Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals and Destination AI are partnering. HFTP will support Destination AI's growth as a 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," HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe said in a statement. "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 third annual Destination AI Hospitality Summit, taking place Sept. 29–30 in Washington, D.C. The summit is poised to host 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 the American Hotel & Lodging Association, AAHOA, Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Club Management Association of America, HSMAI, HTNG, International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education, International Hospitality Information Technology Association and Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Associatio). Their participation further strengthens the industry ecosystem supporting the Destination AI Hospitality Summit.