industry trends
- Meet exhibitors and vendors for face-to-face communications
- Attend educational sessions for best practices and valuable takeaways
4 Trade Show Facts
- 92% of attendees stated that the primary reason they visit trade shows is to explore new and exciting products and services.
- 82% of trade show attendees have buying power, and 49% of attendees buy at least one product at the show.
- 74% of trade show attendees reported that engaging with exhibitors increases their likelihood of buying the products or services on display, and 79% of the attendees believe that visiting trade shows helps in making purchase decisions.
- The average attendee spends 5.5 hours viewing trade show exhibits — so wear comfy shoes and be ready to do some walking!
Top U.S. Hospitality Trade Shows in 2024
Attending hospitality trade shows in 2024 is an investment in your hotel chain and management staff. Discovering the latest trends in the hotel industry will arm you with the knowledge of changes and upgrades you need to make.
Hospitality trade shows dish out education geared toward guest service, hotel operation management, and back office efficiency. You’ll learn valuable information to help management run your hotels more efficiently and retain quality employees.
But you must do your homework before deciding which hospitality trade shows to attend.
Below are the top U.S. hospitality trade shows in 2024:
1. AAHOACON
- Date(s): April 2-5, 2024
- Location: Orlando, FL
Immerse yourself in the sunshine state of mind at AAHOACON — where the magic of hospitality unfolds in Orlando FL, from April 2-5, 2024.
AAHOACON is the biggest gathering of AAHOA (the Asian American Hotel Owners Association) Members, who own 60% of the hotels in the U.S.
Who should attend?
Anyone looking to schmooze with the world’s largest group of hotel owners and operators — from one-property motel owners to ownership groups with hundreds of properties. All the big brands and franchisors will be there, along with all the newest guest-facing technology gadgets.
Why go?
It’s one of the largest hotel conferences with over 6,000 attendees, 500 exhibiting companies, 10 education sessions, and three networking events. The AAHOA annual convention offers many opportunities to build relationships, network with hotel owners, operators, and developers, and create connections in the industry.
There’s enormous potential to grow your network with this event.
2. NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference
- Date(s): June 2-4, 2024
- Location: New York Marriott Marquis in New York, NY
Get ready to take a bite outta the Big Apple — the 46th annual NYU Hospitality Conference takes place in at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York, NY, from June 2-4, 2024.
It’s a hospitality real estate conference featuring general sessions and networking events that provide data, analysis, insights, and opportunities. Leading lodging execs, investors, developers, analysts, and economists will participate in discussions on various relevant international hotel industry topics.
There isn’t a trade show attached to this conference, but it’s got plenty of learning and networking opportunities.
Who should attend?
Hotel owners, operators, and deal-makers looking to network and discuss transactions.
Attendees can join educational sessions to learn about today’s pressing challenges, such as CapEx, demand segmentation, design, development, the economy, and legal issues.
Why go?
You’ll be able to meet the Who’s Who of hotel ownership, including the top brands and investors from Wall Street.
You’ll leave this conference with an in-depth understanding of the current state of the hospitality industry, what’s coming, and how to take advantage of this knowledge.
3. Hotec
- Date(s): June 11-14, 2024
- Location: PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Pack your swimsuit and sunscreen — this event takes place at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, from June 11-14, 2024.
Hotec brings together senior executives of leading hotel chains, top hotel management companies, and purchasing companies for face-to-face engagement with innovative suppliers.
It includes three days of pre-scheduled, 1-to-1 meetings and exclusive networking opportunities.
Who should attend?
Hoteliers looking for a solution to a specific challenge will benefit big time from this event. 1:1 meetings offer ample opportunities to brainstorm and find specific solutions to your challenges.
Why go?
You can connect with your peers and top professionals at a premier networking event. The networking events allow you to pick the brains of others in the hotel industry (peers & suppliers) to find out how they tackle the same challenges your hotel chain is facing.
