Hospitality technology executives from Europe, the Middle East and Africa are set to converge in Amsterdam next spring for the second annual CIO Summit EMEA, an invitation-only gathering designed to tackle the sector’s most pressing digital challenges. Organized by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Hospitality Upgrade, the event on April 16-17, 2026, at the W Amsterdam builds on the success of its 2025 debut in Barcelona, where over 50 leaders discussed AI adoption and regional tech priorities. HospitalityNet reported the announcement, highlighting the summit’s vendor-neutral format for candid peer exchanges.

This year’s program promises focused sessions on adapting organizations for artificial intelligence, leveraging technology for sustainability and profitability, and the role of hotel CIOs in shaping EMEA’s tech trajectory. A keynote by Matthew Syed, a journalist and broadcaster focused on high performance, will address “Creating a High-Performance Culture in a Complex and Rapidly-Changing World,” delving into growth mindset and resilience. The event kicks off with activities at Circuit Zandvoort, the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix track, followed by a canal cruise, blending strategy with immersive networking. Platinum sponsor 14IP coordinates Syed’s talk, while IRECKONU backs the track outing. Eligible executives must submit interest via HFTP’s form due to limited spots.

Roots in Proven North American Success

The CIO Summit EMEA stems from HFTP’s acquisition of Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel-Online, the CIO Summit and Executive Vendor Summit, expanding its global footprint. The original CIO Summit has thrived in North America for over 20 years as a premier C-level networking venue, drawing praise like that from a Choice Hotels International CIO: “It’s one of my favorite events of the year. There’s nothing quite like getting a group of smart, passionate hospitality CxOs in one place.” HFTP.org positions the EMEA edition as a non-sales platform for roundtables on high-impact technologies tailored to regional demands.

HFTP, producer of the flagship HITEC conference, leverages its expertise to host intimate events fostering collaboration among hoteliers, consultants and vendors. Carson Booth, CHTP, HFTP’s Chief Operating Officer for EMEA, oversaw the inaugural summit, which opened with a session on “Best Practices for AI Adoption in Enterprises” sponsored by Fourteen IP. The event’s format emphasizes peer engagement over pitches, a rarity in the industry. HFTP.org notes the Barcelona gathering’s success validated demand for such focused forums.

From Barcelona Triumph to Amsterdam Expansion

The first CIO Summit EMEA, held April 24-25, 2025, at the Renaissance Barcelona Hotel, drew more than 50 professionals for discussions on technologies poised to transform EMEA hospitality. HospitalityNet covered the wrap-up, quoting organizers on its “resounding success” in demonstrating “pronounced demand among hospitality technology leaders for a distinct and strategically focused Summit.” Keynotes came from Michael Tessler, managing partner at True North Advisory, and Stuart Mason, SVP of Commercial, Revenue and Distribution at Belmond, sharing decades of strategy implementation. HospitalityNet detailed the event’s collaborative vibe.

Fourteen IP, platinum sponsor for both years, lauded the Barcelona experience: “We are very much looking forward to CIO summit 2026,” per post-event feedback. The summit addressed enterprise AI best practices, cloud telephony and more, setting the stage for Amsterdam’s deeper dives. HFTP’s EMEA COO Booth emphasized the need for platforms enabling leaders to navigate unique regional hurdles like regulatory variances and sustainability mandates. This momentum carries into 2026, with Amsterdam’s dynamic setting enhancing offsite bonding.

Strategic Focus on AI and Sustainability

Agenda topics reflect EMEA’s tech priorities: AI organizational shifts, tech-driven sustainability for profitability, and CIOs’ influence on regional innovation. Syed’s keynote, via 14IP, will explore resilience in volatile markets, resonating with hospitality’s post-pandemic recovery. Roundtables will dissect practical implementations, drawing from North American precedents adapted for EMEA contexts like diverse data privacy laws under GDPR. HospitalityNet previewed these themes as central to program planning.

Sponsors gain premium access to C-level attendees without sales pressure, prioritizing brand visibility and relationships. IRECKONU’s Circuit Zandvoort sponsorship underscores experiential elements, mirroring North America’s immersive social events. HFTP’s broader portfolio, including HITEC 2026 in San Antonio, reinforces its role as the industry’s tech convener. Interest forms are live, with HFTP.org urging prompt submissions amid strict capacity limits.

HFTP’s Global Event Empire Grows

HFTP’s strategy integrates acquired brands into its ecosystem, with the CIO Summit EMEA complementing North American editions like the September 2025 Vancouver event and India’s 2024 Goa summit. Testimonials from attendees, such as an INNVEST Hotels CIO calling it “one of the best gatherings of the year for global hospitality IT leaders,” highlight its value. The vendor-neutral ethos ensures discussions stay high-level, free from vendor agendas. HFTP.org showcases these endorsements.

As hospitality faces AI disruption and green mandates, the summit positions CIOs as architects of change. Amsterdam’s selection—near tech hubs and with racing flair—amplifies appeal. Organizers anticipate even stronger turnout, building on Barcelona’s proof-of-concept. For EMEA leaders, this remains the premier venue for unfiltered tech strategy.