The 2025 Independent Hotel Show Miami Recap

Miami Was Sizzling!

The 2025 Independent Hotel Show Miami Recap

The hottest place to be in Miami this past September 18–19, 2025, wasn’t South Beach; it was the Miami Beach Convention Center for the 2025 Independent Hotel Show Miami! This marked the 3rd year that this growing conference attracted industry leaders, suppliers, and professionals interested in the independent hospitality sector.

Organized and produced by Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) in partnership with Montgomery Group, the event brought together suppliers and attendees from across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, all eager to explore innovations tailored specifically for boutique, luxury, and independent hotels.

Stephanie Everett, COO & Partner, Exposition Development Company, Inc. shared the following about the 2025 event:

“The third time’s a charm – the 2025 Independent Hotel Show Miami, the third edition of the show, experienced a 30% growth in attendance from the 2024 event. Our team has been diligently developing relationships within the industry, working with our Advisory Board, implementing a Brand Ambassador program to build awareness, and launching the Connections Concierge Program to aid contracted exhibitors in connecting with the types of attendees/hoteliers they want to meet with at the show. We are very pleased with the continued growth of the show as we focus on high quality buyers within the independent, luxury, and boutique sectors.”

Event Highlights

The show’s Seminar Program featured dynamic keynote speakers and industry leaders sharing actionable insights. Among them:

In “The Disney Way for the Digital Age: How Smart Tech Powers World-Class Hospitality – Using Alexa, Chatbots, and Cultural Design to Deliver Personalized, Magical Guest Experiences”, Disney veteran Debbie Zmorenski and AI entrepreneur Kevin Kelly explored how tools like Alexa, chatbots, and AI assistants can enhance service culture, reduce staff load, and elevate your brand in a crowded market.

Travel Media Personality, Scott Eddy, moderated a session with Kenneth Scharlatt, CFBE, Founder & Executive Director of Savage Orchid Hospitality and Steve Palmer, Founder & Chief Vision Officer, The Indigo Road Hospitality Group. The engaging discussion focused on the difference between a restaurant in a hotel and a hotel restaurant, ways to ensure that your hotel guests, as well as the neighborhood residents, frequent your on-property F&B outlets, and the importance of knowing that service does not equal hospitality.

Sarah Dandashy, Hospitality Expert, Podcaster, Speaker, Ask A Concierge and Dina Belon-Sayre, President, Staypineapple Hotels Inc discussed “What are Hyper-Personalized Service and Curated Experiences? Real Case Studies” and emphasized the importance of utilizing the information guests provide about their preferences to create memorable experiences.

“The New Media Mix: How Hotels Can Win with Creators, Podcasts, and Emerging Platforms”, moderated by Steve Carran, Host & Head Writer, The Modern Hotelier, featured insights from several hospitality leaders who discussed authentic storytelling, leveraging influencers, and using social, audio, and emerging platforms to boost hotel visibility, credibility, and direct bookings.

On the topic of direct bookings, Jaklin Topalova, Chief Operating Officer & Product Expert, Mission Morph emphasized the importance of digital visibility and credibility and shared insights from over a decade of working with hotels and F&B businesses to improve their presence on Google and increase direct bookings without over-relying on OTAs.

Highlights from the Tradeshow Floor

The tradeshow floor featured solutions designed to boost operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and profitability for the independent hotelier. Some of the highlights:

Attendees lined up to see, literally, how they can save 15% or more on their hotel water costs with the 15% Water Savings / CMP Water Valve.  Most hotels don’t know that they are paying for air mixed in with their water.  CMP Water guarantees measurable reductions in water costs with its technology by preventing false metering caused by air, which helps hotels reduce their utility bills.

Green Suites Hotel Solutions elevates sustainability and luxury for boutique hotels. They featured unique amenity dispensers, fully customizable, and a “per-occupied room” program, providing free liquids, free dispensers, and free shipping (in the 48 states). They also displayed TOWL, a line of organic, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified towels and linens.

FreemanKelley represented suppliers Kingsdown Hospitality and Decorator Industries also exhibited at the show. Kingsdown Hospitality showcased its premium hospitality mattresses designed for long-term durability and excellent guest sleep quality with models at price points to accommodate every hospitality environment. Window treatment & bedding fabricator, Decorator Industries, highlighted their high-quality, competitively priced fabrication solutions, which are coupled with outstanding customer service. Their expertise helps hoteliers create unique, memorable interiors that enhance guest experience and brand differentiation.

Aristara showcased its AI-powered guest service platform, Ari, designed to provide 24/7 communication for hotels. By automating guest requests and support, Aristara helps independent hotels reduce staffing burdens, improve response times, and enhance guest satisfaction through seamless, personalized interactions.

