Maximizing Your Presence at Hospitality Conferences: Look Beyond Financial ROI

Hospitality conferences offer a wealth of opportunities that extend beyond immediate financial returns. While financial returns are certainly valuable, there are many other benefits that can deliver lasting ROI. By optimizing your presence at hospitality conferences, you can enhance brand recognition, forge valuable partnerships, and capitalize on in-person networking opportunities.  

Whether you're putting your brand on display to attract new business or attending educational sessions for professional development, there are ways to ensure you get the best return on your investment in a hospitality conference. For hoteliers, conferences can help you understand the latest challenges and opportunities in the market, provide an avenue for networking with potential future business partners, and offer a look at the latest tools to help you succeed. 

Let's explore how focusing on these aspects can transform your conference experience into a long-term strategic advantage. 

• Attend the educational sessions. Conferences post their agenda in advance so you can add specific panels you don't want to miss to your personal calendar. Make sure you set time aside to attend relevant educational sessions and ask questions, take notes, and share your new insights with your team.  

• Ask about the latest technology. Don't just walk by the booths; ask pointed questions about how the tools on display could provide value to your business. Set meetings with suppliers and be prepared with any questions to make the best decision for your organization.  

• Consider exhibiting or sponsoring. At each event you attend in hopes of exploring a new tool, making a professional connection, or learning something about the industry, you have the chance to exhibit or sponsor yourself. Hospitality conferences offer an array of opportunities for exposure that fit any budget. Make sure to connect with a representative from the host event to learn more.  

Boosting Brand Recognition 

For hotel brands, management companies, and vendors, conferences provide a platform to elevate your brand's visibility and ensure that it resonates with your target audience. By showcasing your brand effectively, you can leave a lasting impression on potential customers, partners, and industry influencers. 

To make the most of your conference presence, it's important to implement effective branding strategies. 

• Standout Booth Design and Engaging Displays: Invest in a visually appealing booth that captures attention and communicates your brand's message. Interactive displays can engage attendees and create memorable experiences. 

• Consistent Branding Across All Materials and Touchpoints: Ensure that your branding is consistent across all conference materials, including brochures, business cards, and digital presentations. Consistency helps reinforce your brand identity. 

• Interactive Experiences that Leave a Lasting Impression: Consider hosting interactive activities, such as product demonstrations or virtual reality experiences that allow attendees to engage directly with your brand. 

Otelier, for example, underwent a global rebranding effort earlier this year and made its debut at the Hunter Hotel Conference. This rebranding was showcased through a thoughtfully designed booth and interactive demonstrations that highlighted Otelier’s commitment to innovation. You can read more about our experience at the Hunter Hotel Conference here. 

Beyond the Conference: Sustaining Relationships and Opportunities 

The connections made at conferences should be cultivated long after the event concludes. Make sure to follow up with new contacts in a timely manner to keep the conversation going. Share relevant information, updates, and insights that can provide value to your connections. 

Maintaining the momentum gained from conference interactions is key to long-term success. Schedule follow-up meetings, participate in ongoing discussions, and explore collaboration opportunities. 

Utilize CRM systems, social media platforms, and other digital tools to manage and nurture the relationships formed at conferences. These tools can help you stay organized, track interactions, and ensure consistent communication with your contacts. 

Enhancing In-Person Interactions 

In the digital age, face-to-face interactions remain irreplaceable, especially in the hospitality industry. Meeting in person allows for authentic conversations, immediate feedback, and the ability to gauge responses and build trust. 

To make the most of in-person interactions, focus on being present and attentive. Show genuine interest in the people you meet, ask thoughtful questions, and share insights that are valuable to them. Building rapport in person often leads to stronger, longer-lasting relationships. 

Conferences provide a unique opportunity to gather real-time feedback from current clients, potential clients, and partners. Use this feedback to refine your offerings and ensure that your products and services align with market needs. 

Networking Opportunities 

Attending hospitality conferences opens up opportunities to connect with fellow industry professionals, from hoteliers to suppliers to development experts. Networking is one of the most valuable aspects of these events, offering a chance to build relationships that can lead to future collaborations and partnerships. Establishing connections with peers, thought leaders, and potential partners can open doors to new opportunities and insights. The relationships established at conferences can have a lasting impact on your business. Your ability to value those relationships beyond ROI may determine how it impacts your business in the near and long term. 

• Preparation: Research attendees and identify key individuals you want to connect with. Set specific networking goals to stay focused and make meaningful connections. 

• On-the-Ground Strategies: Use effective networking techniques during the conference, such as actively participating in sessions, attending social events, and engaging in conversations. Remember to ask questions and listen more than you speak to learn about your customer’s needs.  

• Follow-Up: After the conference, take the time to follow up with new contacts. Send personalized messages to thank them for their time and discuss potential opportunities. 

Even in the digital age, the hospitality industry thrives on meaningful interactions with guests, and fostering human connections is just as crucial between industry peers. Fortunately, the hospitality sector offers a wide array of conferences that facilitate in-person sales, networking, and collaboration among vendors, brands, management companies, and more.  Optimizing the time and money spent at hospitality conferences is crucial to amplify brand presence, thought leadership, and relationships with other industry leaders.  

Read some of our other blogs from our Otelier on the Road series to decide which events to prioritize for you and your organization.  

Otelier on the Road 

5 Must-Attend Hospitality Conferences in 2024 - Looking to stay on top of industry trends and build your professional network? Here are the top 5 hospitality conferences to attend in 2024. 

Investigating 2025 Demand Drivers at HDC - At the Hotel Data Conference, speakers suggested hoteliers find pockets of growth in 2025, including areas like group demand, advanced pricing strategies, and an emphasis on guest experience and innovation. 

Seeking Efficiency: Hoteliers Scour HITEC for AI that Streamlines Operations - Long considered laggards in adopting technology, COVID has forced hoteliers to seek out innovative software and solutions to do more with less. HITEC 2024 delivered. 

Hunter Conference: Focus on Innovation in Hospitality Technology - The 2024 Hunter Hotel Conference illuminated the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, from discussions on the impact of AI to the celebration of industry legacy.