Hospitality professionals 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 feature technological innovation in the hospitality space, and since then it has grown to be an annual mainstay for showcasing and sharing expertise on the latest developments in this segment. This year was no exception, with nearly 6,000 attendees convening for HITEC 2025 (HITEC 2025 in pictures).
Produced by the international nonprofit association, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), attendees experienced a world-class exhibition showcasing the latest hospitality technology solutions from 360+ 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 over 60 countries.
Establishing the enthusiastic rhythm of the show was the Opening Headliner presentation by Jeremy Gutsche, founder of TrendHunter.com and sponsored by COX Business, Hospitality Network and Blueprint RF. The session was immediately followed by a fun-filled Welcome Reception sponsored by DIRECTV at the nearby Lucas Oil Stadium.
The next morning’s insightful Headliner session was led by Todd Buchholz, renowned economist, White House advisor, and best-selling author. Todd connected the dots between Wall Street, Main Street, and financial capitals throughout the world. This session also welcomed 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 entrepreneur and co-founder of Hapi (Data Travel, LLC).
The third day of HITEC celebrated the innovative business concepts of eight ambitious hospitality technology startups who competed in the ever-popular Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) pitch competition. In honor of its 10th anniversary, Jonathon Rojas recipient of the first E20X Judges’ Choice Award, kicked off the competition with a presentation reflecting on his journey as an entrepreneur and the positive impact from winning E20X. Rojas is co-founder of Whistle Messaging which was acquired by Cloudbeds in 2022 and where he currently serves as the company’s Global Director of Growth.
This year, after delivering their pitches, Levee ultimately won the E20X People’s Choice Award by popular vote among attendees, as well as the Judges’ Choice Award. Levee offers AI agents that automate data capture and task execution, replacing outdated checklists and manual processes.
With so many leading industry solution providers consolidated on one massive show floor, the HITEC exhibit all has long been an attractive destination for hospitality professionals, executives and investors.
I was always on the fence (about attending HITEC), but I realized this. You could be a thinker or you could be a doer. When you’re a doer, you’re not going to regret it. If you’re trying to grow in our industry, being here at HITEC and networking, meeting new people, seeing different vendors, you’re really increasing your depth of knowledge. It’s going to help you grow, especially if you’re a young person trying to grow in this industry. First-time attendee Shobi Fasih
Connor McCormack from exhibitor Yipy said, There’s just a buzz in the air when you arrive at HITEC. It’s exciting seeing new friends, old faces and electric is the only way to describe it.
And Kaelyn Beckman from exhibitor Mews said, In one word, HITEC is engaging. There have been a lot of engaging sessions that we’ve had the opportunity to both be a part of and attend. We’ve had engaging conversations with industry partners.
Planning for HITEC 2026 is already well underway, which will take place June 15-18 in San Antonio, Texas USA. General booth sales are already open. If your company is interested in exhibiting at HITEC next year, contact the HFTP Sales & Exhibits Team at [email protected] or [email protected] to learn more.
About HFTP
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with an offices in the EU. HFTP is recognized as a group supporting the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world’s largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. In addition, it oversees the hospitality-specific Pineapplesearch.com® and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), Hotel-Online and Hospitality Upgrade Magazine. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.
Eliza Selig
Chief Marketing Officer
+1 512 220 4026
HFTP
