THE HOSPITALITY SHOW 2024, produced by Questex and the American Hotel & Lodging Association, announced highlights recently, including keynote sessions by chef José Andrés on October 28 and franchise expert Scott Greenberg. The show will take place Oct. 28 to 30 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Andrés will present "Changing the World Through the Power of Food," while Greenberg will discuss strategies to elevate franchise operations. Greenberg's keynote will be followed by a fireside chat with Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
On Oct. 30, NFL reporter Erin Andrews will moderate the session "Creative Collaboration: The Ultimate Immersive Guest Experience," joined by Jonathan Tisch, executive chairman of Loews Hotels & Co., and Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences. They will discuss how storytelling transforms concepts from books and films into immersive guest experiences.
Following the keynote, Andrews will join AHLA Foundation president Anna Blue for a ForWard Segment to discuss her career in sports broadcasting and her entrepreneurial venture, WEAR.
The Show will feature a Solutions Stage with interactive breakout sessions on key hospitality topics, including ownership, operations management, technology integration and strategic procurement.
Highlights include:
- "Smart Growth: Strategic Hotel Development" on 29, focusing on how strategic decisions can drive profitability and insights into current trends.
- "Bold Tech for Boutique Success: Enhancing the Guest Experience" on 29, exploring how technology can improve guest service.
- "Creative Ways to Build and Strengthen Today’s Hospitality Workforce" on 30, with industry leaders discussing recruitment and retention strategies.
New for 2024, The show will offer programming specifically for hotel owners, including:
- The Owners Lounge: A private Expo area for complimentary lunches, coffee, and networking.
- Lenders Alley: A dedicated space to connect with lending partners.
- The Owners VIP Reception (invitation-only): An exclusive event for one-on-one networking among owners.
The Show will also include sustainability programming, featuring the co-location of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s Autumn Summit.
Rep. Aaron Bean delivers keynote addressPhoto credit: AAHOA