Destination AI (DAI) has announced that its third annual hospitality summit will take place on September 29-30, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The event is expanding to a 1.5-day format to accommodate growing interest and industry demand, allowing attendees more opportunities to connect and collaborate on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in hospitality.
Nazpari Aydin, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Destination AI Forum, emphasized the incredible growth and excitement surrounding the summit in recent years. “The energy and growth we’ve seen over the past two years of DAI has been incredible. The feedback from attendees, speakers, and sponsors is that they want more ways to connect and discuss the unlimited growth opportunities that AI offers,” Aydin stated. “Next year is going to be our best year yet.”
Unlike many conferences that focus on high-level discussions, DAI prioritizes practical outcomes. Each session is designed to provide real insights and proven use cases, offering candid conversations about the successes and challenges in AI adoption within the hospitality sector. Douglas Rice, Founder and CEO Emeritus of HTNG, praised the event’s caliber, calling it the “absolute best event anywhere in the world today for hotel technologists and operators.”
DAI attracts a highly strategic audience, with over 80% of attendees in senior roles making technology decisions and investments. This includes representation from global hotel brands, management companies, hospitality technology and AI providers, investors, consulting firms, and media entities. The concentration of decision-makers fosters an environment where innovative ideas can flourish. George Roukas, President of Gaipan, noted that the event effectively transforms “what if” into “let’s go!” while Gopu Menon, EVP of Revenue & Distribution at Highgate Hotels, highlighted the invigorating nature of the discussions and the practical strategies that emerged.
The 2026 summit will feature an expanded format designed to facilitate more direct engagement between participants. The first day will kick off with afternoon programming, followed by an evening reception for further networking opportunities. The second day will include a comprehensive schedule filled with keynotes, panels, demos, and discussions focused on AI’s evolving role in hospitality. Past speakers have included leaders from major industry innovators like Marriott International, Hilton, Hyatt, Microsoft, and Oracle.
Organizations interested in participating in DAI 2026 can engage in several ways, including sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities targeted at hospitality leaders investing in AI, as well as speaking engagements to present case studies and insights.
Registration for DAI 2026 is now open at www.destinationaiforum.com, with early-bird pricing available through July 31, 2026.
Founded in 2024, the Destination AI Forum is a nonprofit platform aimed at advancing the adoption of artificial intelligence in the hospitality industry. It serves as a collaborative space for hoteliers, technologists, investors, and innovators to share real-world applications and accelerate AI integration in hospitality.
As the hospitality landscape continues to evolve, DAI 2026 is poised to highlight significant advancements and quantifiable outcomes from the ongoing integration of AI, reinforcing its role as a pivotal force in the industry.
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