HOTEC 2024 – Then to Now

As we prepare for HOTEC 2024, we’re thrilled to mark our 16th show, continuing the tradition of being Fiji’s premier event for the hospitality and tourism industry. This year, HOTEC will take place on October 24 and 25 at the Denarau Island Convention Centre and the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort. Since its inception in 2003, HOTEC has evolved from a local gathering into a key event on the Pacific’s hospitality calendar, offering unparalleled networking opportunities, innovative ideas, and industry growth.

What began as an annual event has now become a biennial highlight, providing exciting moments to look forward to every two years.

EVENT BACKGROUND
HOTEC, short for the Hospitality, Tourism, and Equipment Conference, started in 2002 to fill a gap in the Pacific hospitality market. The idea was simple: create a space where everyone in the industry could come together, check out the latest trends, and build valuable connections. The first event was a collaborative effort with the International Travel and Tourism Consultants (ITTC), whose know-how helped set the stage for what’s become an annual highlight for the hospitality crowd.

From the get-go, HOTEC was about giving hoteliers, restaurant owners, suppliers, and other industry players a platform to meet, discover new products, and have real conversations about where hospitality and tourism are headed. Over the years, the tradeshow started pulling in more exhibitors and attendees from across the Pacific and even beyond. That’s when we introduced specialized zones—dedicated spaces for kitchen equipment, IT solutions, and hotel furnishings—making it easier for everyone to find exactly what they were looking for.

As the event grew, so did its reputation. We started bringing in international exhibitors and speakers, reflecting just how global the hospitality industry is. Adding educational seminars and workshops into the mix made HOTEC even more valuable for everyone who attended, offering insights and practical knowledge they could take back to their businesses.

In recent years, we’ve leaned into digital transformation and sustainability trends, focusing on the latest tech and eco-friendly practices. We’ve also made the event more interactive, with live demos and hands-on sessions so people can get up close and personal with the innovations on display.

HOTEC’s growth over the years shows its ability to keep up with the changing needs of the industry while sticking to its core mission of fostering connections and showcasing what’s new and next. Traditionally, the event has been tailored to Fiji’s tourism operators, both big and small. But for 2024, we’re casting the net wider, inviting hoteliers from all around the South Pacific. This way, our exhibitors have an even broader audience to pitch their products and services to, making HOTEC more exciting and valuable than ever.

EVENT ORGANIZERS AND 2024 KEY PARTNERS
These days, HOTEC is mainly organized by the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA), and they’re the driving force behind making the tradeshow a hit year after year. FHTA’s got its finger on the pulse of the industry, making sure the event not only meets the needs of everyone involved but also keeps up with the latest trends and innovations. With FHTA’s deep industry connections and their dedication to promoting Fiji as a top-notch destination for tourism and hospitality, HOTEC has become the must-attend event that it is today.

But it’s not just FHTA making it all happen. They team up with a variety of stakeholders, from local government bodies and industry associations to corporate sponsors. This collaboration brings a wide mix of participants to the table, creating a dynamic and engaging event experience that’s always fresh and exciting.

This year, HOTEC is getting major support from our platinum sponsors, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and Trade & Investment Queensland (TIQ). We’re also thrilled to have New Zealand Trade & Enterprise on board as our gold sponsor and Palmex International as our bronze sponsor. These partnerships are key to pulling off an event of this scale and calibre.

When it comes to competitions, we’ve got some fantastic partners lined up, including the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, Finest Liquor and Triple 3, South Pacific Coffee Company, and Fiji Gas. Their involvement adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, making the competitions something to look forward to.

Of course, we can’t forget our amazing event partners who help bring everything together. Huge shoutout to Fiji Times, Decked Out Apparel, Fiji Water, Microhire, Fiji Airways, Sharma Music, and Total Event Company. Their contributions are deeply appreciated and play a big part in making HOTEC the vibrant, well-rounded event that it is.

2024 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
As we gear up for the 16th edition of HOTEC, this year’s event is shaping up to be something special. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Diverse Range of Exhibitors – Get ready to explore a wide range of exhibitors showcasing the best in the business. We’re talking everything from top food and beverage producers to equipment and furniture manufacturers, waste management solutions, sanitary products, underwater gear, IT and security solutions, and sustainable product suppliers. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current setup or discover something entirely new, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and opportunities to enhance your operations.

Focus on Sustainability – Sustainability is a big deal this year at HOTEC 2024. Exhibitors and speakers will be highlighting eco-friendly products and practices that show how the hospitality industry can lead the way in environmental conservation without compromising on quality or comfort. It’s all about doing good while doing business.

Interactive Sessions and Live Demonstrations – We’re turning up the interactivity this year with sessions and live demos that let you dive right into the innovations on display. Whether it’s a cooking demo or a tech showcase, you’ll get hands-on experiences that offer practical insights you can take back to your own business.

Educational Seminars and Workshops – HOTEC 2024 is packed with info sessions covering the latest trends and best practices in hospitality. Industry experts will be sharing their knowledge on a variety of topics, giving you valuable takeaways that can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Networking Opportunities – One of the best parts of HOTEC is the chance to connect. Whether it’s at the trade event itself, over cocktails and canapés sponsored by Austrade and TIQ or NZTE, or during one of the many other networking moments, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet peers, potential partners, and industry leaders. These connections could be the key to your next big success.

Training and Competitions – This year, HOTEC 2024 will host the finals of our hospitality competitions, with preliminaries happening around the country leading up to the big event. We’ve got a Barista Competition, Chef Competition, and Cocktail Competition lined up, all designed to not only showcase skills but also to offer training and upskilling opportunities along the way. Competitors will leave knowing even more about their craft than when they started.

Discounted Airfares and Accommodation – Thinking about attending? If you’re flying in on a Fiji Airways route, you can snag discounted airfares. Plus, if you register now, you can lock in discounted accommodation rates specifically for HOTEC 2024.

But don’t wait too long—these deals are limited and come with a few conditions.

HOTEC 2024 is not just another tradeshow; it’s a chance to see what’s new, learn from the best, and connect with others who are just as passionate about the industry as you are. We can’t wait to see you there!