February 15, 2024
Hospitality Sales & Marketing Industry
By Kim Campbell

The hospitality industry is growing—rapidly. Globe Newswire’s Worldwide Hospitality Market Report for 2023-2027 projects the global hospitality market will expand at a staggering rate, reaching an incredible value of $5,816.66 billion by 2027. The astonishing growth and fast-paced expansion were headlining topics at 2024’s top hospitality conferences.   

From consumer preferences and sourcing patterns to sustainability standards and marketing trends, staying on top of shifting industry trends can be challenging. Luckily, dozens of top-notch hospitality conferences and conventions take place nationwide each year to help busy professionals like you stay ahead of the game. Jam-packed with unforgettable industry conventions and hotel conferences, 2024 is shaping up to be another milestone convention year.   

Discover the top hospitality conferences of 2025

Why you can’t miss these hospitality conferences 

This post explores the best hospitality conferences 2024 brought to the industry and why these must-attend events stand out. Each event has something spectacular to offer attendees, from standout speakers and interactive educational sessions to incredible networking opportunities and niche product showcases.  

So, whether you’re an owner, manager, sales director, investor, or customer service assistant, you’ll benefit from attending one or more of the top hospitality conventions in 2024.  

Join some of the top leaders in the hospitality industry to discuss the latest innovations and trends affecting the industry. Share insights, learn, and foster relationships at this community-focused event.  

  • When: January 15, 2024 – January 18, 2024 
  • Where: Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa  
  • Why: Gain support and unlock new opportunities to enhance the guest experience while attending the Partner Showcase and Appreciation Dinner. 

 

  1. WorldHotels Conference 2024 | Miami Beach, FL 

In January 2024, BWH Hotels hosted the 2024 WorldHotels Annual Conference in Miami Beach. Rising revenue, developmental goals, raising brand awareness, and reestablishing partnerships were just a few of the conference’s most compelling talking points.  

  • When: January 18, 2024 – January 21, 2024 
  • Where: The Eden Roc Miami Beach  
  • Who: Luxury owners, operators, and managers 
  • Why: Explore recent growth trends and brand differentiators while industry experts discuss “Going Beyond” generic luxury travel. 

 

First Hospitality, one of the country's leading development companies and hotel operators, honored the portfolio’s most talented crew members across 70 branded and independent properties. Following a year of record-breaking growth, awards were presented in 36 categories.  

  • When: February 2024 
  • Where: Toledo, OH 
  • Who: First Hospitality leaders and associates 
  • Why: Celebrate an incredible year of success while honoring the most ambitious leadership in the portfolio.  

 

Discover autonomous venue solutions, develop strategies to increase hotel revenue, explore new AI-powered technology, and more at THRIVE. 

  • When: February 28, 2024 
  • Where: Hilton Fort Worth and The Ashton Hotel Fort Worth 
  • Who: Hospitality owners, operators, sales, and marketing teams 
  • Why: Whether you’re looking to refresh your hotel revenue management strategy or discover new technology to improve operations at your hotel, THRIVE has something for every hospitality professional.  

 

From Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International to InterContinental Hotels Group, Atrium’s Spirit Leadership Conference invited representatives from some of the most recognizable brands in the country to share their knowledge and expertise. Stay up-to-date on what the biggest names in hospitality are doing by visiting one of the many booths representing the industry’s top talent.   

  • When: March 5, 2024 – March 7, 2024 
  • Where: Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel 
  • Who: General Managers and Directors of Sales  
  • Why: Network with more than 200 hospitality decision-makers while you explore Atrium’s diverse priorities.  

 

VisitCalifornia, California’s “premier tourism industry conference,” brought the state’s leading industry professionals together in Rancho Mirage, California. Guests spent two days attending sessions covering the most valuable marketing and tourism topics with California's top names in hospitality.  

  • When: March 11, 2024 – March 13, 2024 
  • Where: The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Course Resort & Spa 
  • Who: Tourism professionals, government agents, DMOs, tribal organizations, vendors, marketing agencies, and hospitality students  
  • Why: Outlook Forum is FREE to attend, making it one of the West Coast’s most engaging and accessible events. Discuss the latest marketing tactics, industry insights, and more.  

 

Get a better sense of the spirit and community Pyramid Global Hospitality is building within the travel and tourism industries at the Pyramid Global Leadership Conference. Experience inspiring keynote speeches, attend engaging breakout sessions, and gain valuable industry insights alongside like-minded team members.   

