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HITEC 2025 Invites Almost 6,000 Industry Stakeholders to Check Out Latest in Hospitality Technology – Image Credit HFTP
Hospitality specialists traveled from across the globe to Indianapolis, Ind., June 16-19 for the largest and longest-running show of its kind. The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) was established 53 years ago to include technological development in the hospitality space, and since then it has actually grown to be an annual pillar for showcasing and sharing know-how on the latest developments in this segment. This year was no exception, with nearly 6,000 guests assembling for HITEC 2025 (HITEC 2025 in pictures).
Produced by the international not-for-profit association, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), participants experienced a first-rate exhibit showcasing the latest hospitality innovation solutions from 360+ companies, an extensive education lineup centering on the impact of innovation in the market, and a wealth of networking chances with other market experts, executive decision-makers and financiers from over 60 nations.
Establishing the passionate rhythm of the program was the Opening Headliner discussion by Jeremy Gutsche, creator of TrendHunter.com and sponsored by COX Business, Hospitality Network and Blueprint RF. The session was immediately followed by an exciting Welcome Reception sponsored by DIRECTV at the close-by Lucas Oil Arena.
The next morning’s informative Headliner session was led by Todd Buchholz, popular economic expert, White House consultant, and very popular author. Todd connected the dots between Wall Street, Main Street, and monetary capitals throughout the world. This session also invited two new inductees to the 2025 International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame: Bruce Bensetler, founder and CEO of Data Plus, Inc. and Luis Segredo a serial business owner and co-founder of Hapi (Data Travel, LLC).
The 3rd day of HITEC celebrated the innovative service principles of 8 enthusiastic hospitality innovation startups who contended in the ever-popular Business owner 20X (E20X) pitch competition. In honor of its 10th anniversary, Jonathon Rojas recipient of the first E20X Judges’ Option Award, started the competitors with a discussion reviewing his journey as an entrepreneur and the positive impact from winning E20X. Rojas is co-founder of Whistle Messaging which was gotten by Cloudbeds in 2022 and where he currently functions as the business’s Global Director of Growth.
This year, after providing their pitches, Levee ultimately won the E20X People’s Option Award by popular vote among participants, as well as the Judges’ Option Award. Levee uses AI agents that automate information capture and task execution, changing outdated checklists and manual processes.
With so many leading market solution suppliers consolidated on one massive show flooring, the HITEC exhibit all has long been an attractive location for hospitality specialists, executives and financiers.
I was constantly on the fence (about participating in HITEC), but I understood this. You might be a thinker or you might be a doer. When you’re a doer, you’re not going to regret it. If you’re trying to grow in our market, being here at HITEC and networking, satisfying new people, seeing different suppliers, you’re really increasing your depth of understanding. It’s going to help you grow, especially if you’re a young adult trying to grow in this market. First-time participant Shobi Fasih
Connor McCormack from exhibitor Yipy said, There’s just a buzz in the air when you reach HITEC. It’s interesting seeing new good friends, old faces and electric is the only method to explain it.
And Kaelyn Beckman from exhibitor Mews said, In one word, HITEC is engaging. There have been a lot of appealing sessions that we’ve had the chance to both be a part of and attend. We have actually had interesting discussions with industry partners.
Planning for HITEC 2026 is currently well underway, which will take place June 15-18 in San Antonio, Texas USA. General cubicle sales are already open.