4. HITEC: The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference
- Date(s): June 24-27, 2024
- Location: Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC
Dive into the forefront of hotel technology at HITEC 2024 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC, from June 24-27, 2024. This is where innovation meets Southern charm.
HITEC is hosted by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), a global nonprofit hospitality association. HITEC is the tradeshow of the year for anyone involved in hotel technology.
See nearly every vendor on one giant tradeshow floor, hit the evening parties, and stop in for discussions centered around improving the hotel tech ecosystem.
Who should attend?
Anyone looking to make an impact in the hotel tech space and anyone looking to implement innovative technology into their hotel operation.
Why go?
Learn about the technology guests demand in your hotels today and what technology guests will want 10 years into the future. Find a cutting-edge solution for any of your operational challenges and connect with industry leaders in today’s hotel technology arena.
Learn about the latest technology to automate your back office & streamline workflows.
5. The Lodging Conference
- Date(s): October 7-10, 2024
- Location: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, AZ
Love hiking, pickleball, and golf? You’ll get all these activities and more with this hotel convention. The Lodging Conference takes place at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, AZ, from October 7-10, 2024. Registration opens in March 2024!
This hospitality trade show and convention is much more laid back – ditch your suit and tie for a casual dress code and atmosphere and relax and have comfortable convos on the lawn.
The Lodging Conference brings together the hotel industry’s most influential leaders to strategize about development, finance, franchising, management, construction, design, and operations.
Who should attend?
Hotel industry owners, operators, presidents, CEOs, investors, and dealmakers will gain insight and high-level connections at this conference.
Why go?
This event is three days of continuous networking opportunities, gourmet food, leisure activities, a casual dress code, and laid back atmosphere. It’s a who’s who of senior-level industry developers and executives!
Many attendees say they make more contacts and initiate more deals at The Lodging Conference than at any other hotel industry event.
6. Phocuswright Conference
- Date(s): November 19-21, 2024
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
Toss in your hiking boots so you can visit the Grand Canyon while attending this convention. The Phoenixwright Conference takes place in Phoenix, AZ, from November 19-21, 2024.
Experience all the travel technology disruption news and insights on one stage — the Phocuswright Conference is the platform for intelligent insights and healthy debate as the travel industry navigates a new environment.
Expect to see research-driven, first-to-market content and debates.
Who should attend?
For over 25 years, the travel industry’s most influential leaders around the globe attend the Phocuswright Conference. You’ll make lasting connections with global decision-makers and C-level executives from the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
Why go?
Develop deep connections and stellar insight into the hotel industry. Come away with travel’s next big ideas before those that skipped this event know about them.
7. National Restaurant Association
- Date(s): May 18-21, 2024
- Location: McCormick Place in Chicago, IL
Dive into deep dish pizza and catch a Cubs or Sox game while you’re at the National Restaurant Association. It takes place at the McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, from May 18-21, 2024.
FYI, Chicago is the perfect destination for The Show thanks to its vibrant and diverse food scene! You can experience culinary creations from Michelin-starred restaurants or try out the famous Chicago hot dog — there’s something for everyone’s taste buds and wallet.
Who should attend?
Anyone who works in the food industry! The global community of hospitality professionals is headed to the industry’s most influential event, so you’ll have a chance to make meaningful industry connections.
Why go?
Inspiration Awaits! At the National Restaurant Association Show, you’ll have access connections, insights, and products that will help you prepare for the future of foodservice. Check out trending flavors and products, discover the latest culinary creations and equipment, attend fun-filled networking events — like the Young Professionals Party and Industry Night Out —, watch live culinary demos and presentations on the latest trends and tech, and hear from leading industry keynote speakers like José Andrés, acclaimed chef, restaurateur and humanitarian. There’s so much to experience here!