  • When: March 18, 2024 – March 20, 2024 
  • Where: Naples Grand Beach Resort  
  • Who: Pyramid Hospitality representatives, owners, leaders, and associates  
  • Why: Connect, grow, and network at a luxury resort and spa over multiple days.  

 

Over 2,000 industry professionals gathered in Atlanta at the 35th annual Hunter Hotel Investment Conference in March. Conference attendees had a chance to network and form connections while attending informational sessions with the industry's top investors, owners, and developers. This year, speaker diversity broke records at 51%.   

  • When: March 19, 2024 – March 21, 2024 
  • Where: Atlanta Marriot Marquis  
  • Who: Investors, developers, and hotel owners  
  • Why: Elevate your brand, network, and strategy with assistance from key hotel advisors.  

 

If you’re interested in “[RE]building, [RE]connecting, and [RE]vitalizing” the sales and service side of hospitality, you won’t want to miss the Destinations International Convention. Engage in peer-to-peer problem solving, find a mentor, or delve into specialized training to strengthen specific skills. 

  • When: April 8, 2024 – April 9, 2024 
  • Where: Washington, DC Convention Center  
  • Who: Convention center, destination sales, and service  
  • Why: Engage in mentorship, educational, and professional development sessions with content formatted by the Convention Sales and Services Committee.  

 

Build actionable business strategies, exchange ideas, and form industry alliances at the Maestro Accelerate User Conference. Capitalize on your skills and discover innovative new tools at this three-day event to ignite profitability and productivity.  

  • When: April 15, 2024 – April 18, 2024 
  • Where: King Edward Hotel Toronto  
  • Who: Maestro users and team members  
  • Why: Maestro provides customized, flexible attendee journeys. Guests may choose to attend the entire event or specific sessions that ignite their professional passions.  

 

“ONE WAY OR ANOTHER” was the theme of this annual Davidson Hospitality Group Conference. The event celebrated sales leaders' tenacity, commitment, and spirit. Day one focused on audience-directed content and the modern state of business, while content shifted to cover artificial intelligence and effective sales techniques as the conference continued.  

  • When: June 2024 
  • Where: Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel  
  • Who: Hospitality sales and revenue leaders  
  • Why: Make new friends and reconnect with old contacts poolside while spending three days in Omaha’s Blackstone District.  

 

Attend the Leadership Summit to gain insight and support from some of the industry’s leading brands, like Cvent, Prismm Technologies, Fresh Air, Hilton Supply Management, and more.  

  • When: June 2024 
  • Where: Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel by Marriott Bonvoy 
  • Who: Owners, general managers, assistant general managers, sales and revenue managers 
  • Why: Build resilience, accountability, and participatory strategies you can take home to share with your team.  

 

Designed to aid hospitality owners and operators who want to capitalize on the increasing demand for business and leisure travel, this three-day conference accommodated more than 6,600 registrants, 1,100 exhibitors, and over 100 brand and educational sessions.   

  • When: April 30, 2024 – May 2, 2024 
  • Where: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino 
  • Who: Owners and operators  
  • Why: Although the convention consistently ranks amongst the industry’s list of must-attend events, the 68th Annual Convention was one of the brand’s largest and most successful ever.  

 

  1. HEI Sales & Revenue Winner Circle 2024 | Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo 

The top sales and revenue leaders among HEI Hotel’s vast portfolio traveled to Playa del Carmen to relax, unwind, and let loose with other industry leaders.  

  • When: Spring, 2024 
  • Where: Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya 
  • Who: HEI sales and revenue leaders 
  • Why: Celebrate the top revenue, marketing, and sales leaders with other HEI winner’s circle members.  

 

  1. Sonesta Conference 2024 | Las Vegas, NV 

In 2024, Sonesta International Hotels hosted its very first global conference. Dubbed #sonestacon2024, more than 1,000 owners, commercial leaders, general managers, and industry experts gathered over three days.  

  • When: May 28, 2024 – May 30, 2024 
  • Where: The Venetian Las Vegas 
  • Who: Sonesta owners, operators, GMs, sales and revenue leaders 
  • Why: Attend informational workshops, engage in educational sessions, and meet with top industry suppliers over three jam-packed days.  

