The Hospitality Show 2025, organized by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Questex, will take place from October 26 to 28, 2025, at the Denver Convention Center in Colorado. This major event in the hospitality industry brings together hotel owners, restaurant professionals, tech innovators, investors, and operations leaders. Here’s an in-depth look at who attends, what the event offers, and why it matters for the future of the hospitality sector.
Who Attends
Each year, The Hospitality Show attracts over 5,000 professionals, including:
- Hotel owners and operators
- General managers and C-level executives
- Developers and institutional investors
- Procurement specialists and asset managers
- IT directors, consultants, and startup founders
- Brand leaders and service providers
One of the show’s unique strengths is its audience profile: over 80% of attendees have decision-making authority. This makes the event a prime location for B2B deals, partnerships, and product launches.
Participants range from global hotel chains (like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt) to independent operators, real estate funds, and solution vendors offering next-generation services.
Focus Areas and Themes
The Hospitality Show 2025 addresses the full scope of the hospitality industry, including:
- Technology: automation, PMS/POS solutions, mobile keys, data intelligence
- Sustainability: ESG frameworks, eco-friendly construction, circular economy
- Workforce management: recruitment, retention, digital HR
- FF&E: furniture, fixtures, and equipment upgrades
- F&B innovation: supply chain, equipment, food and beverage trends
- Guest experience, branding, and safety
Special emphasis is placed on digital transformation, energy efficiency, profitability tools, and AI-driven guest experience improvements.
Structure and Program Highlights
The three-day event is structured around four core stages:
- Visionary Stage – keynote speeches and strategic insights from industry leaders
- Spotlight Stage – tactical sessions on focused topics
- Solutions Stage – product showcases and implementation stories
- Education Stage – workshops, certification modules, and panels
Key confirmed speakers for 2025 include Ozan Özkural (Tanto Capital Partners), futurist and tech strategist Crystal Washington, and Chris Barton (founder of Shazam), among others.
Interactive zones like the Startup Pavilion, F&B Zone, and Recharge & Wellness Lounge encourage hands-on exploration of new tools and informal networking among peers.
Why It Matters
The Hospitality Show is more than a trade fair—it’s a hub of innovation and connection.
- Direct access to decision-makers and industry trailblazers
- Over 400 exhibitors representing cutting-edge solutions
- More than 100 educational sessions across multiple themes
- In-depth market analysis and future trends
- Real-time demos, networking lounges, and live testing opportunities
Participation offers not only insight into where the industry is heading, but also a competitive edge through early adoption of solutions.
The show’s reputation also attracts industry media, analysts, and influencers, expanding exposure for participating companies.
What Attendees Can Gain
Attending The Hospitality Show provides:
- Access to new solutions for operational efficiency
- Valuable industry insights from thought leaders
- New supplier partnerships and service providers
- Brand visibility and lead generation opportunities
- Tools for entering new markets or improving guest engagement
- A deeper understanding of workforce challenges and solutions
The Startup Zone, in particular, presents a valuable platform for young companies to pitch investors, secure pilots, and gather market feedback.
How to Prepare
To maximize the experience:
- Register early via the official event website
- Explore the exhibitor and speaker lists in advance
- Book 1-on-1 meetings using the THS Connect platform
- Plan your visit: prioritize zones, sessions, and networking events
- Prepare marketing collateral and product materials for live demos and follow-ups
It’s also recommended to set specific goals for attending—whether you aim to scout innovations, find investors, or benchmark against competitors.
Conclusion
The Hospitality Show 2025 is a must-attend event for professionals committed to shaping the future of hospitality. It combines education, innovation, and business networking in one powerful platform.
Whether you’re a hotelier, tech provider, investor, or operations leader, the event offers unmatched value: from product discovery to strategic partnerships and beyond. In a rapidly evolving industry, The Hospitality Show is where transformation begins.
