HITEC 2025 landed in Indianapolis this June, drawing close to 6,000 hospitality professionals from around the globe. Now in its 53rd year, the event—hosted by HFTP (Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals)—remains the world’s leading showcase for innovation in hotel tech. But this year, the spotlight wasn’t on the flashiest gadgets. Instead, the message was clear: the future of hotel operations is about working smarter, not harder.
Held from 16–19 June, the conference floor buzzed with over 360 exhibitors, each focused on making daily hotel operations more seamless, connected, and intelligent. Gone are the days of tech for tech’s sake. The real breakthroughs in Indy were what I’d call “quiet revolutions”—the kind of tools that slip into the background and just get the job done.
Smarter Systems, Not Just Smarter Tech
One of the biggest takeaways? AI has matured—fast. It’s moved well beyond chatbots to power what are being called “agentic processes”. Think workflow automation for things like group proposals, pricing, and inventory. Levee’s AI Housekeeping assistant was one of the standout examples which is replacing manual processes.
Meanwhile, the conversation around cybersecurity has shifted. It’s no longer just an IT issue—it’s a cultural one. With 90% of hoteliers in the 2025 Lodging Study rating data security as a top priority, the call was clear: every team member needs to be part of the security-first mindset.
Another major theme was data integration. AI can only be as good as the data it has access to, and that means breaking down silos. Platforms like Hapi are leading the charge, with co-founder Luis Segredo inducted into the International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame—well deserved recognition for work that’s powering real-time insights and hyper-personalised guest experiences.
Automation Takes Centre Stage
From digital check-in and energy-saving Wi-Fi thermostats to automated inventory and housekeeping tools, automation was everywhere. But it wasn’t just about cutting costs—it was about freeing staff to focus on what matters: guests. Self-service doesn’t mean impersonal; it means frictionless. One standout: Passpoint technology, enabling instant, app-free Wi-Fi access across properties.
On the guest experience front, there’s a clear shift toward emotional loyalty—not just points and perks. AI voice agents like those from myma.ai and centralised messaging platforms are bridging the gap between personal touch and digital ease.
Revenue and sales teams weren’t left behind either. Real-time insights and AI tools are making revenue management more dynamic and accessible, especially for independent operators. And when it comes to sales, speed is the new currency—AI-driven proposals and virtual site tours are giving hotels a sharper competitive edge.
Beyond the Tech: Celebrating Connection
Of course, HITEC isn’t just about products—it’s about people. The 10th annual Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) pitch competition was a highlight, with Levee winning both the People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice Awards for its AI agents that automate data capture and task execution.
The Judges’ Choice winners of Entrepreneur 20X 2025 take the stage at HITEC Indianapolis.
And for many of us, the GAIN VIP Networking Event was a standout moment. Held at the Dallara IndyCar Factory, this invite-only event brought together senior leaders and innovators in a truly unforgettable setting—those attending were able to experience a lap in an Indy car, drive an Indy car using the grade racing simulators and get a behind-the-scenes look at the cutting-edge engineering that powers top-tier racing. Sponsored by IRECKONU, it was the perfect blend of adrenaline and high-octane networking.
As a GAIN advisor myself, I might be slightly biased—but the event truly embodied what we stand for: helping companies in travel and hospitality grow through smarter strategies, stronger connections, and meaningful innovation. With 28 global advisors around the world, each bringing deep expertise across sales, marketing, business development, and technology, GAIN supports both hotel brands and tech suppliers, including names like Accor, Mews, Canary Technologies, and Stripe.
On a personal note, it was also a rare and welcome opportunity for about 14 of us in the GAIN team to connect face-to-face—something we often preach the value of, but don’t always get to practise. And yes, if you like your food hearty and your venues casual, Indianapolis delivers—think sports bars, burgers, and giant sandwiches galore.
Looking Ahead
If you’re in the business of hotel tech, HITEC is one for the calendar. Next year’s event heads to San Antonio, Texas from 15–18 June 2026. Mark it down now. Because if there’s one thing HITEC 2025 made clear, it’s this: in a rapidly evolving industry, keeping up isn’t enough—you need to plug in, power up, and be part of what’s next.
The GAIN Team meeting up during HITEC week, reinforcing the value of in-person connection in the hospitality tech community.
Need help considering or selecting the best technology for your Hotel and guests? Technology 4 Hotels can save you time and hassle, and help you increase your revenue. If you have feedback on this article or would like to connect, please get in touch via phone +61 2 8317 4000, or book a time for a complimentary 15-minute Tech Chat, just click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
A:
HITEC (Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference) is the world’s largest and most influential hospitality tech event. It’s ideal for hotel owners, GMs, IT directors, and decision-makers looking to future-proof their operations.
A:
Key innovations included AI-powered guest messaging, autonomous housekeeping robots, predictive maintenance dashboards, and fully integrated tech stacks for front and back-of-house efficiency.
A:
While all hotel types can benefit, luxury 4- and 5-star properties especially gain value from high-end, guest-personalisation tools and automation systems that align with elevated service expectations.
A:
Yes. Start by identifying manual pain points in your operations, then look for solutions showcased at HITEC that directly address them — especially those with proven ROI or easy PMS integration.
A:
Yes — many vendors offer post-show demos, webinars, or follow-up consultations. Sign up for their mailing lists or revisit the HITEC exhibitor list for direct contact options.
A:
In short, GAIN is a global advisory group specialising in travel and hospitality innovation and growth. The team includes 28 advisors from around the world, each bringing deep expertise across sales, marketing, business development, and technology. We support both hotel groups and technology suppliers. Our clients include leading brands such as Accor, Canary Technologies, Mews, and Stripe—just to name a few.