 

Hosted by the NYU SPS Tisch Center of Hospitality, the 46th annual NTU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference was a hit. Featuring general informational sessions that provide vital insights, opportunities, and perspectives, the conference features a variety of activities and speeches from pivotal hospitality leaders, analysts, and economists.  

  • When: June 2, 2024 – June 4, 2024 
  • Where: Marriott Marquis, NYC (Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality) 
  • Who: Aspiring or current hospitality professionals and investors 
  • Why: Whether you’re looking for the latest insights into industry finance, management agreements, politics, the luxury market, or something else—this international conference is a hotbed of insider knowledge.  

 

  1. Driftwood Leadership Conference 2024 | Brentwood Bay, BC 

Tucked away on Vancouver Island in British Columbia sits luxury Brentwood Bay Resort. This April, Driftwood leaders gathered there to discuss how each could be “better ‘conduits’ to the overall health and well-being of Driftwood.”  

  • When: April 9, 2024 – April 11, 2024 
  • Where: Brentwood Bay Resort  
  • Who: Driftwood Hospitality team leaders and managers  
  • Why: “Walk the Talk” with other Driftwood leaders over three days as you push boundaries, solve problems, and renew your brand commitment.  

 

  1. HITEC North America 2024 | Charlotte, NC 

The Hospitality Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) is the largest and longest-running hospitality technology conference in the world, bringing visitors from over 60 countries. Don’t miss your chance to present your idea or unlock the latest technology from hospitality technology thought leaders. Showcase your product to thousands of industry consumers and high-level hospitality professionals, or shop innovative products to increase global awareness and visibility for your brand. 

  • When: June 24, 2024 – June 27, 2024 
  • Where: Charlotte Convention Center 
  • Who: Buyers, sales, and high-level decision-makers 
  • Why: Whether you manage small event venues or sprawling hotels, this convention is a fantastic opportunity to present or unlock big ideas from hospitality technology thought leaders.  

 

The world’s best and brightest hotel investors joined up at the 2024 ALIS Summit in LA. If you’re looking to find your next hotel investment opportunity or funding for your dream project, make sure ALIS is on your list of hospitality events to attend this year.   

  • When: January 22, 2024 – January 24, 2024 
  • Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles  
  • Who: Hotel investors, owners, and hospitality entrepreneurs  
  • Why: With 20 years of experience gathering the best and brightest leaders in hotel investment, the ALIS Summit is “the leading and largest hotel investment conference in the world.” 

 

  1. HSMAI Commercial Strategy Conference 2024 | Charlotte, North Carolina  

Also hosted at the Charlotte Convention Center, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International sold out again in 2024. Attendees could attend a half-day of sessions, one of two days, or purchase a full event pass.  

  • When: June 25, 2024 – June 26, 2024 
  • Where: Charlotte Convention Center  
  • Who: Sales, marketing, revenue, and other commercial hospitality professionals 
  • Why: Attend workshops, seminars, and roundtables before and after the conference to get the most out of this exceptional conference experience.  

 

Celebrate another successful year with Best Western Hotels and Resorts, a brand with more than 75 years of experience in hospitality. Stay up-to-date on recent portfolio trends, revenue trends, changing brand standards, and other exciting educational topics.  

  • When: October 21, 2024 – October 23, 2024 
  • Where: Charlotte Convention Center 
  • Who: BWH owners and operators  

 

Destination International’s Annual Convention is the industry’s premier event for destination organization professionals. In 2024, Destination leaders gathered for dynamic discussions, hospitality networking events, and career-building opportunities. The convention focused on current trends and innovations shaping tourism. 

  • When: July 16, 2024 – July 18, 2024 
  • Where: JW Marriott & Tampa Marriott Water Street  
  • Who: Destination organization professionals  
  • Why: Visit the vibrant city of Tampa, where Destinations International says, “The pulse of the tourism industry beats strong, and the horizon is filled with endless possibilities.” 

 

  1. NACE Conference + Expo | Phoenix, AZ 

The National Association of Colleges and Employers met in Phoenix this year for NACE24. More than 2,000 career service, business solutions, and recruiting professionals gathered at the association’s signature hospitality trade show in 2024. With in-person and virtual components, the NACE Conference and Expo provided exceptional premier services and recruiting experience. 

