Top 16 Hospitality Conferences to Attend in 2024

Throughout this year, the hospitality industry has seen numerous excellent conferences that have brought together industry leaders, introduced groundbreaking technologies, and provided invaluable insights. Yet, as we enter the last quarter of the year, many more exciting and impactful events are still on the horizon.

These upcoming conferences promise to continue the momentum, offering fresh opportunities for learning, networking, and growth in the world of hospitality. So, get ready to transform your business and stay ahead of the curve with the top hospitality conferences in 2024.

1. Hotel Data Conference

-Date: August 7-9
-Location: Grand Hyatt, Nashville

Prepare to join industry leaders celebrating the Hotel Data Conference's 16th year! HDC will provide attendees with the latest hotel performance trends and exclusive analyses. This year's conference offers a rich program featuring three distinct session types: general sessions, data sessions, and panels, all designed to equip you with the insights needed to drive results in your business.

Panels at HDC 2024 will cover a range of critical topics, including the impact of AI in hospitality, the balance between human connection and automation, and strategies for effective revenue management. Data sessions will focus on the industry's hottest topics, such as the booming business of sports tourism, mid-week demand trends, and the performance of luxury and upper-upscale hotels. With expert speakers and timely discussions, this conference is an unmissable opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with peers.

Be part of the conversation and reserve your place at HDC 2024.

2. BITAC

-Date: August 18 - 20
-Location: Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island; Amelia Island, Florida

BITAC Independent is a premier event dedicated to the independent lodging sector. It offers two days of education, relationship-building, and uninterrupted private meetings. This conference brings together independent hoteliers and solution providers to address the distinct challenges and opportunities within the industry. Attendees include decision-makers such as VP/C-Level executives, general managers from leading management and development companies, and prominent individual properties.

The conference covers various essential topics and showcases cutting-edge products and services catering to independent lodging properties. Participants can explore emerging technology, marketing services, F&B (food and beverage) products and equipment, and various furnishing, construction, and renovation solutions.

Register in person and take advantage of this opportunity to join industry leaders and enhance your guest experience.

3. AHLA On the Road

-Dates and Locations:

• September 5 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• September 12 - Phoenix, Arizona 
• October 1 - Chicago, Illinois
• October 17 - Orange County, California
• October 22 - Boston, Massachusetts
• November 19 - Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Hospitality Show Regional Events are designed to bring together local hospitality leaders for an enriching experience of networking, learning, and growth. These events offer a unique opportunity to connect with peers, learn the latest recruitment practices from industry experts, and hear from VIP speakers, including elected officials and tourism executives. Attendees will gain valuable policy updates on issues impacting their businesses and discover local market data trends and forecasts for hotels and restaurants.

With a series of events scheduled across various locations in 2024, you can participate in the conference nearest you. Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and connected within the hospitality industry.

Register below!

The Hospitality Show: Pennsylvania

The Hospitality Show: Arizona

The Hospitality Show: Illinois

The Hospitality Show: California

The Hospitality Show: Massachusetts

The Hospitality Show: Michigan

4. SHFM National Conference

-Date: September 9-11
-Location: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront; Baltimore, Maryland

Celebrate the 45th anniversary of the SHFM Conference, themed "Evolving Hospitality: Celebrating the Past and Fueling the Future." This event offers an invaluable opportunity to shape the future of the hospitality industry by exploring how intentional hospitality can elevate guest experiences and workplace environments.

The conference will feature subject matter experts who will uncover the art of balancing cutting-edge technology with traditional hospitality values. Participants will explore strategies to enhance well-being, cultivate a sustainable mindset, and implement actionable takeaways to propel their businesses forward. In addition to thought-provoking sessions, the event offers ample opportunities to build lasting connections with industry leaders and peers.

Don't miss this chance to celebrate the past and fuel the future of hospitality. Gain the knowledge and inspiration needed to thrive in an evolving industry.

Register Here! 

5. Boutique Hotel Owners Conference

-Date: September 16-17
-Location: Westlake Village, California

The 2024 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference is the original and premier event dedicated to independent boutique hotel ownership, leadership, and innovation. This year's theme, "The Mycelium Network," symbolizes the essential interconnectedness and collaboration within the hospitality sector. Attendees will explore how strong connections and innovative partnerships can lead to growth and resilience, like the intricate web of mycelium threads beneath a forest floor.

Hosted and produced by the Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA), the conference promises to deliver a creator-driven experience that transforms the simple and mundane into the exciting and inspiring. More than 30 speakers and over 150 attendees will engage in impactful dialogues and organic connections.

