Beyond the Booth: How The Summit Creates Meaningful Business Opportunities

In the hospitality and tourism industry, relationships are everything. The right connection at the right time can open doors to new partnerships, increased sales, and long-term success. That’s why exhibiting at The Hospitality & Tourism Summit isn’t about simply setting up a booth—it’s about creating opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and positioning your business for growth in one of the most dynamic industries out there.

More Than Just a Trade Show

The Summit isn’t your typical industry event. It’s a high-energy, interactive environment designed to help businesses connect with decision-makers who can truly make an impact. Unlike some trade shows where foot traffic is random and engagement can be hit-or-miss, The Summit is structured to foster conversations that lead to real business opportunities.

Mark Sharba, Sr. Sales Manager at Flyover, put it best: “The Hospitality & Tourism Summit is hands-down the best event for connecting with key decision-makers in the industry. We not only generated quality leads but also built relationships that have turned into long-term business opportunities. If you're looking to grow your business and make meaningful connections, this is the event to be at.”

Cindy Hani from Pontarelli Companies shared a similar experience: “Attending the Hospitality and Tourism Summit last year was an incredibly enriching experience. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the seamless organization of this event. It not only provided valuable insights into industry trends but also opened doors to incredible networking opportunities. We made connections at the Summit, secured new clients, and strengthened our business. The networking opportunities were fantastic! Pontarelli was able to book ground transportation for different communities and even ended up on WGN News this past December for the Christmas holiday with our Trolley and our Famous Grinch. We highly recommend the Hospitality and Tourism Summit to anyone in the industry looking to stay ahead of the curve. Pontarelli will definitely be attending again!”

Who You’ll Meet

One of the biggest advantages of exhibiting at The Summit is the diversity of attendees. From meeting and event planners to concierges, social media influencers, media, hotel professionals, and tourism executives, the event brings together a powerful mix of industry leaders who are actively looking for new partnerships and solutions.

For businesses looking to increase private event sales, expand their brand presence, or tap into Chicago’s thriving hospitality market, there’s no better place to start those conversations. Past exhibitors, like Theater on the Lake, have found The Summit instrumental in both selling their private event space and attracting new visitors to their restaurant.

A Platform for Authentic Engagement

Unlike digital marketing campaigns or cold outreach, exhibiting at The Summit gives businesses a chance to engage face-to-face with potential clients in a setting designed for meaningful interactions. Attendees come ready to explore new offerings, making it an ideal space for businesses to demonstrate their products and services in a way that digital interactions simply can’t match.

Plus, the networking isn’t limited to the trade show floor. The Summit is designed with engagement in mind, from the Bites, Brainstorms, and Business-Building roundtable luncheon to the many informal networking moments that happen throughout the day. Whether you’re connecting over coffee, exchanging ideas during an education session, or chatting at your booth, every moment presents a chance to grow your network.

The Impact Goes Beyond the Event

One of the biggest takeaways from past exhibitors is that the connections made at The Summit don’t just result in one-off transactions—they lead to lasting business relationships. Because the event attracts a high-caliber audience, the potential ROI extends far beyond event day. A well-placed introduction can turn into a long-term partnership, a single lead can evolve into a major contract, and brand visibility at The Summit can drive continued engagement throughout the year.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re wondering whether exhibiting at The Summit is worth the investment, consider this: Where else can you connect face-to-face with hundreds of hospitality decision-makers in a single day? Where else can you showcase your brand in an environment designed specifically to spark conversations and drive business growth?

The exhibitors who gain the most from The Summit come prepared—not just to engage on event day, but to follow up and nurture the relationships they build. Those who do often find that the opportunities generated here extend well beyond the event, delivering long-term business impact that far exceeds their initial investment.

Be Part of It

The Hospitality & Tourism Summit isn’t just another industry event—it’s a chance to put your business in front of the right people, at the right time, in the right setting. If you’re looking to grow your business, expand your network, and make lasting connections, this is where you need to be.

If you’re considering exhibiting, talk to those who have done it before. Their success stories speak for themselves. And if you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to see you there. You can learn more about exhibiting here.