As a brand-new addition to the portfolio, Hospitality Tech360 was created to explore how technology is transforming hospitality across the guest journey, from front-of-house experience to back-of-house operations. The inaugural edition delivered a dynamic mix of senior-led content, cutting-edge solutions and high-value networking, firmly establishing the event as a new meeting point for the sector.

Nick Powell, Portfolio Event Director for Hospitality Tech360, said: “Hospitality Tech360 launched with a clear ambition to bring the industry together around the technologies shaping its future. What we’ve seen over the past three days is exactly that, operators and tech partners having meaningful conversations, sharing ideas and exploring solutions that can genuinely make a difference to their businesses. It’s been incredibly exciting to see the response to the first edition and the strength of engagement across the show floor and conference programme.”

A launch grounded in real-world innovation

A defining feature of the event was its focus on practical, real-world application. The launch of the government-backed Hospitality Innovation Lab brought this to life, connecting major operators including Burger King UK, Prezzo Italian, Bill’s Restaurant and Punch Pubs with emerging technology providers.

Six companies were selected for the Lab’s first cohort, spanning AI forecasting, workforce training, inventory management and marketing innovation. Exhibiting within a dedicated feature area, these businesses showcased solutions designed to be tested directly in live operational environments, reinforcing Hospitality Tech360’s role as a platform for turning innovation into action.

Exploring the future of hospitality through technology

Across the Hospitality Leaders Forum and Tech Talks Theatre, a packed programme of sessions tackled the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector.

Artificial intelligence emerged as a central theme, with sessions such as “Give your AI a soul” exploring how brands can design more natural, human interactions, and panels examining how AI is transforming forecasting, decision-making and operational efficiency.

At the same time, discussions consistently returned to the importance of balancing technology with the human touch. Sessions including “Tech or touch?” and “Humans as luxury” highlighted how guest experience remains rooted in people, even as digital tools become more sophisticated.

Data and insight also featured heavily, with operators sharing how integrated systems are enabling better decision-making, improved guest journeys and stronger commercial performance.

A programme built for leaders

The event attracted senior decision-makers from across hospitality, with content tailored to C-suite and operational leaders navigating digital transformation.

Sessions explored leadership, culture and scaling technology effectively, with themes including workforce development, recruitment, sustainability and the evolving role of the “tech-enabled” hospitality leader.

The two main theatres, the Hospitality Leaders Forum and the Tech Talks Theatre, formed the backbone of the content programme, bringing together senior voices from across the sector to explore both strategic and operational perspectives on technology adoption.

The Hospitality Leaders Forum focused on big-picture leadership challenges, with speakers including Alasdair Murdoch (Burger King UK), Gemma Glasson (Wahaca), Gavin Smith (Pizza Pilgrims) and Maria McCann (Blacklock) sharing candid insights on scaling businesses, embedding culture and navigating digital transformation. Sessions such as “Give your AI a soul” and “Humans as luxury” sparked discussion around how brands can embrace technology without losing the human connection that defines hospitality.

Alongside this, the Tech Talks Theatre delivered practical, case study-led sessions grounded in real operational experience. Industry leaders including Gavin Allison (Lore Group), Andrew Brook (Tortilla), and representatives from Pho and The Sirius Hotel Group demonstrated how data, AI and integrated systems are being used to improve guest experience, drive revenue and streamline operations. From loyalty and payments to workforce management and sustainability, the theatre provided actionable insight into how technology is being implemented on the ground, giving operators clear takeaways they could apply directly within their own businesses.

Connecting the industry

Networking was central to the experience, with multiple opportunities for attendees to connect, share ideas and build relationships.

A standout moment was the invite-only breakfast hosted by Dojo, which brought together hospitality leaders to discuss how data and digital ecosystems are shaping the future of the sector. The launch of the Hospitality Innovation Lab was also marked with dedicated networking drinks, while conversations continued across the show floor throughout the three days.

Roundtable discussions proved a standout feature of Hospitality Tech360, offering a more intimate setting for senior operators to share challenges and solutions. Sessions including “Build, test, grow: Inside The Salad Project’s approach to smarter growth” and “The operator’s edge: Building connected operations that make loyalty pay” facilitated open, practical conversations around scaling businesses, leveraging data and driving repeat visits.

With a strong focus on payments, loyalty and AI, topics such as “From transactions to intelligence” and “The self-driving restaurant” highlighted how operators are increasingly using integrated systems and real-time insights to inform decision-making. Led by industry experts and grounded in real-world case studies, the roundtables created a collaborative environment where attendees could exchange ideas and leave with actionable strategies.

The exhibition featured a diverse mix of technology providers spanning AI, EPOS, payments, workforce management, guest experience and sustainability solutions.

Companies including Square, Dojo, Tenzo, Vita Mojo, Workforce.com and Tevalis showcased tools designed to help operators improve efficiency, enhance customer engagement and drive growth. From AI-powered platforms and data analytics to ordering, payments and back-of-house systems, the breadth of solutions reflected the increasing role of technology across every aspect of hospitality operations.

An inspiring first edition

Visitors highlighted the quality of content, innovation and networking opportunities on offer.

Andy Kinnaird, Director at Wellington Hotel, said: “The event was really good – I particularly enjoyed the talk on giving AI a soul. It was insightful and thought-provoking, and I came away with plenty of ideas to take back to the team.”

Adam Johnson, Director at The Plough Harborne, added: “It was a fantastic event — a really positive experience from start to finish. The exhibitors were excellent and the stage sessions were genuinely engaging. I came away feeling inspired and full of fresh ideas to bring back to the team.”

George Beeby, VP at Stream, commented: “Hospitality Tech360 was a well-run event with a strong mix of operators and tech partners, and some genuinely valuable conversations throughout the day.”

Kes Osborne, Head of Operational Excellence at St Austell Brewery, said: “Talks were great and made some fantastic new contacts in the industry, especially in the tech and sustainability space.”

Eloise Hetu, Rooms Division Coordinator at The Ritz London, added: “It was truly a great experience. Lots of interesting conferences with inspiring speakers and a well-organised event with many different companies present.”

A platform for the future

As part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, Hospitality Tech360 has launched as a platform dedicated to the future of the industry, bringing together the people, ideas and technologies shaping what comes next.

From AI and data to sustainability and workforce innovation, the event demonstrated that while technology is transforming hospitality, success will continue to depend on how it is applied to enhance human experience.

With strong engagement across its first edition and a clear appetite from the industry, Hospitality Tech360 is set to become a key fixture in the hospitality calendar.