Latest news with #conventions
Hospitality Net
11 hours ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Understanding trade show impacts on hotels and hospitality
Occasions like large-scale conventions and trade shows aren't just about hotels; they drive powerful demand surges that ripple across restaurants and many other services. For hoteliers and service providers, this creates significant opportunities. Among these events, trade shows are powerful economic drivers. They attract thousands of business travelers and exhibitors from all over the globe. If you're looking to maximize revenue and stay competitive, understanding how these shows influence your hotel's demand and pricing is essential. In this blog post, we'll explore the wide-reaching effects of trade shows and offer our top tips for capitalizing on these dynamic markets. How trade shows impact the hospitality industry Trade shows spark a wave of activity and networking that significantly benefits the entire hospitality sector. Airlines see fuller flights, taxis and rideshares experience heightened demand, and local restaurants enjoy increased foot traffic. For hotel owners, trade shows are particularly impactful. They can drive occupancy to peak levels, especially when events fall outside traditional travel seasons. This influx of attendees, such as exhibitors, delegates, and organizers, creates a valuable window for hospitality businesses to boost revenue. By understanding and proactively planning for trade show demand, hoteliers can optimize pricing, staffing, and services, making these events a vital focus for maximizing off-peak profitability and long-term growth. Higher demand means increased room rates for hotels When a trade show comes to town, hotel demand will usually spike, especially near the event venue. As availability tightens, prices naturally rise. This classic supply-and-demand dynamic allows you to increase your hotel room rates, particularly if the event draws large numbers of out-of-town attendees. As a hotelier, this presents a clear opportunity to drive revenue, but only if you're ready to act strategically. To make the most of trade show periods, you should implement dynamic pricing strategies that reflect real-time demand and competitor behavior, something we expand on below. Proper staffing is also critical, as service quality must match increased guest expectations. Crucially, hotels should assess how a specific event will impact their property – those closest to the expo center or main venue typically see the highest demand, while those farther away may need to offer incentives or transport solutions. With the right preparation, trade shows can become powerful revenue-generating moments outside of a traditional high season. How 5 of the biggest trade shows impact the hospitality industry Trade shows draw thousands of professionals and generate major economic impact – and some have an outsized influence on local hotels. From pet products in Orlando to global travel expos in London and Berlin, here are five of the world's most influential trade shows and how they affect the hotel industry. 1. Global Pet Expo The Global Pet Expo positions itself as the premier event for the pet industry, presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA). Held annually at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, the 2025 show took place from March 26th to 28th. It featured over 1,000 exhibitors across 3,500 booths, showcasing more than 3,000 new product launches. The expo attracted nearly 20,000 pet industry leaders from over 105 countries, including independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers and other qualified professionals. In 2024, the Global Pet Expo delivered over $45 million in local economic impact to the Orlando metropolitan area. While specific data on hotel pricing during the event isn't publicly available, such significant economic contributions strongly suggest a substantial increase in demand for local accommodation during the expo period. 2. New York International Auto Show The New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is one of the most prestigious automotive events in North America. Held annually at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, the 2025 show marked its 125th anniversary from April 18th to 27th. Showcasing over 700 vehicles across a million square feet of exhibit space, it featured major automakers like Ford, GM and Toyota, and high-end brands such as Porsche and Lamborghini. NYIAS attracts more than 1 million attendees each year, including industry professionals, media and car enthusiasts. Approximately 319,000 new vehicle buyers attend annually, with over half reporting that the show influences their purchase decisions. Clearly, this massive influx of attendees significantly boosts demand for accommodation in Manhattan and beyond. This surge often leads to increased room rates, particularly for hotels in proximity to the Javits Center. Wise hoteliers in the New York City area can capitalize on this yearly demand by implementing dynamic pricing strategies and ensuring optimal staffing levels to enhance guest experiences during the event. 