Participate in facilitated networking, discover the latest trends, and gain tools and strategies to navigate the future of contemporary travel. 

Register Here!

6. FSTEC

-Date: September 16-18
-Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord Trail; Grapevine, Texas

Featuring over 70 engaging speakers, FSTEC offers a wealth of knowledge and data-driven insights from industry leaders. Attendees will hear from top executives, editors, and technology officers of major brands like Yum! Brands, Little Caesars, and Papa John's International. The sessions are crafted to help you uncover operational efficiencies in the back-of-house and foster smooth interactions with guests, enabling you to prepare a successful business plan.

This event will provide you with the tools and expertise needed to thrive in a competitive market. So, explore the newest practical tools showcased by FSTEC supplier partners and discover innovative tech solutions that can elevate your restaurant operations.

Register today to gain exclusive insights and network with top professionals.

Register Here! 

7. Glamping Show

-Date: October 1-2
-Location: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds; Aurora, Colorado

The Glamping Show Americas offers an unparalleled opportunity for anyone looking to support or start their outdoor hospitality business. This event features a comprehensive expert-led conference where industry pros share their expertise on launching or evolving your glamping enterprise. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest recruitment practices, business strategies, and market trends.

The indoor/outdoor expo at The Glamping Show Americas is a wonderland for glamping enthusiasts, showcasing a wealth of structures, products, and services that will spark your creativity and help you envision your outdoor hospitality business. From swanky canvas tents to furnished wagons and innovative tech, the expo offers everything you need to elevate your glamping venture. Additionally, the event includes an Investment Connection panel, providing crucial information on accessing capital to fund your glamping projects.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders and gain the knowledge needed to succeed in the burgeoning glamping industry. 

Register Here!

8. Digital Travel Summit

-Date: October 7-8
-Location: Hyatt Regency Austin, Texas

Digital Travel is a must-attend conference for travel executives eager to revolutionize the customer journey. Bringing together visionaries from hotels, OTAs, airlines, and transportation companies, the event offers cutting-edge insights on enhancing personalization and online strategies for exceptional cross-channel experiences.

The conference agenda is packed with inspiring content and transformative results, addressing the most prominent challenges travel leaders face today. Highlights include keynote panel discussions on leveraging first-party data for lasting loyalty, achieving data harmony, and exploring AI journeys. Additionally, the event features workshops on affiliate marketing for sustainable eCommerce growth and sessions dedicated to preserving the human element in the customer journey.

Use this unique opportunity to elevate your digital strategies and drive your business forward. 

Register Here!

9. The Lodging Conference

-Date: October 7-10
-Location: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, 5350 East Marriott Drive; Phoenix, Arizona

The Lodging Conference stands as one of the premier hotel industry events globally. For nearly three decades, it has drawn tens of thousands of influential hotel owners and executives from across the world. This prestigious event brings together owners, operators, presidents, CEOs, investors, and dealmakers.

Spanning three days, The Lodging Conference offers non-stop networking opportunities, gourmet food, leisure activities, and a casual dress code, creating an inviting and productive atmosphere. Attendees consistently report making more contacts and initiating more deals here than at any other industry event.

An early sell-out is anticipated, so take advantage of this opportunity to connect with senior-level industry leaders and advance your business. 

Register Here!

10. Independent Hotel Show

-Date: October 15-16
-Location: Olympia, London

The Independent Hotel Show is a premier business event dedicated exclusively to the luxury and boutique hotel industry. This unique event is designed to cater to the specific needs of independent hoteliers, offering a curated collection of over 200 innovative product and service providers from across the hotel supply chain. Attendees can expect an unparalleled guest experience inspired by top designers, cutting-edge innovations from leading technology suppliers, and a wealth of discoveries tailored to enhance your hotel.

The show features rich content designed to support the modern hotelier, from aspirational seminars to practical solutions. It also provides invaluable networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with industry peers, discover new business ideas, and form partnerships that can transform your hotel.

Join the Independent Hotel Show to experience this annual industry "Jewel in the Crown" event. Register now to secure your place and explore the innovative offerings that will take your hotel to the next level. 

Register Here!

11. Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®)

-Date: October 23–25
-Location: Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut, USA

The Annual Convention is a premier event designed by the Hospitality Finance and Technology Professionals association. It offers a comprehensive lineup of over 20 education sessions curated by the Annual Convention Education Advisory Council. These sessions cover the industry's most pressing topics and best practices, including finance, technology, leadership, and more.

