Hotel technology leaders and vendors will make their way to Charlotte for HITEC 2024, which will take place from Monday, June 24 through Thursday, June 27 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
The conference portion of HITEC will include a number of sessions throughout the three days. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:
Monday
The conference kicks off with the HITEC Technology Showcase Session “Connect Your Tech Stack: Optimizing Hotel Operations and The Employee Experience” from 9:00 a.m.-9:50 a.m. Panelists Susie Goodwin, director of IT, Pomeroy Lodging; Shannon McCallum, VP, hotel operations, Resorts World Las Vegas; and Angie Parsons, director of product marketing, Beekeeper, will provide a roadmap for unlocking the full potential of your tech stack investments through cross-functional alignment and an integrated approach to hotel operations and employee experiences. Location: W207AB
From 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Ajay Aluri, founding director, Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab, West Virginia University; Brian Bischoff, principal, CapTech; Aric Briggle, RVP, hotel finance, Davidson Hospitality Group; Jennifer Giusti, principal/owner, Just Performance LLC; and Rajan Gupta, managing partner, Centelli, will offer insights on leveraging automation and AI to increase productivity, freeing up the hotel workforce to focus on other tasks. Location: W208
The HITEC Opening Headliner Session takes place from 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Titled “Opening Headliner: Be a Mountain Climber — Tips to Overcome Any Barrier,” Dr. Bryan K. Williams, owner, B.Williams Enterprise LLC, will advise on service excellence and leadership effectiveness, and will offer 10 proven tips to take control of your personal and professional efforts and transcend any obstacles in your path. Location: Richardson Ballroom
Tuesday
Leading off the day, from 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m, the HITEC Headliner Session “Tech and The Human Touch — Shaping Hospitality’s Future” features Glenn Haussman, host, No Vacancy News, and Anthony Melchiorri, president, Argeo Hospitality, present a vision of hospitality technology and its relevance to owners, investors, operators and guests, showcasing a bright pathway forward where it can all come together with mutual success. Prior to the Headliner Session, the inductees to the 2024 International Technology Hall of Fame will be recognized. Location: Richardson Ballroom
Attendees will then get a chance to stop by the booths on the exhibition floor when it opens at 10:00 a.m. and will remain open until 4:00 p.m.
From 4:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m., the panel “Leveraging Technology for On and Off-Property Experiences” will explore the intersection of technology and the experience economy. Panelists include Suzanne Bagnera, assistant professor, Florida International University; Derek Harasiuk, director, hospitality revenue management, Caesars Entertainment; Kian Janamian, CEO/founder, Plan A Day Inc.; and Tracee Nalewak, chief growth officer, UrVenue. Location: W206AB
Wednesday
The day begins with the “Entrepreneur 20X” session from 8:15 a.m. to 10 a.m., where entrepreneurs present business concepts to a room full of HITEC attendees, as well as a panel of judges including hospitality CIOs, angel investors, serial entrepreneurs and industry insiders. Location: Richardson Ballroom
The exhibition hall is open from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Not long after the doors close, the HITEC Technology Showcase Session “Transforming Hospitality: Unveiling the Power of Tech-Driven Innovation” from 3:15 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. will focus on how data-capture methodologies, location services and cybersecurity strategies are driving operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Panelists include Rohan Jani, associate VP, hotel technology products, Hyatt Hotels Corporation; Rodney Linville, global head of information technology, Nobu Hospitality; and Elaine Shuck, global hospitality marketing, HPE Aruba Networking. Location: W207AB
Thursday
The final day of the conference offers attendees one last opportunity to walk the exhibition floor from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