3. Las Vegas Science & Technology Festival The Las Vegas Science & Technology Festival is Nevada's largest educational event, celebrating STEM through nine days of free, community-driven programming. The 2025 festival ran from April 25th to May 3rd, culminating in the Giant Expo on May 3rd at the World Market Center. This hands-on event features robotics demonstrations, fossil exhibits, interactive science experiments and on-stage entertainment, attracting nearly 10,000 attendees annually. Exhibitors include local museums, research institutions, universities and tech organizations, offering engaging experiences for families and students. While the festival's family-oriented and local focus may not cause significant spikes in hotel prices, its timing during spring – a popular season for events in Las Vegas – can contribute to increased demand for accommodations. Hotels near the World Market Center may experience higher occupancy rates during this period, so local hoteliers should monitor event calendars and, as above, consider flexible pricing strategies to accommodate potential fluctuations in demand. 4. WTM London World Travel Market (WTM) London is one of the most influential events in the global travel and tourism industry. Held annually at ExCeL London, the 2024 show took place from November 5th to 7th, attracting over 46,000 travel and hospitality professionals from 184 countries. The hospitality conference featured more than 4,000 exhibitors, including tourism boards, hotels, airlines and technology providers. Notably, 82% of attendees were international visitors, with many extending their stay in London beyond the event dates. WTM London 2024 generated an estimated £200 million (€238 million) in economic impact through local spending on transportation, accommodation and leisure activities. While specific data on hotel pricing during the event is not publicly available, the significant influx of international attendees likely led to increased demand for accommodations, particularly near the ExCeL London venue. Hoteliers in the area often experience higher occupancy rates during WTM, presenting opportunities to implement dynamic pricing strategies and enhance revenue. 5. ITB Berlin Yes, it's another travel and hospitality trade show but we couldn't really omit ITB Berlin from this line-up. Often seen as the world's leading trade show in its sector, it's held annually at Messe Berlin in Germany. The 2025 edition, from March 4th to 6th, featured over 5,800 exhibitors from more than 170 countries, attracting approximately 100,000 attendees, including 1,300 senior buyers in the ITB Buyers Circle. The event showcases a wide range of sectors, including tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel technology providers and cruise companies. During ITB Berlin 2025, hotels in the city experienced significant occupancy increases, with rates reaching 92.1% over the three-day event – a 9.1 percentage point rise compared to the previous year. The first day saw occupancy rates as high as 98%. Additionally, average daily rates (ADR) surged, often 20–60% higher than regular March pricing, with some hotels near Messe Berlin charging two to four times their usual rates. For hoteliers, ITB Berlin represents a prime opportunity to implement dynamic pricing strategies and optimize staffing to accommodate the influx of international guests, thereby maximizing revenue during this high-demand period. How to attract trade show attendees and drive revenue To maximize revenue from trade show attendees, you should adopt strategic approaches at your hotel. Key tactics include implementing dynamic pricing to stay competitive, offering value-added amenities that enhance guest experience and investing in targeted marketing campaigns to boost visibility and drive direct bookings well ahead of event dates. Let's examine each of these initiatives in turn. Implement dynamic pricing Dynamic pricing is a strategy that promotes adjusting room rates in real time based on market demand, competitor pricing, local events and booking patterns. For trade show periods – when demand often spikes – this approach helps hotels optimize revenue while staying competitively priced. Rather than relying on static rates, dynamic pricing allows you to respond to fluctuations as they happen, capturing higher revenue during peak times and remaining attractive during lulls. Dynamic pricing software makes implementation seamless, analyzing real-time data to recommend or automate pricing changes, reducing manual effort and ensuring timely rate adjustments. These tools factor in market demand as a result of events, forecasted occupancy and competitor pricing so you can maximize occupancy and ADR with minimal oversight. Offer value adds Offering value-added amenities and special offers is a powerful way to attract trade show attendees and increase hotel revenue. When travelers are deciding where to stay during busy event periods, thoughtful perks can make your property stand out from the competition. These extras not only enhance guest satisfaction but encourage direct bookings and upsells. For trade show attendees, convenience and comfort are key. Popular value adds include late check-in and check-out options to accommodate irregular schedules, shuttle services to and from the expo or trade show venues and complimentary Wi-Fi to support business needs. Suite upgrades or bundled packages such as breakfast included or discounted dining also appeal to attendees looking for a more comfortable stay. Tailoring these offers to the specific event's schedule