8. Restaurant Finance and Development Conference (RFDC)
- Date(s): November 11-13, 2024
- Location: Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, NV
Savor the flavor of success at the RFDC — where the recipe for growth is served hot and fresh! It takes place at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, NV, from November 11-13, 2024.
This is the premier event for those in the restaurant industry. It offers a chance to learn about the financial aspects of running a restaurant, stay updated on industry trends, and network with financial experts. Attendees can benefit from educational sessions on various topics including finance, economics, technology, and operations. It’s a great opportunity for restaurant owners, operators, and financial executives to expand their knowledge and connections. Come join us at RFDC!
Who should attend?
This is an invaluable event for restaurant owners, operators, and financial executives of all companies, no matter their size!
Why go?
RFDC is where financial and culinary worlds collide in the restaurant industry. With a focus on economic insights and the role of technology in restaurant operations, RFDC offers a chance to network with industry leaders and elevate your restaurant business.
9. QSR Evolution Conference
- Date(s): September 4-5, 2024
- Location: Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA
Where fast food meets faster innovation! QSR Evolution Conference takes place at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA, from September 4-5, 2024.
The QSR Evolution Conference is a one-of-a-kind event dedicated exclusively to the needs of quick-service restaurant operators. This unique gathering offers attendees the opportunity to exchange views on managing the quick-service restaurant of tomorrow. The conference covers a wide range of topics, including the growth of fast-casual dining from startup to sustainability, expansion and franchising, labor and leadership in the face of changing consumer behavior, and the role of technology in drive-thru services and an omnichannel world.
Who should attend?
Global decision-makers, C-level executives, Franchise Development Executives, and Operations Leaders would find QSR Evolution Conference extremely beneficial.
Why go?
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from high-profile industry-leading executives on discussions covering growth, innovation, technology, and more. Come check out what’s shaping the future for QSRs!
10. FSTEC
- Date(s): September 16-18, 2024
- Location: Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, TX
Saddle up for a tech rodeo at FSTEC in Texas — where BBQ meets AI, and the only thing smokin’ hotter than the grill is the tech innovation! It takes place at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, TX, from September 16-18, 2024.
Discover the essence of innovation at FSTEC — a premier three-day conference showcasing cutting-edge technology for both commercial and noncommercial food service sectors.
Who should attend?
C-suite decision-makers, hospitality leaders, and individuals eager to stay abreast of the latest technology trends and solutions in the industry.
Why go?
In today’s restaurant landscape, technology plays a more significant role than ever in driving success. Attending FSTEC, the top food service technology conference, is a strategic imperative for business professionals. It’s not just about staying relevant; it’s about thriving in an industry where the right tools and expertise make all the difference for your customers, team, vendors, and partners.
Swing By the Ottimate Booth at Your Hospitality Trade Show
If Ottimate is at any of your upcoming hospitality trade shows, you’ve got a friend waiting for you. Look us up and swing by our booth for coffee, a cocktail, or to get your bearings on the event.
Why we go:
✅ To create connections and showcase the latest in cutting-edge technology to automate your hotel operation back office.
✅ We jump at the opportunity to get to know our customers. Even with today’s technology, there’s no substitute for some good ol’ face-to-face time.
✅ And, of course, we’d love to let you demo our products — there’s nothing like a test drive before you buy.
And while all the above is spot on, the #1 reason we go to hospitality trade shows is YOU!
At Ottimate, we want to know you, serve you, and help your hospitality and hotel AP run efficiently now and into the future.
Prioritize 2024 Hospitality Trade Shows
We know trade shows can be expensive, so they’re outside your budget, focus your surgical strategy on at least one or two. Use the above info to choose which hospitality trade shows best suit your hotel operations needs for the immediate future.
Beyond networking, there’s much to be gained by claiming your space at industry events.
We look forward to seeing you at our booths in 2024. In the meantime, feel free to request demo of Ottimate today to see how we can streamline your hotel and hospitality AP!
Refreshed for quality and content on January 30, 2024. Originally published on September 22, 2022.
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