In addition to the educational offerings, the convention provides three days of unparalleled networking opportunities. Hundreds of hospitality finance and technology professionals come together to build robust industry networks, share experiences, and foster professional growth. A highlight of the event is the keynote presentation by Courtney Clark, an expert on accelerated resilience and adaptability. Her session, "The Art of Accelerated Resilience: Adapt Faster and Achieve More," promises to deliver impactful personal and professional development strategies.

Connect with industry experts and stay ahead of the curve. 

Register Here!

12. The Hospitality Show

-Date: October 28-30
-Location: Henry B. González Convention Center; San Antonio, Texas

Accelerate your business at The Hospitality Show, the industry's only one-stop-shop designed to boost your ROI. Join over 5,000 attendees at this must-attend event, including senior executives from hotel brands, owners, operators, developers, investors, and technology experts. Enhance revenue, optimize operations, and improve guest satisfaction through main-stage case studies, a vibrant marketplace showcasing technology innovations, and world-class networking opportunities.

The Hospitality Show offers a packed agenda with over 100 industry-leading speakers and over 400 innovative partners and vendors. Attendees will benefit from 13+ hours of networking, dedicated breakout tracks, and sessions on current issues, trends, and profitable solutions. 
Secure your spot at The Hospitality Show and unlock the tools to drive success. 

Register Here!

13. BDNY

-Date: November 10-11
-Location: Javits Center; New York, New York

Located in the cultural hub of New York City, BDNY brings together boutique hospitality brands and designers with top-tier vendors, exclusive experiences, and distinctive hospitality products. This event caters to those eager to innovate, expand their business, and explore new possibilities.

The conference features over 719 exhibiting brands, 40 conference speakers, and attendees from 56 countries, making it the ultimate networking, education, and product-sourcing event in the boutique design industry. From main-stage presentations to interactive forums, BDNY provides a comprehensive platform for learning and inspiration.

Register today to secure your spot at this must-attend event for the boutique design community.

Register Here!

14. New England Inns & Resorts Association Annual Conference (NEIRA)

-Date: November 12-14
-Location: Cliff House, Maine; Cape Neddick, Maine

The NEIRA Annual Conference is designed to bring together hospitality professionals for an enriching experience of learning, networking, and collaboration. This premier event offers attendees the chance to stay ahead of emerging trends through insightful sessions led by industry experts.

In addition to the educational sessions, the conference features an exhibition with over 50 hospitality suppliers showcasing their latest products and services. This provides a unique platform for attendees to explore new solutions, foster partnerships, and discover tools to drive their business success.

Use this opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships.

Register Here!

15. Phocuswright Conference

-Date: November 19-21
-Location: Phoenix, Arizona

The 2024 Phocuswright Conference, themed "The New Age(NTS)," is set to explore the transformative forces reshaping the travel industry. Attendees will gain insights into the latest technological advancements, such as AI-powered conversational search and personalized travel recommendations, redefining travel inspiration and booking processes. The conference will also address the emerging influence of non-traditional travel brands and the shifting dynamics in content control and customer allegiance.

With the rise of self-sovereign identity, personal data vaults, and secure digital wallets, travelers are increasingly taking control of their personal information and travel preferences. As emerging agents and transformative tools enhance travel planning and booking efficiency, the conference will examine the implications for traditional travel agents and explore how they can leverage new technologies to remain relevant and deliver unparalleled value.

Join industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries at The Phocuswright Conference to stay ahead of the curve. 

Register Here!

16. INSPIRE

-Date: December 4-5
-Location: Fontainebleau Las Vegas; Las Vegas, Nevada

Join the 14th edition of the INSPIRE Luxury Hospitality Conference, the premier event for the hotel industry's most prominent innovators, operators, investors, developers, and brands. It features a lineup of curated speakers, expert strategies, and networking opportunities optimized for dealmaking.

This event stands out as a conference that brings together leaders from all segments of luxury hospitality, including ownership, design, development, operations, brands, marketing, finance, technology, and HR. Participants will have the chance to network with a diverse group of luxury hospitality leaders, fostering connections that transcend typical segment-specific conferences.

Connect with decision-makers with the authority to finalize agreements and propel your business forward. 

Register Here!

The Bottom Line

Attending hospitality conferences provides key takeaways such as the latest industry trends, innovative technologies, and actionable insights that can significantly enhance your business. These events are helpful for networking with industry leaders, peers, and potential partners, fostering collaborations that can propel your business forward. Additionally, continuous learning through expert-led sessions helps you stay ahead of the curve, ensuring your business remains competitive and responsive to evolving market demands.

Register for the top hospitality conferences in 2024 and make the most of what's left this year. Remember, in the fast-paced world of hospitality, those who stop learning will find themselves left behind.