At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, we caught up with Frank Wolfe, CEO of Hospitality Monetary and Know-how Professionals (HFTP), to mirror on a extremely profitable version of the convention. With record-breaking numbers, thrilling innovation from new exhibitors, and a packed exhibition flooring, this yr’s occasion confirmed HITEC’s function as the worldwide stage for hospitality know-how. We additionally regarded forward to 2026, which is able to carry the occasion to San Antonio, Texas.
How did HITEC 2025 go?
In response to Frank Wolfe, this yr’s HITEC was a significant success. The power was excessive, and suggestions from each attendees and exhibitors was overwhelmingly constructive. A lot of new guests and returning veterans contributed to a dynamic and provoking ambiance.
Have been there many new exhibitors this yr?
Sure, Wolfe confirmed that roughly 20 to 25 p.c of the exhibitors have been new to the present. The occasion fully offered out, with a ready checklist forming from day one. Ten new corporations have already signed as much as exhibit at subsequent yr’s version.
Did HITEC 2025 break any data?
A number of, in truth. The occasion featured what was doubtless the biggest exhibition flooring in its historical past, probably even surpassing the dot-com increase period of 2001. The opening evening celebration at Lucas Oil Stadium drew a file crowd of almost 2,700 individuals, including to the celebratory temper.
What stood out on this yr’s E20X start-up pitch competitors?
The E20X start-up programme noticed its strongest group of individuals to this point. Eight corporations made it to the ultimate spherical, and investor curiosity was notably excessive. Wolfe expects that two or three of those corporations will safe funding quickly.
Who received the E20X competitors?
An organization referred to as Levee received each the Folks’s Selection Award and the Judges’ Selection Award, a primary within the historical past of E20X. Their facial recognition product for housekeeping workers helps establish cleanliness points and upkeep wants in rooms, streamlining operations and bettering room turnover velocity.
What are the plans for HITEC 2026?
Planning is already properly underway, with round 65 p.c of the exhibition flooring for 2026 already offered. HITEC will head to San Antonio, Texas, with the occasion set alongside the scenic Riverwalk, one of many prime vacationer locations in the US. The staff is already anticipating one other record-breaking yr.
About HFTP
Hospitality Monetary and Know-how Professionals (HFTP®), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit affiliation headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with an workplaces within the EU. HFTP is acknowledged as a gaggle supporting the finance and know-how segments of the hospitality business with a world community of members and stakeholders. HFTP presents skilled networks, academic sources, profession growth packages, analysis, management alternatives and conferences and occasions. HFTP produces worldwide occasions all year long, together with the world’s largest hospitality know-how tradeshow and convention model: HITEC. As well as, it oversees the hospitality-specific Pineapplesearch.com® and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Trade (USALI), Resort-On-line and Hospitality Improve Journal. For extra details about HFTP, go to www.hftp.org.
