Why Supporting Industry Events is Important to the Growth of Hospitality

I remember the first industry trade show I attended as an employee of Aptech. It was the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference HITEC® back in the early 1990s. You just couldn’t ignore the excitement and energy on the floor back then, and it’s even more exciting today with the event now in its 53rd year.

Since its founding more than 50 years ago, supporting professional organizations, industry events and the media outlets that cover hospitality has been a priority for Aptech. We are proud to continue that initiative and have added several other trade shows and events to our schedule in that time.

What Event Attendees Will See in 2025
While there is no secret that costs have increased, according to the AMEX GBT Meetings and Events 2025 Global Forecast, meeting planners have an optimistic outlook and budgets are actually on the rise for 2025. The most interesting point from the report however, is that there is a “stronger demand for human connection in an increasingly AI-driven world. While it’s clear meeting professionals plan to tap into the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), we’re also seeing a strong desire for human connection, with rising demand for face-to-face experiences.”

That’s definitely true of the hospitality industry as many will agree that this industry is special. “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. “With more than 50 years producing HITEC as well as several other industry events across the world, that is what we are most proud of at HFTP. 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 who have worked in the hospitality industry for an extended period of time love this industry and have truly become friends with many of the colleagues and customers who have crossed our paths throughout our careers. It’s not a surprise that meetings and events attendees are interested in more human connection – especially in the hospitality industry. It’s what we do!

Content and location are also high on the priority list for events, with the goal of creating a memorable experience. As noted in the forecast however, “The importance of human connection remains central, as deeper engagement becomes crucial for creating lasting impressions.”

Upcoming Hospitality Industry Events You Shouldn’t Miss
I can’t tell you how much I get from attending well-planned and well-executed industry conferences. Valuable educational content and networking opportunities are the main reasons I attend specific events each year.

For 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 throughout the year. We have attended Hospitality Upgrade’s Executive Vendor Summit (now part of HFTP) for several years, and will be at the Hotel Data Conference this August in Nashville, Tenn. We are also exhibiting at The Hospitality Show [by The American Hotel & Lodging Association AHLA and Hotel Management] in Denver this fall. Industry events like these are paramount to learn about trends, hear from hoteliers, and examine other software products on the market.

This year I am also excited for our team and our hotel customers to have a new opportunity to attend the Jonas Hospitality Unified Conference. All of the technology providers under the Jonas family of brands will participate in this first-time event in Las Vegas November 2-5, 2025. Our hotel customers will have access to educational content led by expert panels, technology solution updates, and several 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. As Wolfe noted, “It is important for hospitality professionals to support events to foster the continued growth of our industry. With shared ideas, a commitment to innovative solution development, and the strength of the relationships these events create, we will be successful in that effort.”

By supporting these events as speakers, sponsors, exhibitors or attendees, we all have a hand in contributing to the advancement of our industry. After more than 40 years in hospitality, I am proud to support these professional organizations and the resources and events they offer throughout the year.

About the Author

Jill Wilder is President of Aptech Computer Systems Inc., the only provider of a fully integrated enterprise accounting, business intelligence and planning ecosystem to the hospitality industry. 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 offers a 24/7/365 live support desk to all of its hotel customers across North America.

Connect with Jill on LinkedIn.