Bhlen replaces paper brochures, reduces costs and boosts sustainability with their app-free digital guides that connect guests with local experiences.

Offering global premium chauffeur services, Blacklane guarantees seamless, luxury transportation for guests in over 500 cities worldwide.

Calderon Textiles offers cost-effective, high-quality hospitality textiles with expertise in global sourcing and supply chain optimization. Their customer service includes goals of guaranteed response in 24 hours and same-day shipping of products ordered before 12:00 p.m. (EST).

DialZero introduced its AI-powered guest engagement solution, replacing outdated in-room phones with seamless, app-free communication platforms to improve guest convenience and staff efficiency.

FreedomPay’s Next Level Commerce™ platform transforms existing payment systems and processes from legacy to leading edge and enables merchants to unleash the power of pay.

FreshAir Sensor helps manage indoor air quality. Not only does it help enforce air quality violations with scientific real-time data, but it can also provide guests with a guaranteed level of air quality that can help generate better reviews and possibly be an additional source of revenue.

Providing sustainable and stylish refillable hotel amenity lines with a European flair, GFL Cosmetics showcased their natural and environmentally friendly beauty and personal care products.

The amenities provider, Groupe GM, spotlighted their patented Ecofill system, a refillable amenity dispenser that combines luxury presentation with sustainability, hygiene, and operational efficiency, ideal for reducing plastic waste in hotels.

Several eye-catching bicycles were on full display with offerings from Heron Bicycle Company, Priority Bicycles and ZYBRA.

hub OS helps +1700 leading hotels across +60 countries around the world with an all-in-one hotel operations platform designed to automate and streamline daily workflows across departments, uniting housekeeping, maintenance, and guest service teams.

The iconic Viennese coffee brand, Julius Meinl, delighted attendees with rich espresso and exceptional premium coffee offerings, while French luxury food and minibar supplier, Esprit Gourmand, offered gourmet amenities and snacks to enhance guest satisfaction.

Inside Hospitality Solutions (IHS) is a trusted resource that connects industry professionals with expert insights, proven solutions, and top providers to enhance operations, profitability, and guest satisfaction. With its extensive B2B network and high-profile advertising opportunities, IHS helps suppliers grow visibility, strengthen credibility, and reach decision-makers across all areas of hospitality.

Lighthouse highlighted its AI-powered revenue and distribution platform tailored for independent hotels.

Lionsured Brokerage delivers specialized insurance solutions tailored for the hospitality sector, helping hotels manage risk and protect assets effectively.

Integrating Alexa for Hospitality into guest experiences, Live Smart AI – Alexa Voice is a voice technology platform that enhances guest interactions and operational efficiency.

With a product range that spans from case goods and seating to artwork, lighting, and architectural elements, and all supported by a global network of over 1,200 manufacturers and 7,400 raw material vendors, Lotus Hospitality Products LLC offers custom hospitality furnishings for exceptional guest experiences.

Mission Morph – Hotel Direct Bookings believes in “The Power to be Found” helping independent hotels improve online visibility, boost direct bookings and SEO performance.

Business technology provider NewtekOne offers payments, POS, and back-office solutions for hotels.

Open Water offers ultra-purified still and sparkling water packaged in aluminum cans as a sustainable alternative to plastic bottles.

Owner Relations Technology provides robust Condo Hotel Software, Owner Accounting and Owner Portal software solutions for Condo Hotels, Fractional Hotels, Residence Clubs, Timeshare Resorts, HOA’s and Property Management Companies.

Distributor of eco-friendly hotel amenities and guestroom products, Pineapple Hospitality Inc. displayed items that combine both luxury and eco-conscious packaging.

1Concier offers luxury linen and textile solutions tailored for hotels, resorts, and spas. Their portfolio focuses on enhancing guest experience through high-quality bedding, towels, and textiles.

Project-management software from Purlieu.tech streamlines FF&E procurement, approvals and delivery for hotel openings and renovations.

RoomMaster specializes in hotel property management software, delivering cloud-based solutions that streamline reservations, guest communications, and housekeeping coordination.

Shekel Scales displayed an automated locked vending machine that uses Shekel’s Product Aware Technology (PAT) to enable smart retail in hospitality environments.

Helping independent hotels increase revenue through smarter distribution and booking strategies, the SiteMinder platform enables hotels to manage inventory across channels, optimize pricing, and drive direct bookings, with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making for long-term growth.

Linen-tracking and smart-inventory solutions from SMARTLINEN remove manual counting and shrinkage blind spots to reduce loss, save costs, and optimize housekeeping workflows.

