Austin, Texas — July 3, 2026 — Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Destination AI have announced a collaboration to help hospitality leaders stay ahead of the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, emerging technology, and innovation across the industry.

Through this collaboration, HFTP will support Destination AI's continued growth as the leading conference for hospitality leaders seeking to understand AI's business impact, learn what hotel companies are implementing, and identify the technologies delivering measurable business value. The collaboration focuses on year-round education, industry insights, and programming. It does not change the conference's ownership, management, agenda, speakers, or operation.

"Destination AI has established itself as the preeminent forum dedicated to practical AI education and implementation in hospitality," said Frank Wolfe, CEO of HFTP. "The strength of its audience, the quality of its programming, and its focus on real business outcomes have made it an important platform for the industry. We are pleased to support its continued growth and to work together throughout the year, helping professionals stay current on the developments, opportunities, and risks that come with AI."

The collaboration will also support the 3rd Annual Destination AI Hospitality Summit, taking place September 29–30, 2026, in Washington, D.C. After drawing more than 300 attendees representing over 280 hotel companies, technology providers, and industry organizations in 2025, Destination AI expects to welcome approximately 500 attendees and sell out for the second consecutive year. The 2026 program will focus on the business impact of AI and the role emerging technology is playing in driving innovation across hospitality.

"We are incredibly excited for this year's Destination AI Hospitality Summit, which we expect will be our best conference yet," said Nazpari Aydin, Co-Founder and CEO of Destination AI. "After the overwhelming response from last year's attendees, we expanded the event to two days to create even more opportunities for practical learning, candid discussion, and meaningful industry connections. We greatly appreciate HFTP's support and look forward to working together throughout the year to help hospitality leaders understand how AI is evolving and what it means for their businesses."

HFTP also brings to the collaboration its AI Collective, a nonprofit initiative advancing responsible AI adoption and education across hospitality. Participating organizations include AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association), AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association), BLLA (Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association), CHTA (Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association), CMAA (Club Management Association of America), HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International), HTNG (Hospitality Technology Next Generation), ICHRIE (International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education), iHITA (International Hospitality Information Technology Association), and JHTA (Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association). Their participation further strengthens the industry ecosystem supporting the Destination AI Hospitality Summit.

Together, HFTP and Destination AI will expand educational programming, share industry insights, and help hospitality executives navigate one of the most significant technology transformations the industry has ever experienced.

About HFTP

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is a global nonprofit association serving the hospitality industry's finance and technology communities. HFTP produces HITEC, the world's largest and longest-running hospitality technology exposition and conference, and leads the HFTP AI Collective. For more information, visit hftp.org.

About Destination AI

Destination AI is the leading conference dedicated to artificial intelligence, innovation, and next-generation technology in hospitality. Founded and operated by Nazpari Aydin, Destination AI brings together senior hotel executives, owners, operators, technology leaders, founders, investors, and industry innovators to examine the latest AI developments and learn from real-world implementation.

The 3rd Annual Destination AI Hospitality Summit takes place September 29–30, 2026, in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit destinationaiforum.com.

Media Contact

Destination AI
media@destinationaiforum.com

HFTP
https://www.hftp.org/