Justin Taillon, HFTP President and Professor of Hospitality Technology, gave us a final reflection at HITEC2025 in Indianapolis. Justin shared that HITEC was more than a simple trade show. He talked about the record-breaking number of exhibitors and packed education sessions. Justin also shared a sneak peek of his next book, which is a bold and new look at what hotel rooms might be like in 2075.
What was your overall impression of the show this year?
Justin said that HITEC felt like it was experiencing a major breakthrough this year. After the struggles of the post-Covid era, the attendance was good and the feedback received from the exhibitors was very positive. It was one of the best events they had attended in recent years, and this was a great source of pride for everyone.
How well received was the Education Program this year
Justin’s passion is education, and he takes pride in the constant improvements to the program. Attendees were able to know what they could expect from the sessions because of clear learning outcomes and descriptions. Many sessions had standing room only. It’s no surprise that any AI session is popular. But what stands out the most is the diversity of ideas presented in different talks.
What type of AI sessions did you find most interesting?
Justin presented two different approaches to AI. One vision was based on AI creating its own prompts, and planning complete guest journeys using minimal human input. Another speaker, from Bolt farm, looked at AI to enhance human connections. Justin was blown away by this second perspective, which he said changed the way he views AI even though despite teaching it at a global scale.
Tell us about your new book.
Justin is indeed working with Ian Millar, a Swiss author on a book called Guestroom 2075. It is an updated version of the earlier Guestroom 2050The book imagines how the hotel room in the future could look. The HITEC floor was the ideal live focus group where real innovators and exhibitor ideas helped shape the future contents of the book.
When will the book appear?
The book is due to be released just in time for HITEC 2020 in San Antonio. Justin and Ian intend to use the information gathered at this year’s conference to create a visionary yet practical outlook for hoteliers preparing for decades to come.
What can we look forward to from HITEC-2026?
Justin described San Antonio as the ideal city to combine daytime sessions and meaningful networking at night. He stressed the importance of informal contacts made outside the official agenda. The Riverwalk with its lively nightlife and social spaces will be a great background for those conversations which often have a lasting impression.
About HFTP
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with an offices in the EU. HFTP has an international network of stakeholders and members that support the finance and technology sectors of the hospitality industry. HFTP provides expert networks, educational materials, career development programs and research, as well as conferences and events. HFTP organizes international events all year round, including the largest hospitality technology conference and tradeshow in the world. HITEC. It is also responsible for the hotel-specific aspects. Pineapplesearch.com® Then, there is the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), Hotel-Online You can also find out more about the following: Hospitality Upgrade Magazine. Visit HFTP to learn more about the program. www.hftp.org.