and audience helps you build loyalty and capture more ancillary revenue, making value adds a win-win for both you and your guests. Invest in targeted marketing Targeted marketing campaigns are essential for boosting a hotel's visibility among trade show attendees and driving direct bookings. By focusing your marketing strategies on the right audience – such as exhibitors, attendees and event organizers – you can maximize your return on investment and avoid wasted spend on broad, unfocused advertising. To start, you should identify your target audience based on the specific trade show's attendee profile and geographic reach. Campaigns ideally begin three to six months before the event, giving travelers ample time to plan and book, while digital channels like social media ads, search engine marketing and email campaigns tailored to event registrants or local business groups often yield the best results. Partnerships with trade show organizers for official hotel listings or promotions can also increase exposure. And personalizing messages with event-specific offers and emphasizing proximity to the venue helps capture attention. Well-executed targeted marketing not only boosts bookings but also builds lasting brand awareness in key business markets and emerging markets. Find out how competitive market data helps hotels stay competitive Data-driven insights are crucial for hotels preparing to capitalize on event-driven tourism. Understanding market and industry trends, competitor pricing and demand patterns enables you to make informed decisions and optimize revenue. Lighthouse is a powerful tool that provides real-time competitive market data, helping hotels anticipate demand spikes during major events and keep on top of the latest trends. By leveraging Lighthouse and its latest technology, you can implement smarter pricing strategies, tailor offers and boost bookings, ensuring you stay ahead in a competitive market when major events bring a surge of visitors. About Lighthouse Lighthouse is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry. We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth. We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways. Trusted by over 70,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partners—their success is our success. For more information about Lighthouse, please visit: View source
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Thailand makes "New High" in Convention Destination Ranking
Bangkok makes big leap to world's 7th spot, 13 Thai cities make entry in ranking table BANGKOK, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thailand becomes the top convention destination of the ASEAN region, according to ICCA Country & City Rankings for 2024 Report. A "New High" is achieved when Bangkok exhibits its best performance, ascending to the world's 7th spot as a city destination for international conventions, a big leap from the 15th place in 2023, while a total of 13 Thai cities make entry to the ranking table, the highest number the country has ever achieved. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) announced the release of ICCA's latest GlobeWatch Business Analytics – Country & City Rankings for 2024 at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 in Germany. The comprehensive report analyses data from over 11,000 conferences held globally in 2024, highlighting Asia's prominent status as the second most popular region for international meetings, following Europe. According to the report, Thailand hosted a total of 158 international conventions, an increase from 143 in 2023. The number resulted in Thailand moving from the world's 26th spot in 2023 to the 25th place in 2024, clinching the 5th place in Asia Pacific and claiming the number one spot in the ASEAN or Southeast Asian region. The best ever performance is Bangkok. Hosting a total of 115 international conventions, the Thai capital rises to the world's 7th spot as a city destination, a remarkable increase from the 15th place in 2023. In Asia Pacific, Bangkok is ranked 3rd and 2nd in the ASEAN region. The leading position of Bangkok is reiterated when Cvent also announced in IMEX Frankfurt 2025 its list of 2025 Top Meeting Destinations. For Asia Pacific region, Bangkok is ranked 2nd after Singapore. The result is based on more than $18B of global sourcing and request-for-proposal (RFP) activity through Cvent's sourcing platforms in 2024, including a record-breaking $16.5B through the Cvent Supplier Network, one of the world's largest venue sourcing marketplaces. Another best ever performance of Thailand is that it is the first time that a high number of 13 Thai cities are listed in ICCA report. Apart from Bangkok, the 12 cities are Chiang Mai (12 conventions), Pattaya (10), Phuket (8), Chon Buri (3), Chiang Rai (2), Pathum Thani (2), Hua Hin (1), Khon Kaen (1), Samui (1), Nakhon Ratchasima (1), Nonthaburi (1) and Pattani (1). Mr. Puripan Bunnag, Senior Vice President and Acting President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), remarked that: "We are delighted with the overall performance of Thailand, especially Bangkok which made a noticeable rise in the ranking. In this respect, we feel grateful for international professional associations for their trust and confidence in Bangkok. It will further inspire the city and Thai MICE industry to deliver their best