The Hospitality Show, now in its second year, will take place at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio from Oct. 28-30. The Show will bring together 5,000 attendees and promises to drive profitability for owners, operators and hospitality innovators through dedicated content, extensive networking and 400+ operations and technology vendors.
In this installment of The Hospitality Show sponsor Q&A, we catch up with Anu Saxena, president and global head, Hilton Supply Management.
What new trends do you see affecting the hospitality industry the most in 2024?
We have seen a shift in traveler expectations with guests leaning toward a blend of relaxation and high-impact experiences. Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, which reflects insights from more than 10,000 travelers across 13 countries, shows travelers are increasingly looking to maximize their time and value with tailored journeys that demand personalization and seamless service at the forefront.
Last year, Hilton welcomed more than 210 million guests and surpassed 180 million Hilton Honors members. Our team at Hilton Supply Management (HSM) plays a central role in delivering services, cultural immersions, and culinary experiences both locally and at scale. Our research-driven approach and leading hospitality supply network ensure high standards, ultimately fostering exceptional guest experiences.
What do you see as the biggest opportunities for the industry this year?
International travel has come roaring back in recent years. Hilton’s development pipeline currently includes more than 130 countries and is larger and more global than ever before. Markets including China and India are at the forefront of growth with large populations eager to travel both domestically and internationally.
Hilton is strategically positioned to meet these evolving needs through innovative brand strategies. A prime example is Spark by Hilton. The brand celebrated its debut in Europe earlier this year just nine months after the first property opened in the U.S., a milestone possible due to strong connections across our global supply chain. Spark reaffirms Hilton's commitment to exceptional value as we continue to expand the brand’s portfolio in the years ahead.
What do you think the industry's biggest accomplishment has been in the past year?
The hospitality industry's most significant accomplishment over the past year has been its unwavering commitment to meeting changing guest needs through dynamic and innovative solutions. In a highly competitive and evolving marketplace, hospitality brands have risen to the occasion, crafting tailored experiences that address individual preferences while balancing the interests of property owners.
At Hilton, our brands have earned a reputation among owners for driving high returns, and that would not be possible without delivering a great guest experience. As guest needs change and evolve, we will continue to innovate and source products for our hotels that surprise and delight.
What are you most looking forward to at The Hospitality Show?
Supply chains are all about connections. I’m incredibly excited to connect with HSM customers and key stakeholders, including our owners and supplier partners, at The Hospitality Show. It’s a wonderful forum to meet with people from all facets of the industry.