HFTP and Destination AI Partner to Expand AI Education in Hospitality

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Destination AI have formed a collaboration to support education, industry insights, and programming related to artificial intelligence in hospitality. The partnership will provide year-round educational opportunities and does not change the ownership, management, agenda, speakers, or operation of the Destination AI conference.

HFTP will support Destination AI’s continued growth as a conference for hospitality leaders seeking to understand AI’s business impact, learn about technology implementations within hotel companies, and identify technologies delivering measurable business value. The collaboration focuses on expanding educational programming and sharing industry insights.

The partnership will also support the 3rd annual Destination AI Hospitality Summit, scheduled for September 29–30, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The 2025 event drew more than 300 attendees representing over 280 hotel companies, technology providers, and industry organizations. Destination AI expects to welcome approximately 500 attendees and reach full capacity for the second consecutive year at the 2026 summit. The 2026 program will address the business impact of artificial intelligence and the role of emerging technology in hospitality innovation.

HFTP’s involvement includes its AI Collective, a nonprofit initiative advancing responsible AI adoption and education across hospitality. Participating organizations in the AI Collective include the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA), Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Club Management Association of America (CMAA), Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG), International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (ICHRIE), International Hospitality Information Technology Association (iHITA), and Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA).

The collaboration aims to expand educational programming, provide industry insights, and help hospitality executives navigate developments in artificial intelligence and emerging technology.