Independent Hotel Show will be stateside for the first time

Just the facts:

The IHS will be in Miami.
September 20-21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

This conference is focused on boutique and luxury hotels.  It will be mid-week at the end of September at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Who attends the Independent Hotel Show? 

The Independent Hotel Show is for “owners, senior management, purchasing managers, designers, and key decision makers from independently-minded leading hotels and brands.” They state that the show is open only to qualified industry professionals only and not to the general public.

University faculty can work with the show’s management to secure free entry for students. 

Who exhibits? 

The show seeks exhibitors from guest-facing technologies such as in-room entertainment, smart technology, internet, wifi, door locking, telecommunications, and audio-visual systems. They want design and decor products like bedding, mattresses, bags, gifts, apparel and of course every aspect of interior design. They’re also considering specialists in food and beverages, bar design, bar snacks, minibar products, and equipment. Expect to meet companies that sell back-of-house technologies: bookings and hotel management software, payment and revenue management systems, and hotel operation programs. Hotel support services are welcome to exhibit, including legal, finance, management and consultancy, insurance, property development, recruitment, staff and training, as well as marketing and branding companies that specialize in the hospitality industry. Finally, expect to see spa and wellness brands offering spa design, gym equipment, pools, spa services, or leisure and wellness equipment.

What topics will be covered? 

The organizers are still considering presentation ideas. We’re pleased to hear that pitches that are “too sales-orientated or focused on promoting the company’s own products or services will not be considered for inclusion.”

According to their brochure, topics currently in development include:

• Earning Your Stars: a workshop for hotel management
• A Destination for Locals and Travelers: The Importance of Branding & Experience
• Partnering with Event Organizers: Creating Demand and Adding Value
• Icons Only: The Creative Directors Panel
• Design Challenge: Historic Properties
• Tech Talk: Featuring 3 Technology Vendors Curated by Hoteliers of the Independent Hotel Show Miami Advisory Board
• Hospitality Marketing and the Metaverse
• State of the Hospitality Industry
• Sustainability: Expectations of the Conscious Traveler 
• Women GMs Roundtable with the Greater Miami and Beaches Hotel Association – Focus on Boutique, Luxury, and Lifestyle Properties

All sessions over the two-day event are included at no cost with attendee registration.

What do you think? Should we attend this conference? 

Let us know on LinkedIn. As your favorite back-of-house technology, it’s certainly a fit. We haven’t decided yet whether we’re going, but maybe if you’re going to be there, that could be the temptation we need. 

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