The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), in collaboration with Questex, is set to host The Hospitality Show, a premier event showcasing the latest in hospitality technology and operations. This year, the show will place a strong emphasis on sustainability, a crucial element for the future of the industry.
One of the key highlights of The Hospitality Show 2024 will be the co-location of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s Autumn Summit. Taking place in San Antonio, Texas, from October 28-30, 2024, at the Henry B. González Convention Center, the summit will bring together senior leaders from across the globe, including CEOs and C-suite executives from leading hotel companies, real estate owners, investment funds, technology firms, and more.
These industry leaders will engage in discussions on implementing Net Positive Hospitality, sharing best practices, exploring innovative opportunities, and fostering new collaborations. The event will focus on the growing importance of sustainability in hotel operations, emphasizing the cost savings through energy efficiency and waste reduction, as well as the appeal to eco-conscious travelers and enhanced guest satisfaction.
The Hospitality Show is committed to serving as a live case study and an inspirational resource for hoteliers looking to adopt profitable sustainable practices in their properties. AHLA’s sustainability programs, Green Key Global and Responsible Stay®, will be prominently featured at The Show. Green Key Global, a partnership between AHLA and the Hotel Association of Canada, is the exclusive environmental certification program for the hotel industry. It offers hotels credibility for their current sustainability efforts and provides a strategic plan for ongoing improvements.
The Responsible Stay® initiative, also spearheaded by AHLA, brings together America’s hotel brands, owners, operators, and employees to collectively reduce carbon emissions, decrease energy consumption, conserve water, and source materials responsibly. This initiative aims to offer guests innovative and sustainable experiences and events, enhancing the overall impact of the hospitality industry.
Questex, the event organizer, has once again incorporated its Quest Zero initiatives into The Hospitality Show’s operations. This program, a key component of Questex’s commitment to the Net Zero Carbon Event initiative and its goal to achieve Net Zero by 2050, focuses on waste reduction, minimizing food waste, engaging the community, and encouraging carbon offset donations.
The Henry B. González Convention Center, specifically chosen for its dedication to sustainable practices, including LEED Silver Certification and its commitment to waste reduction, energy and water conservation, green purchasing policies, and contributions to the city’s Climate Action & Adaptation Plan, serves as the perfect venue for this event.
“We’re honored to be holding our Autumn Summit at The Hospitality Show in collaboration with the AHLA and Questex,” said Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. “It is significant to be holding our summit in the United States – a first for the Alliance since its recent rebrand with a global reach – as we look to continue growing our US-based membership. We look forward to mapping out our ambitions and actions for 2025 with our members, partners and senior leaders, charting the future of the industry. We also look forward to strengthening our relationship with the AHLA and forming a critical new partnership with Questex, as we seek to drive sustainability across the industry.”
The Hospitality Show 2024 builds on the successful sustainability initiatives introduced at last year’s inaugural event. Notable sustainability achievements from The Show 2023 include:
