Hotel Marketing Conference 2026 (HMC2026): Free Hotel Marketing Event to Be Held in Tokyo on November 10–11, 2026
Hotel Marketing Conference 2026 (HMC2026), a two-day event focused on the latest marketing strategies for the hospitality industry, will be held on November 10–11, 2026.
The conference will cover topics including hotel marketing, revenue growth, digital transformation (DX), and the use of AI in the accommodation sector. The venue is KABUTO ONE in Kayabacho, Tokyo, and the event will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend either in person or online from anywhere in Japan.
Participation is free for professionals working in the accommodation industry.
This article provides an overview of the conference, including the event program, key highlights, and participation information.
Hotel Marketing Conference Brings Together Hospitality Industry Decision-Makers
Hotel Marketing Conference (HMC) is Japan’s only event dedicated exclusively to marketing for the accommodation industry. The conference covers a wide range of topics related to hotel marketing, including OTA strategies, increasing direct bookings, social media marketing, online reputation management, AI applications, and inbound tourism.
The inaugural conference was held in 2024 and attracted 774 participants from across the hospitality industry. Approximately 53% of attendees held managerial positions or above, making the event a gathering place for decision-makers in the accommodation sector.
Returning after a two-year interval, HMC2026 will offer an expanded program. The number of participating companies will increase significantly from eight at the previous event to as many as 18, providing attendees with broader and more practical learning opportunities from across the industry.
Four Features of HMC2026 Beyond the Conference Sessions
1. Exhibition Booths Offering Solutions That Can Be Applied Directly to Hotel Operations
In addition to the companies speaking in the sessions, the event will feature exhibition booths introducing products and services useful for hotels and ryokan operations.
The booths will allow accommodation providers to compare and consider a range of solutions addressing issues such as customer acquisition, sales promotion, operational efficiency, and digital transformation. One of the key advantages of attending in person is the ability to see products and services directly, hear explanations from company representatives, and consult with them on-site.
The exhibition area is expected to provide practical hints for improving daily operations and developing new initiatives.
2. Networking Receptions Connecting Speakers and Participants
Networking receptions will be held after the conference on both days.
They will provide opportunities for participants to interact directly with speakers and representatives from presenting companies while exchanging information over food and drinks. Participation is free.
As many participants are expected to be managers or above, the receptions will also offer opportunities to build networks with decision-makers in the accommodation industry. Casual formats such as standing buffet and seated-style receptions are planned, allowing participants to ask questions that could not be covered during the sessions and learn more about the background and success cases behind various initiatives.
3. Exclusive Content Extending the Participant Experience Before the Event
The learning experience will not be limited to the two days of the conference. Participants will also be able to deepen their understanding through exclusive content released before the event.
The special website will publish speaker interviews available only through the event platform. By learning about session highlights and speakers’ perspectives on the industry in advance, participants can gain more from the sessions on the day.
A campaign is also planned in which registered members can earn miles by completing surveys and taking part in other activities. Depending on the number of miles collected, participants may be eligible to win prizes worth up to JPY 100,000.
4. Practical Sessions Focused on Attracting Guests and Increasing Revenue
Companies and experts active on the front lines of the hospitality industry will speak at the event. Across two days, they will share practical knowledge that can be applied directly to hotel operations.
Featured Sessions
- The New Standard for Hotel Marketing in the AI Era: tripla’s Next-Generation Strategy for Maximizing Direct Bookings
- Survey of 630 Travelers Reveals How AI-Driven Hotel Bookings Happen: What Makes a Hotel Stay on—or Drop Off—the Booking Shortlist
- Can 80% of Reservations Come from Social Media? Hotel SNS Strategies That Turn “Maybe Someday” into Bookings
- Changing Hotels, Enduring Value: The Next Standard Shaped by Digital Transformation and Marketing
- Joint Session with Accommodation Providers: How CRM and Digital Transformation Are Shaping the Future of the Hospitality Business
HMC2026 Event Overview
Event: Hotel Marketing Conference 2026 (HMC2026)
Dates: November 10–11, 2026
Venue: KABUTO ONE 4F Hall & Online (Kayabacho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, directly connected to Kayabacho Station)
Format: Hybrid (In-person and Online)
Target Audience: Hotel owners, general managers, hotel managers, and marketing professionals working in the accommodation industry
Capacity: Seating for the in-person venue is limited. Advance registration is required, and admission is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Official Event Website: https://hmc.micado.jp/?utm_source=prtimes&utm_medium=release&utm_campaign=260602
MICE TIMES ONLINE venue guide to KABUTO ONE:https://micetimes.jp/mice-venue-elite-keihin/
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