Every year, hotel, venue, and Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) teams pour time and money into getting in front of the right planners, corporate buyers, and travel decision-makers. But here’s the issue: the industry moves fast.
If you’re not in the right rooms, shaking hands with the right people, you’re missing big opportunities. Whether you’re looking to fill meeting space, boost corporate bookings, or attract more leisure travelers, showing up at the right hospitality conferences makes all the difference.
So, where should you be in 2025 and 2026? From group-focused events like IMEX and Cvent CONNECT to hotel investment summits like ALIS and HICAP, these conferences will help you build connections, stay ahead of trends, and, most importantly, drive more business. Let’s break down the must-attend hospitality conferences—by region—so you can start planning.
Why hospitality conferences matter?
Hospitality is a business built on connections. Whether you’re trying to win more group bookings, corporate contracts, or high-spending leisure travelers, the right conferences put you face-to-face with the decision-makers who make it happen.
And in 2025, with competition heating up and buyer expectations shifting, staying visible and ahead of trends is crucial.
But these events aren’t just about shaking hands and swapping business cards. They’re where you’ll spot emerging trends, learn what planners and buyers actually want, and get a front-row seat to the latest tech shaping the industry.
Plus, they’re a prime opportunity to build relationships that lead to long-term business, not just one-off deals. If you want your hotel or venue to be top of mind when planners are making decisions, these are the conferences you need to attend.
Top hospitality conferences you need to attend in 2025 and 2026
Whether you’re looking to increase group sales, secure corporate contracts, or connect with travel decision-makers, these events offer high-value networking, industry insights, and real business opportunities.
Top Hospitality Conferences in North America
The Hospitality Show
Launched by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), The Hospitality Show is designed for hoteliers, management companies, and brands looking to improve operations, sales, and revenue strategies. It combines an expo, networking sessions, and thought leadership on tech, labor challenges, and profitability.
Where: Denver Convention Center, Denver, Colorado, United States
When: October 26-28 2025
Why you can’t miss it
If your hotel is focused on boosting profitability and efficiency, this event will help you find actionable solutions to today’s biggest operational challenges. Expect expert panels, hands-on tech demos, and networking with top-tier hotel executives and solution providers.
IMEX America
IMEX America is a large meetings and events trade show in the U.S., bringing together planners, corporate buyers, and hospitality professionals. The show floor is packed with exhibitors, from hotels and destinations to tech providers and event agencies.
IMEX America also offers cutting-edge education sessions on everything from sustainability in events to AI-driven attendee experiences. You’ll gain insights into what planners want in 2025, how hotels can win more RFPs, and what trends are shaping the meetings and events industry.
Where: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV
When: October 7-9, 2025
Why you can’t miss it
If your hotel or venue wants to win more meetings and events business, this is the most important trade show of the year. Thousands of planners attend, looking for destinations and venues for corporate events, incentive travel, and large conferences. This a prime opportunity to generate leads and secure bookings.
HITEC (Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference)
HITEC is the largest and longest-running hospitality technology event in the world, showcasing the latest advancements in guest experience, revenue management, automation, and AI-driven operations.
Hosted by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), this event is a must-attend for hotels, venues, and CVBs looking to stay ahead.
With an expansive expo hall, expert-led sessions, and live demos, HITEC is where hospitality professionals discover the latest solutions in hotel operations, revenue management, guest experience, and more.
Where: Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
When: June 16-19, 2025
Why you can’t miss it
If your hotel or venue wants to stay ahead of tech trends that improve efficiency and guest experience, this is where you’ll discover the tools shaping the industry’s future. Whether it’s AI-driven pricing models, automated check-ins, or sustainability-focused innovations, HITEC is the place to explore what’s next.
GBTA Convention (Global Business Travel Association)
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention is the biggest event for corporate travel, connecting hoteliers, travel buyers, and corporate travel managers. The conference focuses on business travel trends, sustainability, and new strategies for securing corporate contracts.
Where: Beanfield Center, Toronto, Canada
When: April 28-30, 2025
Why you can’t miss it
If you’re looking to attract more business travelers or secure long-term corporate contracts, GBTA is the best place to connect with corporate buyers. Expect insights on traveler preferences, expense trends, and how to make your property stand out in RFPs.
Cvent CONNECT
Cvent CONNECT is the go-to annual event for event professionals, marketers, and hospitality experts, focused on group business, event technology, and venue marketing. This is where event and hospitality professionals come together to swap ideas, explore the new event tech, and walk away with fresh inspiration.
Hosted by Cvent, this event connects hoteliers, venue sales teams, and CVBs with corporate planners, event agencies, and travel buyers—making it a prime networking opportunity for those looking to fill meeting space and win group bookings.
Expect insights on the latest trends in venue sourcing, event technology, and AI-driven sales strategies.
Where: San Antonio, Texas and virtual
When: June 9-12 2025
Why you can’t miss it
If your hotel or venue relies on meetings and events revenue, this is where you’ll meet top event planners and discover how to book more business through smarter sales and marketing strategies.
Thousands of event planners and corporate buyers attend Cvent CONNECT to discover event tech solutions and learn how to optimize their sourcing strategies. What this means for you: Real business opportunities for hotels and venues that want to stand out.
