The first trade show I attended was as an Aptech employee. The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference HITEC® In the early 1990s. Back then, you couldn’t miss the energy and excitement that was on the floor. Today, the event is celebrating its 53rd birthday and the atmosphere has only grown more thrilling.
Aptech’s support of professional organizations and industry events as well as media outlets that cover the hospitality industry has been a top priority since its foundation more than 50 year ago. In that time, we have been proud to continue this initiative and to add several more trade shows and events.
What Events Attendees will See in 2025
It is no secret that the cost of living has increased. AMEX GBT Meetings and Events 2025 Global ForecastThe meeting planners’ outlook is optimistic and the budgets for 2025 are on the rise. In the report, it is interesting to note that “there is a stronger demand for human connections in an increasingly AI driven world.” The meeting industry is clearly looking to harness the power of AI, but there’s also a desire for human interaction and a rising demand for “face-to-face” experiences.
Many will agree that the hospitality industry is unique. “Hospitality is truly a unique industry – one where those who work in the industry learn how valuable their relationships become,” noted HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. HFTP is most proud to have produced HITEC and other industry events around the world for more than 50 consecutive years. While it starts with our focus on technology and the commitment to innovative development, it’s the relationships we have helped create – the people and organizations we have helped to connect in that time.”
Many of us in the hospitality sector have been working for a long time and love the industry. We have become good friends with our colleagues and clients who have crossed paths during our careers. It’s not a surprise that meetings and events attendees are interested in more human connection – especially in the hospitality industry. We do it!
The location and content of events are also important to create a memorable event. As stated in the forecast The importance of the human connection is still paramount, however, as deeper engagement is crucial to creating lasting impressions.
Don’t miss upcoming hospitality industry events
Attending well-planned and executed industry conferences is a great experience. The main reasons why I attend certain events every year are valuable educational content and the networking opportunities.
As an example: HITEC is on our list every year – to exhibit, attend and connect with other hospitality technology professionals, and we support HFTP At national and regional events all year. The Hospitality Upgrade Executive Vendor Summit, now part of HFTP, is an annual event that we attend. Hotel Data Conference Nashville, Tenn. is where we are exhibiting this August. The Hospitality Show [by The American Hotel & Lodging Association AHLA and Hotel Management] Denver will be hosting an industry event this fall. It is important to attend industry events such as these in order to stay abreast of trends, learn from hoteliers, and compare other software products.
This year, I’m also thrilled for our team as well as our hotel guests to have the opportunity to attend. Jonas Hospitality Unified Conference. This first-time event will be held in Las Vegas, November 2-5 2025. All technology providers from the Jonas brand family will attend. The event will provide our hotel customers with educational content, technology updates and valuable networking opportunities.
Technology providers and the hotel properties they serve have a common goal – improved guest experiences and the growth of the hospitality industry. Wolfe stated that “it is important for hospitality professionals support events to foster continued growth in our industry.” The success of this initiative will come from the shared ideas, the commitment to the development of innovative solutions and the strong relationships that these events create.
We all contribute to the growth of our industry by supporting these events, whether as speakers, sponsors or exhibitors. After 40 years of working in hospitality, it is a privilege to support these professional associations and the events and resources they provide throughout the year.
About the Author
Jill Wilder was elected President of Aptech Computer Systems Inc., is the only company that offers a fully integrated ecosystem of enterprise accounting, business analytics and planning for the hospitality sector. Aptech’s Business Intelligence, Enterprise Accounting, and Budgeting & Forecasting solutions help hoteliers at the corporate and property levels understand their financial and operational data for faster goal achievement. Aptech provides a live support desk that is available 24/7/365 to its hotel clients in North America.
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