Boasting robust year-over-year growth, The Hospitality Show (The Show) recently wrapped up its second annual edition at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Held October 28-30, the burgeoning hospitality industry trade show and conference attracted 4,800 attendees and 460 exhibitors, marking a 26% and 43% increase in attendance and vendors, respectively. 

Produced by Questex and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), The Show offers three packed days of industry insights, networking opportunities, and innovative solutions. With the goal of helping hotels operate more efficiently and profitably, the event converges top industry leaders, senior executives of hotel brands, owners, operators, management companies, procurement specialists, and their teams. 

“The Hospitality Show exists to convene our industry’s top operations and technology leaders, and provide the absolute best networking, learning, and deal-making opportunities,” said AHLA Interim President and CEO Kevin Carey. “After an award-winning 2023 event, this year’s The Show raised the bar, and next year’s event in Denver is going to be bigger and better than ever.” 

Looking back: Last year, the inaugural event was held June 27-29, 2023, at The Venetian Las Vegas, where it attracted more than 4,000 attendees and 400 exhibitors. 

Related: AHLA and Questex Join Forces to Launch the Hospitality Show in 2023. 

Opening Day Education and Inspiration 

On October 28, the show kicked off with AHLA’s annual GM Summit program, which honors the achievements of hotel general managers. For going above and beyond to create exceptional guest experiences, the nation’s top GMs were later celebrated on the event’s main stage with the GM Lifetime Achievement and 2024 GM of the Year awards.    

During the panel, “Navigating the Dynamics of Ownership and Management,” moderated by Chirag Shah, AHLA executive vice president of federal and political affairs and counsel, the respective chair and vice chair of the AHLA Board of Directors, Kevin Jacobs, CFO and president of global development, Hilton, and Mitch Patel, founder and CEO, Vision Hospitality Group, emphasized the importance of unity and strategic partnerships in streamlining operational efficiency and driving profitability.   

One of the biggest opening day highlights was a keynote presentation, “Changing the World Through the Power of Food,” delivered by renowned Chef, restaurateur, and humanitarian José Andrés, who inspired attendees to use food as a force for good and foster positive change within the hospitality sector.   

In the evening, hospitality professionals gathered for a festive Día de los Muertos-themed Welcome Reception, held at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.  

Attendees also had a chance to participate in a CSR initiative with The Show’s charity partner, Clean The World, building more than 1,000 hygiene kits filled with recycled soap and toiletries for the recent hurricane victims in Florida and North Carolina.   

Show Floor Insights and Networking Opportunities 

On October 29, The Show opened its vibrant expo floor featuring more than 400 exhibiting companies showcasing the hotel industry’s latest operational and technology solutions via interactive exhibits, as well as growth-focused sessions centered on development, technology, and commercial strategies. 

One popular session was “River Walk & Beyond: Development Insights from IHG,” led by Mario Bass, Visit San Antonio executive vice president and chief strategy officer, and Leanne Harwood, senior vice president, managing director of Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts, who shared how cultural alignment can enhance guest experiences and attract high-value visitors. 

Subsequent sessions explored how AI is having a transformative impact on hospitality, with industry experts covering how digital tools can drive guest engagement and operational efficiency. Additionally, Carey moderated a panel on redefining commercial strategies, offering practical takeaways for navigating market challenges and optimizing revenue. 

On the Solutions Stage, HTNG, AHLA’s technology committee, hosted the TechOvation and Tech Acceleration Awards. Hyatt and Nonius won the Technology Acceleration Award in the hotelier and vendor categories, respectively, while H2O Connected LLC was honored with the TechOvation Award. 

The day’s programming also featured a keynote presentation by author and franchise expert Scott Greenberg sharing strategies for optimizing franchise operations, followed by an insightful fireside chat with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts President and CEO Geoff Ballotti. 

The Show’s second day ended with a lively River Walk Block Party, where attendees enjoyed networking at popular venues along the scenic San Antonio River Walk. 

Focus on Enhancing Revenue and Sustainability 

On October 30, the final day began with a keynote session featuring FOX Sports Broadcaster Erin Andrews, who shared her trailblazing career path and insights on leadership, resilience, and forging meaningful connections in the world of business, sports, and media.  

The day’s educational focus centered on leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency, with a panel moderated by Alex Alt, executive vice president, Oracle Hospitality and Oracle Retail, that explored how digital tools can optimize guest experiences while controlling costs. 

Sustainability also remained a central theme, with a session titled “Green to Gold: Sustainability as Profit.” Moderated by Michael Morton, BWH Hotels senior vice president of brand management and member services, the session featured Joanna Abrams of MindClick, Ian Koehler of Guest Worldwide, Anick Levesque of Green Key Global, and Emilio Tenuta of Ecolab, who shared insights on how to turn environmental initiatives into profitable ventures. 

On the show floor, attendees had a chance to explore live case studies on maximizing real estate for revenue growth as well as discover new partnerships and sustainable initiatives across three dedicated breakout stages. They also had access to the collocated Bar & Restaurant Expo Texas, featuring more than 60 food and beverage companies showcasing innovative products designed to enhance guest experiences and drive profitability. 

What they’re saying: “The success of The Hospitality Show this year truly demonstrates the power of uniting the hospitality industry under one roof to drive innovation and profitability,” said Alexi Khajavi, Questex group president, hospitality, travel and wellness. “The energy and engagement we witnessed was incredible, and the feedback from attendees, exhibitors, and speakers highlights the value this event brings. We’re already gearing up for next year with even more excitement to build on this momentum and create new opportunities for our industry to thrive.” 

According to Tim McLucas, market leader, Questex Hospitality Group, in 2025, the third edition of The Show will emphasize Denver’s vibrant hospitality scene, underscoring how the city adds to the value of the event. “We’re committed to maintaining the show’s unique focus on hospitality growth and profitability, which we believe will continue to drive engagement and participation in the years to come,” he said. 

Looking ahead: The Hospitality Show 2025 is scheduled to take place October 26-28 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.  

Photos courtesy of Questex 

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