[Updated March 1, 2021] In the day-to-day operations of your hotel, it can be hard to focus on the bigger picture of what needs to be done to set your hotel up for success. That’s why so many hoteliers enjoy attending hospitality trade shows and conferences. It’s a time to step away from your business, learn about the newest industry trends, and consider what steps you will take to ensure the future success of your company.

In this post, we’ll share information about the top hospitality conferences in the U.S. that you should attend to help your hotel business in 2020.

• AAHOA Annual Convention & Trade Show
• The Lodging Conference
• HITEC
• EyeforTravel
• Brand Conferences

1. AAHOA Annual Convention & Trade Show

The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Convention is the largest hospitality event in the world, drawing dynamic speakers and informative panels. Sessions include panels with the CEOs of top hotel brands, educational presentations from technology specialists, and inspiring keynotes. Past presenters include Marcus Lemonis from “The Profit” and astronaut Scott Kelly.

Another perk of choosing the top hospitality conference is that you won’t have to worry about your hotel while you’re gone. 13 brands have announced no inspections during the AAHOA convention, including Best Western, Choice, La Quinta, RLH Corporation, and many others. AAHOA is a top hospitality association that represents members who own about half of the hotels in the U.S.

2. The Lodging Conference

Where The Lodging Conference stands apart from other events is the atmosphere. The event is large enough to draw industry thought-leaders, top investors, and experts, but small enough to facilitate meaningful conversations and quality networking. Mingle with company leaders and top minds in the hospitality industry. The speakers and Think Tanks are informative, sharing the newest strategies and technologies.

The Lodging Conference takes place each fall the at Biltmore Hotel in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. It’s the perfect place to take part in networking opportunities while playing golf, attending cocktail parties, or hiking and biking in the Sonoran Desert.

3. HITEC

HITEC is the world’s largest technology-focused hospitality conference, with an emphasis on education at the core of the experience. The events are hosted by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, an international, non-profit association. There are three HITEC conferences per year, with one each in Dubai, the Netherlands, and the U.S.

At HITEC, you’ll be at the cutting edge of hospitality technology. This conference is best for hoteliers who are ready to take the next step in setting their hotel apart from the competition. The sprawling trade show hosts over 365 companies, so you will be sure to find a service provider to help set you up for success.

4. EyeforTravel

If you need an all-encompassing hospitality conference, EyeforTravel may be the right choice for you. With breakout sessions covering data, revenue management, technology, marketing, and distribution, the EyeforTravel Conference covers both a higher level “state of travel” industry forecast and solutions for the day-to-day issues you face. Past speakers include leaders from Booking.com, Expedia, Priceline, Microsoft, IBM, and more.

5. Brand Conferences

If you’re a part of a branded hotel group, the annual conference is a can’t-miss event. While other conferences will help you learn the newest technology and trends, at your brand’s conference you’ll learn invaluable information about the future of the brand, specific requirements, and how your brand will be working with you to get your hotel more exposure. Plus, the vendors you meet at the hospitality trade show for these events have been approved by your brand, so you know that they have been vetted by corporate.

Travel Media Group is proud to be an approved vendor for major brands and exhibits at the hospitality conferences for Choice, Wyndham, La Quinta, IHG, Red Lion, Cobblestone, and more. Find us at one of these hospitality trade shows to find out about our newest product innovations and see our products in action. Read more details including dates and our booth numbers at our conference calendar.