Tourism and hospitality conferences come in many forms. Not only are there events for niche areas of hospitality, such as finance or technology, but there are also conferences tailored for specific industry professionals, such as executives and leaders.
With the last couple of years shaken up from pandemic-induced cancellations and postponed events, the outlook for 2021 – 2022 hospitality conferences looks bright with many different on-site and in-person opportunities. Check out some of our top picks for hospitality conferences worth adding to your calendar.
HITEC Dallas
The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) is among the world’s largest and long-standing hospitality technology events. Hosted by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), a global nonprofit hospitality association, HITEC is an international event that brings together the brightest minds and latest technologies from across the globe. Attendees can enjoy an immersive education experience, including access to top industry experts in hospitality technology and resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines.
2021’s HITEC is set for September 27th – 30th at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. Learn more about attending HITEC.
Future Guest Experiences
Future Guest Experience is a two-day hospitality technology conference that provides attendees with actionable strategies to provide personalized, high-touch experiences for today’s connected guest. Supported by some of the world’s most innovative companies changing the hospitality industry, attendees can explore action-packed stories, conversations, and connections with the top minds in hospitality.
The Future Guest Experience conference takes place at the end of September in Las Vegas, Nevada.
TTRA Annual International Conference
Having held its 51st conference virtually in 2021, the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Annual International Conference brings together industry researchers, educators, and research users to discuss and share the latest studies and insights. The event also focuses on travel marketing and planning research, and exploring future trends and projections in the tourism industry.
The TTRA Annual International Conference typically takes place mid-June in Victoria, British Columbia.
HD Expo + Conference
As one of the largest hospitality events in the U.S. of its kind, the HD Expo + Conference showcases the latest products, services, and innovative developments from the industry’s leading manufacturers. The HD Expo + Conference is a design-focused event that connects the hospitality design industry and provides limitless professional networking opportunities, innovative product exploration, and incomparable education.
The HD Expo + Conference is a two-day event at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, on August 24th-25th.
The Lodging Conference
Over the past 25 years, The Lodging Conference has evolved to become one of the top hotel industry events in the world for executives and hospitality leaders. In fact, 85% of attendees are CEOs, presidents, or business owners, making this hospitality conference an excellent opportunity to make influential connections.
The 2021 The Lodging Conference is scheduled for September 27th – 30th in Phoenix, Arizona.
National HR in Hospitality Conference & Expo
Designed specifically for human resources professionals in the hospitality industry, the National HR in Hospitality Conference & Expo provides expertise from various experienced industry professionals. Learn proven HR strategies from hospitality organizations, essential advice about hospitality labor and employment law, and hear from leading experts sharing their thoughts on important topics surrounding the industry.
The 2021 National HR in Hospitality Conference will be taking place on September 21 – 23 at the historic Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, CA.
HFTP Annual Convention
Also presented by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), the Annual Convention delivers education sessions along with featured vendors and networking opportunities with hundreds of experts who are committed to hospitality finance and technology. The HFTP Annual Convention runs parallel to the HITEC Dallas event.
The 2021 HFTP Annual Convention is set for September 27th – 30th at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, TX.
MURTEC
The Multi-Unit Restaurant Technology Conference (MURTEC) provides restaurant professionals with proven ideas and solutions to help their businesses thrive. Supported by an impressive line-up of restaurant technology leaders, MURTEC is designed to help restaurants fully embrace the potential of new technologies through interactive workshops with discussion groups, industry-leading speakers, and live networking receptions.
MURTEC 2021 was held virtually in April, and plans for 2022 remain TBD. Visit MURTEC.com to learn more.
NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference
As the oldest established investment conference in the hospitality industry, the International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference features some of the top leaders in the hotel industry. There’s an impressive lineup of keynote speakers comprised of global leaders in lodging development, investment, and finance. Conference sessions are packed with valuable information for hospitality executives and leaders.
A virtual conference is held on June 7 – 8, while an official on-site conference will be held on November 7th – 9th, 2021, at the New York Marriott Marquis. Learn more about the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference.
Mountain Travel Symposium
Establishing itself as North America’s premier conference for the mountain travel industry, representatives from over 35 countries establish relationships, build their business, and create a stronger community in mountain travel and tourism. For those who work in this niche, the networking opportunities are hard to beat. The event prioritizes networking and exchanges, making it seamless for hotel executives to establish relevant, quality connections.
The 2022 Mountain Travel Symposium is planned for April 3rd – 8th in Vail, CO.
In hospitality, Porter Gale’s famous words “Your Network Is Your Net Worth” couldn’t be more accurate. The internationally known entrepreneur and marketing executive turned those words into a book that underscored the power of connections. For professionals, attending hospitality conferences is one of the best ways to make solid connections and turn networking opportunities into growth-enabling relationships.
