Get ready, because the future of hospitality is here, and it's powered by AI! Destination AI (DAI) is thrilled to announce its third annual Hospitality Summit, taking place in Washington, D.C., from September 29-30, 2026. After two years of incredible growth, this event is expanding to a 1.5-day format, giving you even more opportunities to connect and explore how AI is revolutionizing the industry.
"The energy and growth we've seen over the past two years of DAI has been incredible, and the feedback from attendees, speakers, and sponsors is that they want more ways to connect and discuss the unlimited growth opportunities that AI offers," says Nazpari Aydin, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Destination AI Forum. And with the expanded program, next year is set to be the best yet!
But what makes DAI stand out from the crowd? It's built on practical results, not just hype. Every session delivers real-world outcomes, proven use cases, and honest discussions about what's working and what's not in AI adoption within hospitality. It's a place where leaders share their frontline experiences, accelerating transformation across the industry. Douglas Rice, Founder & CEO Emeritus of HTNG, calls it "an amazing one-day event, with a fantastic audience of thought leaders... there is absolutely no better event anywhere in the world today for hotel technologists and operators."
Who should you expect to see at DAI? The summit attracts a highly strategic audience, with over 80% of attendees in senior roles guiding technology decisions and investments. This includes:
- Global hotel brands, management companies, and ownership groups.
- Hospitality technology and AI providers.
- Investors, VCs, and private equity firms.
- Consulting firms and ecosystem partners.
- Media and industry associations.
This concentration of decision-makers creates an environment where ideas flourish and collaboration leads to action. George Roukas, President of Gaipan, shared that "Destination AI turned 'what if' into 'let's go!'" Gopu Menon, EVP of Revenue & Distribution at Highgate Hotels, was "invigorated by the individuals I encountered, the insightful discussions we engaged in, and the practical strategies we brought back with us." He's already "anticipating the upcoming conference to observe the significant advancements the industry will have implemented across hotels, accompanied by quantifiable outcomes with takeaways from the 2025 conference in D.C."
So, what can you expect in 2026? The expanded format will give you more time to engage with the speakers, partners, and peers who are shaping the future of AI in hospitality. Here's a sneak peek at the schedule:
- Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29: Afternoon programming followed by an evening reception.
- Day 2 – Wednesday, September 30: A full day of keynotes, panels, demos, and conversations.
Past speakers have included industry giants like Marriott International, Hilton, Hyatt, Microsoft, and Oracle.
Want to get involved? There are several ways to participate:
- Sponsorship & Exhibiting: Connect with hospitality leaders investing in AI.
- Speaking Opportunities: Present your case studies and insights.
- Industry & Media Partnerships: Contribute to industry-wide AI learning.
For partnership and speaking opportunities, contact [email protected].
Ready to be part of the future? Register now at www.destinationaiforum.com. Early-bird pricing is available through July 31, 2026.
About Destination AI Forum: Founded in 2024, Destination AI Forum is a non-profit platform dedicated to advancing the adoption of artificial intelligence in the hospitality industry. They bring together hoteliers, technologists, investors, researchers, and innovators to share real-world applications and accelerate the future of AI in hospitality.
Nazpari Aydin, Co-Founder & Managing Director.
Now, here's where it gets interesting... Do you think the focus on practical applications is the right approach, or should there be more emphasis on exploring the cutting edge of AI in hospitality? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
