From smarter guest experiences to more efficient operations, the Hospitality Tech Summit 2026 is bringing industry leaders together to explore how technology can unlock new opportunities for Malta’s hospitality sector.

As guest expectations evolve and technology continues to transform the hospitality industry, one question is becoming increasingly important for businesses: How can hotels and restaurants turn technological innovation into real business value?

That’s exactly what the Hospitality Tech Summit 2026 is setting out to explore.

Taking place on Thursday, 22nd October, at Trident Park in Birkirkara, the event is being organised by Smart Technologies in partnership with Oracle Hospitality, bringing together hospitality professionals, business leaders and technology specialists under the theme “Shaping What Comes Next”.

The summit aims to go beyond simply showcasing new technologies, focusing instead on how businesses can use digital solutions to improve guest experiences, strengthen operations and make more informed decisions.

Technology Is Changing Hospitality, But What Really Makes A Difference?

From the moment a guest makes a reservation to the time they check out, technology is playing an increasingly important role in shaping the hospitality experience.

But for hotel owners, general managers and restaurant operators, adopting new systems is only one part of the challenge.

The bigger question is how those systems can work together to deliver measurable improvements across the business.

Speaking ahead of the event, Joe Aquilina, CEO of Smart Technologies, highlighted the importance of looking at technology as part of the entire hospitality operation.

“Hospitality is an industry built around people and experiences, but delivering those experiences also depends on what happens behind the scenes,” said Aquilina.

“Technology has a role to play across the entire business, from the guest journey to day-to-day operations, food and beverage services and financial performance. We want to bring the industry together to look at these opportunities, share perspectives and consider what the next stage of hospitality could look like.”

Connecting Innovation With Business Performance

One of the summit’s central themes will be the relationship between technological investment and business outcomes.

Rather than treating reservations, payments, guest engagement and food and beverage services as separate functions, the event will explore how connected systems can create more efficient and responsive hospitality operations.

Discussions will cover areas including guest engagement, connectivity, reservations, payments, food and beverage operations and commercial performance.

The programme will also examine the growing role of data in hospitality, how guest expectations are changing and how businesses can balance personalised service with operational efficiency.

For hospitality leaders navigating rising expectations and increasingly complex operations, these conversations could offer valuable perspectives on where to focus future investment.

Among the speakers will be Robert Mondorf, Principal Strategy and Product Lead at Oracle Hospitality, who will deliver a keynote exploring emerging hospitality technology trends and the direction of the industry.

More Than Technology: Creating Conversations That Lead To Change

While innovation will be at the centre of the event, the organisers are placing equal emphasis on collaboration and practical takeaways.

The summit is designed to create opportunities for hospitality professionals to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges and connect with technology specialists working across the sector.

John Montanaro, Chief Revenue Officer at Smart Technologies, explained that the objective is to encourage businesses to think beyond the technologies currently available.

“We want delegates to leave with more than an understanding of what technology is available. We want them to think differently about the challenges in their own businesses, discover new possibilities and have conversations that can lead to practical improvements,” he said.

“The value is in connecting the technology with the outcomes hospitality businesses are trying to achieve.”

The event will also bring together several technology companies supporting the hospitality industry.

Ruckus Networks is participating as Platinum Sponsor, alongside Uniguest, MyStay, Busy Rooms, Melita, Planet and Philips.

Their involvement will contribute to discussions around the technologies and services shaping the future of hospitality operations.

Bringing Malta’s Hospitality Industry Together

With technology increasingly influencing everything from customer satisfaction to financial performance, the Hospitality Tech Summit 2026 aims to provide a platform for industry professionals to explore the opportunities ahead.

For hotel owners, restaurant operators, general managers and department leaders, the event offers an opportunity to gain insights into emerging developments, exchange ideas and consider how technology can support their business objectives.

The summit reflects a broader shift in hospitality: technology is no longer simply a supporting function but an increasingly important part of business strategy.

And as the industry continues to evolve, understanding how to connect innovation with real operational improvements could make all the difference.

Event Details

Hospitality Tech Summit 2026: “Shaping What Comes Next” will take place on Thursday, 22nd October 2026, from 8:30am to 3:00pm, at Trident Park, Birkirkara.

Organised by Smart Technologies in partnership with Oracle Hospitality, the event is open for registration.

Interested in attending? Register for the Hospitality Tech Summit 2026 here.

Smart Technologies Ltd is a Malta-based IT solutions integrator specialising in managed IT services, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, enterprise applications and hospitality technology solutions.