to maintain or upgrade their operating standards to meet the evolving needs of the market." TCEB is also proud of the total 13 cities listed in ICCA statistical table, representing the best performance of city diversification the country has ever achieved. It is a strong sign of Thailand's enhanced capacities for conferences. International associations and bodies can now maximize richer choices of locations in Thailand. Each city has their unique cultural setting, which can be crafted to deliver meaningful and memorable experiences for delegates. The establishment of TCEB regional offices in all key regions has now played a part in driving the cities in each region to tap into MICE market and inspiring them to have a position in the map of MICE industry. TCEB believes the result in the ICCA ranking table will be a substantial push factor for Thai cities to elevate themselves to another height, said Mr. Puripan. For more information, contact TCEB at: pr@ Thailand MICE – Meet the Magic About TCEB A LEADING AGENCY AT THE FOREFRONT OF THAILAND'S MICE INDUSTRY Established in 2004, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB – the government agency under the supervision of the Prime Minister – has been assigned a role to promote, support and develop business events industry – corporate meetings, incentive trips, conventions, exhibitions, mega events and world festivals. Serving as a strategic partner, TCEB helps deliver creative ideas and solutions to bring success and fulfill the requirements of business events. The overarching goal is to drive Thailand to become a global MICE and mega events destination that can drive the country's strategic industries and national economy. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Independent
16-05-2025
- Science
- The Independent
Study reveals what happens when AI systems talk to each other
AI systems, when left to interact, can form their own societies with unique linguistic norms and conventions, similar to human communities. Researchers observed this by using a "naming game" where AI agents had to choose names from a set, receiving rewards for picking the same ones. Over time, the AI agents developed shared conventions and biases without explicit coordination. This phenomenon mirrors the formation of norms in human cultures. A small group of AI agents could influence a larger group towards a specific convention, which is also observed in human groups.
Hospitality Net
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk has been appointed Vice President – Operations and Government & Business Relations at Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) in Bangkok
Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, is pleased to announce that Ms Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, Vice President - Operations (Central & Southern Thailand) and Government & Business Relations, has been appointed President of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) for the 2025-2026 term. TICA, a non-profit organisation established in 1984, plays a vital role in promoting Thailand as a preferred destination for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE). With more than three decades of service to TICA, including her most recent role as Vice President of TICA, and a distinguished track record in Thailand's MICE sector, Ms Tantiprasertsuk brings deep industry insight, a firm commitment to sustainability, and a collaborative spirit to the role. Her appointment highlights Dusit International's ongoing contribution to advancing Thailand's tourism and hospitality landscape through strong leadership and values-driven engagement. Drawing on Dusit's four core pillars of Dusit Graciousness—Service (personalised and gracious), Locality (uniquely linking guests with the local community), Well-Being (delivering wellness experiences beyond the spa), and Sustainability (social, economic, and environmental)—Ms Tantiprasertsuk intends to integrate these values into TICA's national MICE strategy. Ms Tantiprasertsuk takes the helm from Mr Sumate Sudasna Ayutthaya, who served as TICA President for 16 years. Inspired by his visionary leadership, she is committed to preserving TICA's strong reputation while continuing to promote transparency, professionalism, and the empowerment of future leaders. Her appointment adds to a growing list of Dusit executives making meaningful contributions to the industry at both regional and global levels. Dusit's industry contributions also extend through Dusit Hospitality Education, which has been nurturing hospitality professionals for over 30 years. Beginning with the launch of Dusit Thani College in 1993, the company's education portfolio now includes Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School and The Food School—Bangkok-based institutions that equip students with internationally relevant skills. Students from Dusit Thani College regularly participate in prestigious international events such as WorldSkills Lyon 2024, the Rising Star Hotelex China International Young Chefs Competition 2025, and the Startup Thailand League, while also hosting global academic forums. Recently, the college welcomed the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) for a seminar on "Sustainable Transformations in Asia Pacific"—further reinforcing Dusit's role as a thought leader in responsible tourism.
