A Season of Inspiration

We are entering what I call the time-warp season. And, no, not because it was the number-one song played at all the Halloween events last month. We are stuck between two years, feverishly working to close up 2019 strong, while focusing a keen eye on 2020. What better way to accomplish both than by coming together as an industry at the upcoming HX: The Hotel Experience (HX) trade show, or what we all call the New York show, held at the Jacob Javits Center November 10 and 11?

This event holds a special place in my heart. It was the first trade show I attended, then called IH/MRS, only a month into my Hotel Business career 17 years ago. It was definitely trial by fire. Two floors of the convention center were packed with vendors offering every type of product and service you would need in the hospitality industry. It was truly something to see.

The show has gone through some changes through the years and this past March, a partnership with AAHOA was announced. This is a great move by all parties involved. Anyone who has attended AAHOA’s annual convention can’t help but be impressed by the event and, specifically, the size of the trade show. Its 18,500-plus members own almost one out of every two hotels in the U.S. That is major purchasing power that HX is now tapping directly into.

As for the benefit for AAHOA, among other things, partnering with HX gives them an East Coast event to help boost membership in this part of the country. This move has a good chance to breathe new life and excitement into this event—and a healthy show is good for everyone in the industry.

Speaking of healthy shows, I just got back from High Point Market where they held the fourth annual Hospitality at Market (HAM) event. Yes, you heard me right. High Point is not just residential, and if you’re not attending, you’re missing out. Nowhere in the U.S. can you experience the breadth of product from hospitality contract manufacturers like you can at HAM. With 20,000-sq.-ft. showrooms, star-studded panels including Lauren Rottet founding principal, Rottet Studio; Kelli Ellis of Kelli Ellis Designs; and Blanche Garcia, founder, B-garcia Designs among others, and inspiration at every turn, HAM is an absolute must in 2020. Save the date now for next year, October 18 and 19, and thank me later. For more information, go to highpointmarket.org/hospitality.

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