Get Ready: HITEC 2025 Call for Presentations

Are you ready to take the stage and share your expertise with the global hospitality technology community? Starting January 8, 2025, the Call for Presentations for HITEC Indianapolis 2025 will be open for submissions. To help you prepare, we caught up with Katie Lee, Chair of the 2025 HITEC Advisory Council, and Lyle Worthington, Vice Chair, who shared their insights and personal tips for submitting standout proposals.

Why is the Call for Presentations So Important?

Katie Lee emphasizes how crucial this process is for gathering fresh perspectives and ensuring the educational content stays relevant. “The Call for Presentations invites industry pros to share their expertise, insights, and innovative ideas, which helps us build a dynamic program that truly benefits attendees.” Lyle Worthington agrees, adding, “It’s such an important part of the process because it introduces us to new voices and ideas while giving us a snapshot of what the industry is eager to learn about. The more diverse the submissions, the stronger the final program.”

What Makes a Winning Proposal?

The Advisory Council is on the lookout for sessions that are educational, vendor-neutral, and focused on practical advancements. Katie stresses, “We want presentations that focus on sharing knowledge, not selling products. Attendees come to learn, and sales pitches just don’t deliver value.” Lyle highlights the importance of being clear and precise. “Make sure your session title, description, and learning objectives are sharp and clearly convey what attendees will gain. Take the time to polish your submission because vague ideas just don’t make the cut.”

How Are Proposals Evaluated?

The selection process is designed to ensure high-quality educational content. Here’s how it works:
• Relevance: Does the proposal tackle current industry challenges?
• Educational Value: Are the insights practical and the learning objectives clear?
• Presenter Expertise: Do the speakers have the experience to deliver valuable content?
• Diversity: Does the proposal offer fresh perspectives and varied backgrounds?
• Neutrality: Is the content free of vendor bias and product promotion?

What Topics Are Trending for HITEC 2025?

Katie and Lyle expect topics like artificial intelligence, leadership development, cybersecurity, and data management to be popular this year. “AI continues to be a game-changer in hospitality tech,” says Katie. “We’re also interested in how tech affects workforce development and data ethics.”
Lyle adds, “We’d love to see sessions that go beyond the basics and explore how technology can solve real-world challenges.”

What Should Potential Presenters Expect During Selection?

“The review process is thorough but fair,” explains Katie. “We start with an initial review to ensure the content aligns with our educational goals, followed by collaborative discussions within the council.” Lyle adds, “Speakers should be open to feedback, sometimes sessions are combined or adapted to better fit the overall program. The goal is always to create the most engaging and valuable sessions possible.”

Start Preparing Now!

Emphasized by both the Chair and Vice Chair of the HITEC North America Advisory Council is the value of starting early. “The best presentations come from preparation and practice,” says Lyle. “Rehearse, refine, and polish your message. It’s not just about what you say, but how you deliver it.”

Join the Conversation at HITEC 2025

HITEC, produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), is the world’s largest and longest-running nonprofit hospitality technology event. With over five decades of history, it continues to draw thousands of industry professionals seeking the latest innovations and best practices.
HITEC 2025 will take place June 16–19 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Learn more about your chance to share your insights and make an impact on the future of hospitality technology.