Meaghan Maybee
As pc/nametag's in-house Word Wizard, Meaghan creates educational content that brings people together and drives meaningful conversations in the events industry.
Attending a convention or trade show is one of the best ways to invest in your professional development. By networking and attending sessions, hoteliers, event professionals, food service providers, tour operators, travel professionals, and other industry leaders can find the exact solutions they need to help their businesses thrive.
With so many options out there, choosing an educational event that fits your career goals can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why we created a list of the best hotel conferences, food and beverage trade shows, tourism conferences, and more to help you decide.
Reader’s Notes: Scroll through this entire article for access to free guides and resources. Then, check out our event planning conferences list for even more highly reviewed events for meeting planners.Find an Industry Event:
- Hospitality Meetings and Events
- Hotel Conventions and Lodging Conferences
- Tourism and Travel Conferences
- Food Trade Shows and Catering Events
- Conference Justification Letter Template
Why You Should Attend a Hospitality Conference
As a hospitality professional, investing in continuing education resources is a must. Attending a conference might just be your ticket to achieving success in 2023. The knowledge, tools, and resources you discover could mean the difference between a “good” year and a “great” one.
Conferences aren’t just fun to attend. They’re also beneficial to business development and your personal growth. Each event is filled with opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally.
Reasons to attend a hospitality conference:
- Find new vendors, suppliers, and business partnerships
- Discover the latest technology solutions and industry trends
- Meet with exhibitors and vendors for in-person discussions
- Learn best practices from keynote speakers and breakout sessions
- Identify techniques for meeting today’s growing guest demands
- Make memories as you network and build relationships with peers
There are hundreds of event planning and hospitality events to attend every year. When selecting which ones are best for you, consider your top goals. For instance:
- Are you looking to meet with vendors and suppliers?
- Are you looking to network and make peer connections?
- Do you want to discover event technology and other useful solutions?
- Are you interested in testing out products? Are you looking to build your professional network by attending breakout sessions? Are you looking to gain new business?
Once you have selected which conference you would like to attend, use our Conference Justification Letter to start a conversation with your leadership team. Our free template will help improve your chances of securing the funding you need to attend.
Top Hospitality Industry Meetings and Events
HEDNA Global Distribution Conference
Dates: January 23-25, 2023
Location: Seattle, WA
Attendance Options: In-person
HEDNA, a global community of hospitality professionals, tech providers, educators, and consultants, hosts its Global Distribution Conference in January. Elevate your career by harnessing new business opportunities and listening to insights from industry leaders. You’ll learn the latest trends in distribution, payments, technology, and more to help you prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.
2023 Women in Travel & Hospitality Conference
Dates: March 2-3, 2023
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Attendance Options: In-person
Calling all women in travel, tourism, and hospitality! This event is for you. This year’s theme covers “Finding Your Circle of Influence,” where you’ll find the tools and strategies needed to proactively create a space that benefits you, both personally and professionally. Jump into live, facilitated networking as you meet fellow professionals. You might even uncover your next revolutionary idea!
International Hotel Technology Forum 2023
Dates: March 28-30, 2023
Location: Vienna, Austria
Attendance Options: In-person
Join the International Hotel Technology Forum in Vienna for three days of unmatched content, exclusive business meetings, innovative case studies, and unprecedented social networking. This unique event attracts over 200 C-suite executives each year to discuss challenges and innovations in hotel technology. Sign up if you are a hotelier, management company, online travel agency, or solution provider looking to increase revenue and operational efficiency.
HD Expo + Conference
Dates: May 2-4, 2023
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Attendance Options: In-person
There are hundreds of reasons to attend the Hospitality Design (HD) Expo + Conference. Discover products, network, share knowledge, connect with your next business opportunity, and more! The 2023 agenda will teach you how to source, design, and think smarter through conference sessions and a massive expo. Attendees with full conference or experience passes can even access CEU-accredited sessions!
National HR in Hospitality Conference
Dates: May 1-3, 2023
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Attendance Options: In-person
The National HR in Hospitality Conference specifically caters to human resources professionals in the hospitality industry. Learn proven strategies, discover hot topics affecting the industry, get essential advice from seasoned attorneys with expertise in hospitality law, and more. This year, you’ll hear from big brands like Hilton, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Dinex, and Loews Hotels. Take advantage of early-bird pricing!
The Hotel Show Dubai
Dates: May 23-25, 2023
Location: Dubai, UAE
Attendance Options: In-person
Attracting 8,000 attendees, the Hotel Show is the ideal place for hospitality professionals to meet with 230+ exhibitors and learn from 100+ expert speakers. Hotel owners, F&B managers, procurement professionals, CTOs, CIOs, distributors, and others will find the most value in this event. Tap into the multi-billion-dollar hospitality market in the middle east as you source decorations, furnishings, equipment, services, art, and more for your organization.
NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference
Dates: June 4-6, 2023
Location: New York, NY
Attendance Options: In-person
Join the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference! Hosted by the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, this hotel conference provides unforgettable sessions and networking events that provide the data, insights, and opportunities you need to be successful. Meet, mingle, and network with the professionals who share your love for this fascinating industry!
Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC)
Dates: June 26-29, 2023
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Attendance Options: In-person
The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is one of the world’s largest, most well-established conferences for hospitality technology. This year’s event features 51 educational opportunities where you’ll learn about top trends and cost-effective ways to improve your bottom lines. HITEC is produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, the only global organization that produces non-profit hospitality conferences.
The Hospitality Show
Dates: June 27-29, 2023
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Attendance Options: In-person
The Hospitality Show by the American Hotel & Lodging Association is where hoteliers, technology, and operations meet. This brand-new show caters to the entire hospitality ecosystem through world-class speakers, networking events, and a 300+ vendor show floor. Discover solutions for event technology, guest experience, profitability, F&B, consumer trends, diversity and inclusion, and more.
Cvent CONNECT 2023
Dates: July 24-27, 2023
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Attendance Options: In-person, Virtual
Cvent CONNECT is one of the most exciting conferences for marketing, hospitality, and event professionals. This multi-day event draws 5000+ attendees, teaches fresh perspectives, and offers great networking opportunities. You’ll also learn what today’s event planners want from venues and destination partners. Sign up to learn how technology can help increase efficiencies, offset staffing shortages, and more at your organization.
Canadian Meetings + Events Expo
Dates: August 15-16, 2023
Location: Toronto, Canada
Attendance Options: In-person
Canadian Meetings + Events Expo is the largest and longest-running meetings and events show in Canada. This event fills two incredible days with opportunities to gain industry knowledge, discover innovative suppliers, find the latest ideas, and test-drive products and services for your organization. You’ll also get inspired by great keynote speakers, build your career in workshops, and get business done on the trade show floor!
IMEX America 2023
Dates: October 9-12, 2023
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Attendance Options: In-person
IMEX America is the largest trade show in the United States for global meetings, events, and incentive travel professionals. This award-winning event brings the industry together to do a year’s worth of business under one roof. You’ll find suppliers and buyers from every sector of the meetings and events industry. Not only is IMEX America free to attend, but it also offers four days full of education, networking, and more on and off the trade show floor.
Top Lodging and Hotel Conventions
AAHOACON
Dates: April 11-14, 2023
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Attendance Options: In-person
The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) hosts its leading annual event to provide hoteliers with countless opportunities to network, learn, and connect with like-minded professionals This is the nation’s largest event exclusively for hotel owners. This year’s schedule features attendee receptions, educational sessions, learning workshops, wellness activities, and a trade show.
BITAC® Operations 2023
Dates: April 16-18, 2023
Location: San Diego, CA
Attendance Options: In-person
BITAC Operations is a multi-day event filled with education and relationship-building. It focuses on all aspects of hotel operations, attracting leading hotels across the U.S. This unique event also attracts top decision-makers from prominent independent and branded hotels, resorts, cruise ships, and more. Connect with peers and solution providers that offer the technology, sales, and marketing solutions you need.
Cruise Ship Interiors Expo
Dates: June 6-7, 2023
Location: Miami, CA
Attendance Options: In-person
Cruise Ship Interiors Expo was designed exclusively for buyers and suppliers of the cruise design industry. Here, you’ll meet with designers, architects, outfitters, and interior suppliers while discovering the latest products and services from over 300 ground-breaking brands. Hear from industry leaders, participate in events, and join big brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, and more.
BITAC® Casino Resorts 2023
Dates: June 12-14, 2023
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Attendance Options: In-person
BITAC® Casino Resorts draws executive decision-makers and solution providers who are focused on all aspects of lodging and gaming in top casino properties across the U.S. and further. Find innovative products and services for your lodging and gaming properties, including tech tools, marketing services, gaming products, F&B products, and more. Find virtually any product you need to enhance the guest experience!
2023 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference
Date: Fall 2023 - TBD
Location: California
Attendance Options: In-person
Hosted by the Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA), this unique conference attracts the owners, founders, C-suite executives, managers, and decision-makers for boutique hotels. This is a must-attend event for finding boutique-specialized vendors and suppliers, from designers to tech partners, F&B providers, restauranteurs, marketing agencies, advisors, and more!
The Independent Hotel Show
Dates: September 20-21, 2023
Location: Miami, FL
Attendance Options: In-person
The Independent Hotel Show is the premier business event for luxury and boutique hoteliers. This isn’t your typical trade show; it’s a well-rounded experience featuring inspiration from top-tier designers, leading technology suppliers, and practical solution providers. You’ll find ways to transform your business by participating in seminars, meeting peers, and networking.
