Hospitality conferences and tradeshows: These events are specifically designed for industry professionals to connect, learn, and network. They offer a great opportunity to meet hoteliers from all over the world, across different hotel chains and property types. Here are some examples:
The International Hotel, Restaurant & Catering Association (IH/RCA) Annual Convention & Tradeshow
The Hotel Show
HITEC (Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference)
Local hotel association events: Many cities and regions have their own hotel associations that host regular events and meetings. These events can be a great way to meet local hoteliers and learn more about the hospitality industry in your area.
Online communities: There are a number of online communities for hotel professionals, such as LinkedIn groups and Facebook groups. These communities can be a great way to connect with hoteliers from all over the world, share information, and ask questions.
Professional networking events: There are a number of professional networking events that cater to the hospitality industry. These events can be a great way to meet hoteliers in a more relaxed setting.
Cold calling or emailing: This can be a more direct way to connect with specific hoteliers, but it is important to be respectful of their time and to have a clear purpose for your outreach.
Ultimately, the best place to meet hoteliers depends on your specific goals and interests. If you are looking to learn more about the hospitality industry in general, attending a hospitality conference or tradeshow is a great option. If you are looking to connect with specific hoteliers in your area, attending local hotel association events or joining online communities could be a better option.