Between Mark McGrath and the buzzing showroom floor, this year’s Hospitality Show was one for the books! From conversations with hoteliers to live demos, one thing was clear: the industry is ready for smarter, more connected operations.
If you didn’t make it to Denver, here’s your inside look at what went down, what we heard, and the trends shaping the industry.
The Energy on the Show Floor
The show floor was quite busy and the energy was undeniable. Hoteliers and management companies showed up ready to share ideas, explore new technologies, and talk about what’s next for their operations.
At Booth #946, we met with incredible industry leaders who are making things work with the tools they have, but don’t want “fine” to be good enough anymore. There were a few clear themes throughout our conversations. Hotels are ready to keep improving, simplify their tech stacks, and use smarter solutions that help their teams operate at their best.
The conversations were inspiring, and it was great to reconnect with familiar faces while meeting new peers and partners across the industry!
What We Heard from Hoteliers
Throughout our conversations, a few key themes kept coming up:
- Good enough isn’t good enough. Hoteliers are operating under pressure, and they’re constantly finding ways to improve, adapt, and optimize their teams. Many said they feel ready to take things up a level.
- Simplicity is key. There’s a growing frustration with juggling multiple platforms and disconnected systems. Hoteliers want tools that bring everything together in one place, not a dozen logins and overlapping solutions. They want technology that works smoothly, without the chaos.
- Technology isn’t a luxury anymore, it’s a necessity. The message from the main stage was clear: hospitality can’t continue to lag behind other industries. Guests expect modern, seamless experiences, and staff need efficient systems to keep up. As one speaker shared, “If it’s easier to order DoorDash than to order room service, we have a problem.”
- Technology empowers teams. In an industry still facing labor shortages, efficiency and employee satisfaction go hand-in-hand. Teams want to show up, do their jobs well, and feel supported. The right technology makes that possible by removing friction, streamlining communication, and saving time.
- AI is top of mind. Hoteliers are curious but cautious about adopting artificial intelligence. Most know it’s something they’ll need to adopt to stay competitive, but they’re still figuring out where it fits best in their operation.
These takeaways reinforce what we see every day: hotels need solutions that simplify operations, connect departments, and empower their people.
Looking Ahead: The State of Hospitality in 2026
It’s clear that hospitality is at a turning point. Guests expect the same level of convenience they get in every other part of their lives, and teams need modern tools to meet those expectations. The hotels that embrace technology and streamline their operations will be the ones that stay ahead.
This year’s show made one thing certain: the appetite for progress is stronger than ever. Hotels are ready to innovate, invest, and elevate the guest and employee experience.
Until Next Year!
We’re grateful for everyone who stopped by our booth, shared their stories, and joined the conversation. The energy, creativity, and passion in this industry inspire us every day.
Couldn’t make it this year or want to continue the conversation? Let’s talk!