  • When: June 3, 2024 – June 5, 2024 
  • Where: Phoenix Convention Center 
  • Who: Recruiters, hiring managers, and aspiring hospitality professionals  
  • Why: Discover the best and brightest new minds in hospitality and recruit the highest talent before the competition does. 

 

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) hosted its 55th annual convention in Atlanta in 2024. Focused on “business in motion,” the competitive educational showcase featured insightful speakers, professional development sessions, in-person networking, and compelling new research. A must-attend event for business travel professionals, suppliers, and buyers, the GBTA Convention is one of the year's most in-demand hospitality conventions.  

  • When: July 22, 2024 – July 24, 2024 
  • Where: Georgia World Conference Center 
  • Who: Suppliers, buyers, and business travel professionals 
  • Why: Out of the hundreds of applications convention hosts receive each year, only a few speakers and educators are chosen to present, providing attendees with a jam-packed opportunity to exchange ideas with the industry’s top minds.  

 

  1. IAVM Venues Connect 2024 | Portland, OR 

 Meet new suppliers and venue partners at the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) 99th annual conference. A diverse audience of venue professionals gather yearly to network and attend education sessions on hotel marketing trends, diversity and inclusion, leadership, safety and security, ticketing, and other pressing industry matters.  

  • When: July 28, 2024 – July 31, 2024 
  • Where: Oregon Convention Center 
  • Who: Various venue professionals (e.g., special event, convention center, arena, and stadium leaders) 
  • Why: This convention is always on our must-attend list, but you definitely won’t want to miss VenueConnect 2025; it’s the event’s 100th anniversary! 

 

Celebrate the best team leaders, hotels, and employees inside Crescent Hotels and Resorts. Honor the leading housekeeping, sales, revenue, management, and training leaders in the brand’s impressive portfolio. From Highest Internal Audit to Sales and Marketing Director of the Year, more than 40 awards were presented at the event. 

  • When: April 2024 
  • Where: Colonial Williamsburg  
  • Who: Crescent Hotels and Resorts owners, operators, and team leaders  
  • Why: It’s the most significant awards ceremony of the year for Crescent Hospitality employees.  

 

  1. Hotel Data Conference 2024 | Nashville, TN 

The 16th annual Hotel Data Conference occurred at the Grand Hyatt Nashville in August. In partnership with Tourism Economics, STR (the hospitality analytics division of Costar) released an upgraded forecast for US hotels through 2025. Speakers shared success stories, reviewed revenue strategies, and discussed the major differences between the hotel industry’s high and low ends.   

  • When: August 7, 2024 to August 9, 2024 
  • Where: Grand Hyatt Nashville 
  • Who: Hospitality professionals from all sectors 
  • Why: Meet like-minded hospitality professionals with diverse skill sets and the right attitude.  

 

  1. U.S. Travel ESTO 2024 | Columbus, OH 

U.S. Travel’s ESTO 2024 brought together destination marketing organizers (DMOS) from the local, regional, and state levels. The program theme, “ignite your spark,” was designed to excite and inspire travel professionals and provide them with critical tools, skills, and tips they can put into action. An incredible lineup of speakers captivated guests, including Sekou Andrews (SekouWorld, Inc.), Katherine Lugar (Hilton), and Fred Dixon (Brand USA). 

  • When: August 11, 2024 to August 13, 2024 
  • Where: Greater Columbus Convention Center 
  • Who: DMOs and their marketing teams  
  • Why: Ignite your spark and grow as a marketer while ESTO educates and inspires you.  

 

Now that you know which hospitality conferences were the biggest and best in 2024, start registering for 2025!  

The 2025 national convention schedule is filling up quickly, so mark your calendar with the hospitality conferences you want to attend. If you’re unsure which events to register for, don’t worry; we can help!  

Check out these upcoming events for hoteliers and hospitality professionals in 2025.  

Headshot of Cvent writer Kimberly Campbell

Kim Campbell

Kim is a full-time copy and content writer with many years of experience in the hospitality industry. She entered the hotel world in 2013 as a housekeeping team member and worked her way through various departments before being appointed to Director of Sales. Kim has championed numerous successful sales efforts, revenue strategies, and marketing campaigns — all of which landed her a spot on Hotel Management Magazine’s “Thirty Under 30” list.

Don’t be fooled though; she’s not all business! An avid forest forager, post-apocalyptic fiction fan, and free-sample-fiend, Kim prides herself on being well-rounded.

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