Here’s why Joanne Benton from Florida Hotel and Conference Center loves Cvent CONNECT: “What we like about the conference is the networking, and the opportunity to create new relationships is phenomenal. This is a great place for people to meet and partner with other organizations.”
Discover 5 Reasons Why You Should Sponsor and Exhibit at Cvent CONNECT 2025!
ALIS (Americas Lodging Investment Summit)
ALIS is the largest and most influential hotel investment conference in the U.S., bringing together owners, developers, operators, brands, lenders, and investors to discuss trends, financing, and the future of the hospitality industry. This event is where deals happen, with top executives gathering to explore expansion strategies and investment opportunities.
Where: JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, Los Angeles, CA, United States
When: January 26-28, 2026
Why you can’t miss it
If you’re a hotel owner, general manager, or executive looking to expand your portfolio or secure funding, ALIS is a must-attend.
Top Hospitality Conferences in Europe
Cvent CONNECT Europe
The European edition of Cvent CONNECT, Cvent CONNECT Europe is an annual user conference and industry event for event and hospitality professionals.
Hosted by Cvent, this event focuses on venue marketing and group (MICE) business trends, and the latest event technology shaping the industry. It’s a must-attend for hotels, venues, and CVBs wanting to build relationships with top corporate planners and MICE decision-makers across Europe.
Cvent CONNECT Europe also offers deep dives into industry data, live product demos, and networking opportunities with hospitality peers. This is the event to attend if you're serious about growing group business in Europe.
Where: InterContinental London - The O2, London, UK and Virtual
When: October 15-16 2025
Why you can’t miss it
If your hotel or venue wants to stand out to European event planners, this is where you’ll build relationships and learn what drives group bookings in the region. The event attracts hundreds of event planners looking for new destinations, venues, and technology solutions to streamline their events.
You'll get a front-row seat to discussions on the future of MICE, what planners expect from hotels and venues, and how to position your property to win more business.
IMEX Frankfurt
IMEX Frankfurt is a MICE industry event in Europe, bringing together corporate buyers, event planners, and venue representatives. This event is a hub for networking, deal-making, and discovering the latest trends in event planning and venue sourcing.
Hotels, CVBs, and unique venues attend to connect with decision-makers looking to book future events—making it an essential stop for anyone in the hospitality industry.
Where: Messe Frankfurt, Germany
When: May 20-22, 2025
Why you can’t miss it
If you want to secure more international event business, this is one of the biggest trade shows to meet buyers looking for new venues. IMEX Frankfurt is a prime opportunity to showcase your property, build relationships, and get face time with the right people.
IHIF (International Hospitality Investment Forum)
The International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) is the leading investment event for hotels in Europe, bringing together owners, developers, and investors. Expect to discuss hotel development, investment trends, and developments in the travel and tourism industry.
Where: InterContinental Berlin, Germany
When: March 31 - April 2, 2025
Why you can’t miss it
IHIF is not your typical hospitality conference. This event is all about high-level discussions, deal-making, and forging partnerships. If you're looking to expand your hotel portfolio, secure funding, or gain insights into where the market is headed, IHIF is the place to be.
Top Hospitality Conferences in APAC
HICAP (Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific)
The Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) is the leading event for hotel owners, developers, and investors looking to capitalize on the booming hospitality market in Asia Pacific.
For more than 30 years, HICAP has been the region’s premier gathering for deal-making, networking, and industry insights, attracting top executives from global hotel brands, real estate firms, and investment groups. If your hotel or venue is eyeing expansion, partnerships, or new opportunities in APAC, this is the conference to attend.
Where: Fairmont Singapore & Swissotel The Stamford
When: October 22-24, 2025
Why you can’t miss it
The Asia Pacific region is one of the fastest-growing hospitality markets in the world, and HICAP gives you direct access to the key players driving hotel investment and development.
Whether you're a hotel group looking to expand, a unique venue exploring partnerships, or a CVB aiming to attract more international events, HICAP offers insider insights on market trends, financing strategies, and the future of hospitality in APAC.
ITB Asia
ITB Asia is the leading travel trade show for the Asia Pacific region, bringing together hospitality professionals, travel buyers, and tourism organizations from around the world.
This event is a major hub for hotels, CVBs, and venues looking to connect with corporate travel decision-makers, planners, and leisure travel operators. With a mix of exhibitions, networking opportunities, and expert-led discussions, ITB Asia is where hotels and destinations can showcase their offerings and secure future business.
Where: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
When: October 15-17, 2025
Why you can’t miss it
The show attracts thousands of international buyers from the corporate, leisure, event sectors, making it a prime opportunity to pitch your hotel or venue to key decision-makers.
Whether you want to increase group bookings, attract more international travelers, or position your property as a top choice for business events, ITB Asia connects you with the right audience.
Ready to win more business? It starts with these conferences
The best way to stay ahead, win more business, and build the right connections is to show up where the action is. Whether you're securing group bookings, exploring new tech, or meeting corporate travel buyers, these conferences are your chance to make an impact in 2025.
So, which events are on your calendar? Plan wisely, pack your bags, and get ready to make 2025 and 2026 your most successful years yet. See you there!
Discover 5 Reasons Why You Should Sponsor and Exhibit at Cvent CONNECT 2025!
Mansi Soni
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