The Lodging Conference
Dates: September 18-21, 2023
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Attendance Options: In-person
The Lodging Conference brings together 2500+ influential owners, operators, C-suite, investors, and dealmakers in the hotel industry each year. This three-day event is filled with opportunities to learn, network, and connect with other professionals. You’ll also enjoy gourmet food, leisure activities, and a casual atmosphere. If you’re looking to make more contacts and initiate more deals, the Lodging Conference is a must-attend event!
The Glamping Show Americas 2023
Dates: October 3-4, 2023
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Attendance Options: In-person
This is the only trade event dedicated to the glamping (“glamorous camping”) industry! This event provides the products and information you need to start or support your outdoor hospitality business. Tune into expert-led sessions, attend an indoor/outdoor expo, sign up for workshops, and learn more about glamping business basics.
The Hotel Experience
Dates: November 12-13, 2023
Location: New York City, NY
Attendance Options: In-person
The Hotel Experience is the ultimate chance to discover today’s must-have guest amenities and operating supplies. This unique event is designed to bring buyers and sellers together to facilitate valuable business exchanges. You’ll find all the products and services you need to increase hotel profitability and create a stellar guest experience—all under one roof.
Boutique Design New York (BDNY)
Dates: November 12-13, 2023
Location: New York City, NY
Attendance Options: In-person
Boutique Design New York (BDNY) is an exciting trade fair and conference created for designers, architects, purchasing agents, hoteliers, owners, and developers. It focuses on design elements for hospitality interiors for a highly curated experience. Immerse yourself in the products, projects, and personalities that define your brand. Then, discover new furnishings, lighting, textiles, and more to make your business stand out.
Top Travel Conferences and Events
Travel & Adventure Show
Dates: Various Dates (Jan-April 2023)
Locations: Chicago, Boston, New York, D.C., Los Angeles, Denver, Atlanta, Dallas
Attendance Options: In-person
Want real-time travel advice and inspiration from top influencers in the industry? The Travel & Adventure Show provides the most up-to-date travel information in one convenient place. Attend dozens of travel seminars designed to educate, inspire, and provide useful tips for your business. While you explore the show, you’ll score many show-only deals and specials!
Mountain Travel Symposium
Dates: March 26-31, 2023
Location: Alberta, Canada
Attendance Options: In-person
Mountain Travel Symposium is an annual gathering of mountain travel professionals from around the world. Gather with 1000+ attendees from 35+ countries to build your business, establish relationships, access professional development, and create a stronger mountain community. This symposium is ideal for mountain vacation suppliers, buyers, and vendors worldwide.
Women in Tourism and Hospitality 2024
Dates: March 28-29, 2024
Location: San Diego, California
Attendance Options: In-person
The Women in Tourism and Hospitality (WITH) National Conference will host its third annual gathering at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla in San Diego California on March 28-29 in 2024. Presented by MCCSN, this conference takes place during Women's History Month and is the premier women's conference of its kind in the western United States.
This conference offers opportunities for motivation, inspiration, networking, professional development, and celebration. The conference brings together over 300 hospitality professionals from all facets of the industry, including influential leaders, decision-makers, planners, entrepreneurs, and students.
ASTA Global Convention 2023
Dates: May 2-4, 2023
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Attendance Options: In-person
This is an essential event for travel agency professionals! The ASTA Global Convention 2023 organizes three days of thought-provoking education, inspiration, networking, and entertainment — guaranteed to help attendees give their businesses a boost. This year’s schedule includes A-list celebrity keynote speakers, sessions on business recovery, opportunities to meet with host destinations, and more.
IPW – U.S. Travel Association
Dates: May 20-24, 2023
Location: San Antonio, TX
Attendance Options: In-person
U.S. Travel Association’s IPW reunites the global travel industry by providing an in-person platform to conduct business and renew relationships around the world. This event is the leading inbound travel trade show. It highlights suppliers of USA travel products and destinations and attracts international and domestic travel buyers and journalists representing more than 70 countries. Attend sessions, network, social experiences, press conferences, and more.
Global Business Travel Association Convention
Dates: August 13-15, 2023
Location: Dallas, TX
Attendance Options: In-person
GBTA Convention serves the ongoing needs of business travel professionals and what they need from travel buyers, suppliers, business travelers, and others. This year, the convention returns for its 54th year! You’ll attend countless educational sessions on accommodations, career development, data analytics, stakeholder management, meetings and events, procurement, risk management, sustainability, technology, and transportation.
ILTM North America
Dates: September 18-21, 2023
Location: Baha Mar, The Bahamas
Attendance Options: In-person
ILTM North America is a visually stunning show made for travel brands, advisors, and the press. This year, you’ll find fresh itineraries and bold new ventures in a beautiful location. Discover new business opportunities, meet with an exclusive collection of luxury travel professionals, gain inspiration on changing business trends, forge new friendships, and get insights into new strategies.
