Destination AI Announces Third Annual Hospitality Summit, Expanding in Response to Industry Demand

Destination AI (DAI) is thrilled to announce that its third annual hospitality summit will take place September 29–30, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Following two years of rapid growth and industry-wide enthusiasm, the conference is expanding to a 1.5-day format to give attendees even more time to connect, collaborate, and explore how AI is reshaping the future of hospitality.

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. With the expanded program we’re putting together, next year is going to be our best year yet. Nazpari Aydin, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Destination AI Forum

What Makes DAI Different

DAI is built around practical results rather than hype. Every session delivers real outcomes, proven use cases, and candid discussions about what’s working and what isn’t in AI adoption across hospitality. The event has cultivated a uniquely open and collaborative community where leaders share frontline learnings that accelerate transformation across the industry.

This was an amazing one-day event, with a fantastic audience of thought leaders from across the hospitality space and sessions from so many top speakers. This was only its second year, but from a thought-leadership point of view, there is absolutely no better event anywhere in the world today for hotel technologists and operator. Douglas Rice, Founder & CEO Emeritus of HTNG

Who Attends

DAI attracts a highly strategic audience, with over 80% of attendees serving in senior roles guiding technology decisions and investment. The attendee mix reflects the conference’s growing influence across the hospitality ecosystem and 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 powerful concentration of decision-makers creates an environment where ideas move quickly and where collaboration translates into action. As George Roukas, President of Gaipan, shared, Destination AI turned ‘what if’ into ‘let's go!’ It was the rare event where ideas, talent, and momentum all showed up in the same room.

Further underscoring its impact, Gopu Menon, EVP of Revenue & Distribution at Highgate Hotels, said, I departed invigorated by the individuals I encountered, the insightful discussions we engaged in, and the practical strategies we brought back with us. Menon also added he is 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.

What to Expect in 2026

DAI 2026 will introduce an expanded format, giving attendees more time to engage directly with speakers, partners, and peers who are driving AI adoption across hospitality.

To give a sense of the flow:

Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29

The summit will open with afternoon programming, followed by an evening reception to continue conversations in a relaxed setting. 

Day 2 – Wednesday, September 30

The second day will feature a full schedule of keynotes, panels, demos, and conversations offering a broad look at how AI is shaping the future of hospitality.

Past speakers have represented major industry innovators including Marriott International, Hilton, Hyatt, Microsoft, Oracle, and dozens of AI and travel-tech leaders.

How to Participate

Organizations can join DAI 2026 in several ways:

• Sponsorship & Exhibiting – Reach hospitality leaders investing in AI
• Speaking Opportunities – Present case studies and practical insights
• Industry & Media Partnerships – Contribute to industry-wide AI learning

For partnership and speaking opportunities, contact nazpari@destinationaiforum.com.

Register for DAI 2026

Registration is now open at www.destinationaiforum.com. Early-bird pricing runs through July 31, 2026.