HFTP Reinforces HITEC Show Rules to Protect Exhibitors and Sponsors
Official policy prohibits suit casing and unauthorized events by non-exhibiting, non-supporting companies
HFTP is cracking down on suitcasing and unauthorized events at HITEC 2026, warning that violators will be banned from the premises and publicly identified.
Photo by HFTP
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) announced that it is aggressively enforcing official show rules for the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) to protect the integrity of the event and the companies that support it through exhibiting, sponsorship and official participation. The policy prohibits suit casing, unauthorized solicitation and parties or events hosted by companies that are not exhibiting or otherwise supporting HITEC. The upcoming HITEC 2026 is June 15–18 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.
HFTP stated that suit casing is not permitted at HITEC. This includes any effort by non-exhibiting companies to conduct business, solicit attendees, distribute materials, schedule meetings or promote products and services in a way that uses the event's audience without an official exhibitor or sponsor commitment.
The organization also confirmed that parties, meetings, receptions or other events provided by non-exhibiting and non-supporting companies are not allowed when they are designed to draw HITEC attendees away from official event programming, exhibitors, sponsors or sanctioned networking opportunities. HFTP noted that these activities undermine the companies that invest in the event and help make HITEC possible.
Companies and individuals found violating these rules will be prohibited from all event premises. HFTP will also identify companies found violating these rules as taking away from the event without supporting it.
The enforcement policy is intended to maintain a fair, professional and productive environment for all HITEC participants. Exhibitors, sponsors and official supporters make a direct investment in the education, networking, technology showcase and attendee experience that define the event. HFTP said strict enforcement ensures that those commitments are respected and that all participating companies operate under the same standards.
HFTP encourages all attendees and participating companies to review and comply with official HITEC rules before and during the event. Suspected violations may be reported to HFTP at [email protected] or event management onsite.
HITEC North America is the world's largest and longest-running hospitality technology exposition and conference. It offers a unique combination of top-notch hospitality technology education, led by industry peers and experts, and an unparalleled trade show showcasing the latest hospitality technology products and services. Attendee registration is available.
About Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in the EU and India. HFTP is recognized as a group supporting the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. In addition, it oversees the publication of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI®), Hotel Online® and Hospitality Upgrade Magazine. Through its combined websites, the association has more than 140,000 site visitors a month. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.
Media Contact
Eliza Selig
CMO [email protected] 15122204026