More than 5,900 attendees learned about the latest innovations in hospitality technology at HITEC 2024 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), attendees experienced an exhibit hall showcasing the latest hospitality technology solutions from 325-plus companies, a comprehensive education lineup centering on the impact of technology in the industry, and a wealth of networking opportunities with other industry professionals, executive decision-makers and investors from more than 60 countries.

HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe said, “As the producer of HITEC, HFTP strives to continuously build upon what brought the brand into existence more than 50 years ago, which is to break down the barriers to, and connect hospitality professionals with, the innovative ideas and technologies that are revolutionizing our industry, our lives, and the way we all do business—now and well into the future.”

The conference featured informative educational sessions such as the Opening Headliner presentation by Dr. Bryan K. Williams, a former global corporate director of training and organizational effectiveness for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. In his session, Williams gave 10 tips to help attendees take control and transcend obstacles in their professional and personal lives.

The next morning’s Headliner session by industry media personalities Anthony Melchiorri and Glenn Haussman explored how to break down technological silos between disparate groups of industry stakeholders and leverage technology-powered profitability.

This session also honored the two new inductees to the 2024 International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame, Floor Bleeker, CTO, Accor Group, and Terence Ronson, founder, Pertlink Ltd.

To begin the third day of the conference, eight hospitality technology startups competed in the Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) pitch competition. After delivering their pitches, the woman-founded H2O Connected won the People’s Choice Award by popular vote among attendees for its smart water management solution, while Folio received the Judges’ Choice Award for its mobile procurement software built for hotel operators.

Throughout the event, the trade show floor was filled with industry professionals eager to visit the booths to explore new and updated products and meet face-to-face with vendors. Exhibiting companies said they had very positive experiences on the trade floor.

“The floor traffic was amazing this year,” said James Kaboth, director, service, North America, TigerTMS. “We have so many new leads that have come in, not only from hoteliers but vendors elsewhere on the floor.”

Dean Ogle, founder/CEO, Flock AI Solutions, said, “This was Flock AI’s first HITEC, and it was an absolutely great experience. We’re a very new company but got a lot of value out of our presence. Between learning more about the hospitality industry and networking at events like HFTP’s Young Professionals mixer, the sense of community at the show is something that’s really resonated with us.”

Rich Tuckwell-Skuda, founder/CEO, The Anything Group, said, “HITEC 2024 was a fantastic show. We sold a lot of new business and connected with current clients. We always come to HITEC because it’s the one place we can connect with our industry partners as well as our peers.”

Planning for HITEC 2025 is already well underway. The event will take place June 16-19 in Indianapolis.

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