Swyft provides automated retail and smart vending solutions (frictionless in-hotel retail or 24/7 grab-and-go offerings), which can increase ancillary revenue per occupied room.

The Brand Concierge™ by Studio MADM Co provides creative branding and storytelling services designed to help independent hotels differentiate themselves and grow their market presence.

The Modern Hotelier Podcast & Media provide specialized media services for the hospitality industry. Their weekly podcast focuses on hospitality trends, technology, and leadership to help hoteliers make informed decisions.

Robotics integrator, ToDo Robotics supplies delivery, server and cleaning robots that help teams automate repetitive, time-consuming tasks and maintain service consistency.

Serving properties across the U.S. and Caribbean, Transworld, provides climate control solutions, appliances, and accessories and is an authorized commercial distributor for hospitality‑ready TVs and digital‑signage displays.

Upscale Linen prioritizes quality, reliability, and efficiency – ensuring that hotels and resorts receive products that enhance guest comfort while optimizing operational costs.

Absolutely delicious candy made with organic ingredients, Vegobears sells candy that you can feel good about! These plant-based treats are perfect for minibars and welcome gifts.

Wrap Up by Valerie Perez displayed a collection of luxurious robes, pajama sets, chic dresses, kaftans, kimonos, and spa wraps – each crafted from high-quality textiles that are known for their buttery softness, graceful drape, and durability.

Looking Forward

The Independent Hotel Show Miami returns September 16–17, 2026, once again to the Miami Beach Convention Center. Independent hospitality professionals eager to stay ahead of trends, enhance guest experiences, network with innovative suppliers, and discover practical solutions to operational challenges should plan to attend.

Suppliers focused on this sector of the hospitality industry will be impressed by the caliber of the individuals this show continues to attract:

• 88% of Attendees Have Direct Purchasing Power
• 73% of Attendees Visit Primarily to Meet/Connect with Exhibitors
• 65% of Attendees are from Independent or Boutique Properties
• 95% of Attendees Plan on Attending Again in 2026

For hoteliers and suppliers alike, the Independent Hotel Show Miami continues to turn up the heat as the event to attend and source new partners, conduct business, learn actionable strategies, and connect with leaders shaping the future of independent hospitality.

Visit the Independent Hotel Show Miami 2026 event page to learn more about next year’s show.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2025 Independent Hotel Show Miami

Q1: What were the biggest takeaways from the 2025 Seminar Program for hoteliers?

The 2025 Seminar Program focused on next-generation service and operational efficiency. Key takeaways included:

• AI for Service Culture: Experts explored how tools like Alexa and chatbots can deliver “The Disney Way” by enhancing service and reducing staff burden (as discussed by Disney veteran Debbie Zmorenski).
• Hyper-Personalization: The importance of leveraging guest data to create highly curated, memorable experiences, moving beyond standard service (Sarah Dandashy and Dina Belon-Sayre).
• F&B Strategy: The critical distinction between hotel restaurants and on-property outlets designed to attract both guests and local residents (Scott Eddy, Kenneth Scharlatt, and Steve Palmer).
• Direct Bookings: Strategies to improve digital visibility and credibility to reduce over-reliance on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), as emphasized by Mission Morph.

Q2: Which innovative products showcased on the tradeshow floor offered measurable ROI or operational efficiency?

The tradeshow floor was packed with solutions providing clear ROI and operational boosts:

• CMP Water: Featured its Smart Valve technology, which guarantees measurable reductions (15% or more) in water bills by preventing hotels from paying for the air mixed with their water.
• hub OS: Showcased its all-in-one hotel operations platform used by over 1700 properties to automate and streamline daily workflows for maintenance, housekeeping, and guest services.
• SMARTLINEN: Highlighted linen-tracking and smart-inventory solutions designed to eliminate manual counting and shrinkage blind spots, directly reducing loss and optimizing housekeeping costs.
• Aristara & DialZero: Displayed cutting-edge AI-powered guest communication platforms that reduce staffing burdens and replace outdated in-room phones, improving guest satisfaction and staff efficiency.

Q3: Why is the Independent Hotel Show Miami a valuable event for hospitality suppliers specifically?

The Independent Hotel Show Miami is highly valuable for suppliers due to the quality of the audience it attracts:

• Purchasing Power: A striking 88% of attendees have direct purchasing power, meaning exhibitors are speaking directly to decision-makers.
• High Intent: 73% of attendees visit primarily to meet and connect with exhibitors, indicating a high intent to source and buy.
• Targeted Audience: 65% of attendees are from independent or boutique properties, providing a hyper-targeted audience for suppliers specializing in the luxury and lifestyle sectors. Furthermore, the show’s Connections Concierge Program actively helps contracted exhibitors connect with their ideal buyer profiles.