The Phocuswright Conference
Dates: November 13-16, 2023
Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Attendance Options: In-person
Expect compelling content and an electrified atmosphere at this year’s Phocuswright Conference! This travel trade show attracts decision-makers and C-level executives that represent dozens of countries from every travel, tourism, and hospitality sector. Your ticket includes access to social gatherings, breakout sessions, industry roundtables, and more.
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Top Food Trade Shows and Catering Events
Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Supply Show
Dates: January 24-26, 2023
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Attendance Options: In-person
Connect, discover, and prosper! The Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Supply Show provides exposure to the latest products and services in the hospitality industry for 40+ years. Admission is free to industry members. Here, you’ll connect face-to-face with producers of products and services, find competitive pricing for service needs, discover the latest innovations, gain “show floor” savings, and learn ways to cut your overhead.
VIBE Conference 2023
Dates: February 27-March 1, 2023
Location: San Diego, CA
Attendance Options: In-person
Are you looking for fresh tastes, dynamic experiences, and new insights from the food and beverage industry? Look no further than the VIBE conference. Collaborate with peers, create new partnerships, and hear about top priorities to benefit your operator, supplier, and distributor relationships. This beverage trade show features an expanded technology showcase with great workshops and general sessions to attend.
International Restaurant and Food Service Show of New York
Dates: March 6-8, 2023
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Attendance Options: In-person
Take on 3 days in the heart of New York at the International Restaurant and Food Service Show of New York. Spark your creative appetite and feed your passions with live culinary demonstrations, awards ceremonies, and food & beverage competitions. Learn about emerging trends on the show floor from hundreds of exhibitors!
Multi-Unit Restaurant Technology Conference (MURTEC)
Dates: March 6-8, 2023
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Attendance Options: In-person
The Multi-Unit Restaurant Technology Conference (MURTEC) is viewed as the gold standard for restaurant tech education. Attend breakout sessions, participate in networking opportunities, visit the exhibition hall, and learn about the latest and greatest tech tools you can use to drive innovation and revenue in your business.
National Restaurant Association Show 2023
Dates: May 20-23, 2023
Location: Chicago, IL
Attendance Options: In-person
Join your peers from across the food service industry! This exciting event will empower you to discover new products, meet quality suppliers, learn from experts, and network with fellow professionals. This event’s exhibition hall features a full range of products from 1,800+ exhibiting companies. Here, you’ll not only find the solutions you need but also learn how to navigate the supply chain and keep up with customer demand through expert-led workshops.
Catersource + The Special Event 2023
Dates: March 27-30, 2023
Location: Orlando, FL
Attendance Options: In-person
Are you a corporate planner, caterer, florist, event entertainer, rental company, or event professional? This event was designed for you. Discover the most innovative suppliers and the top industry professionals while experiencing unmatched opportunities to source, network, and learn in one place. This experience is ideal for people who want to stay competitive in their space, meet with a variety of high-caliber suppliers, make industry connections, and find business solutions that fit their needs.
Digital Food and Beverage
Dates: June 12-13, 2023
Location: La Jolla, CA
Attendance Options: In-person
This is a must-attend event for all digital marketing and eCommerce professionals in the food and beverage space. Digital Food and Beverage includes two action-packed days of stories, conversations, connections, and innovations. You’ll get actionable strategies from discussion groups, think tanks, roundtables, networking activities, and receptions. You’ll also find digitization opportunities within your own vertical.
ORA Expo
Dates: August 23-24, 2023
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Attendance Options: In-person
The ORA Expo at the Oklahoma State Fair Park is one of the best opportunities for hospitality professionals to connect with food and equipment manufacturers and suppliers. Find the products and innovations you need to save money and build upon your success. Around 2,000 hospitality professionals typically attend this private-industry tradeshow. Take advantage of this great networking and marketing opportunity!
FSTEC
Dates: September 13-15, 2023
Location: Dallas, TX
Attendance Options: In-person
Technology plays a huge role in restaurants today. Having the right tools and expertise is critical to the success of your business. This top-rated food service technology conference will provide you with the tools, resources, innovations, and ideas you need to connect with peers and potential partners. Each year, FSTEC draws 1000+ attendees and 70+ speakers who share stories and data-driven insights with guests.
Download a Conference Justification Letter Template
If your goal is to attend a conference this year, but you need to get your boss on board first, look no further! This attendee justification letter template is just what you need to help convince your manager of the value and rewards you will gain from attending the seminar. No persuasive writing skills needed.
Meetings, events, and hospitality professionals alike can use the following letter layout to improve their chances of attending (or creating) a successful event that draws a wide variety of audiences.
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