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The 2020 edition of the Hotel Data Conference will feature a hybrid format and limited in-person attendance to accommodate for social distancing measures and travel challenges around the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are confident that this updated format will provide the value expected by our industry while placing non-negotiable emphasis on safety,” said Patrick Mayock, an STR VP and co-lead of the HDC Planning Committee. “At the same time, we understand that HDC will be one of the first industry events out of the gate and can provide a template for conferences set for later this year and early in 2021.”

  • The in-person portion of HDC will remain at the JW Marriott Nashville.
  • The conference, presented by IDeaS, a SAS Company, will be delivered to a reduced in-person audience of 150 and be streamed live to a virtual audience for additional networking, sponsor interaction and Q&A.  
  • The event has been reduced to one day (13 August), but a weekly webinar series will be available to registered in-person and virtual attendees beginning on 25 June. In addition to access to the seven webinars held ahead of HDC, all attendees will have access to STR Academy and post-event recordings.  
  • The 13 August conference agenda has been condensed to six hours with general sessions only to limit the amount of movement of in-person attendees.  
  • All seating and floor traffic flow will be designed to allow for six feet of space between attendees. 
  • Protective masks, provided for all in-person attendees, will be required when moving throughout the conference space. Hand sanitizer stations also will be available throughout. 
  • Meals will be plated and/or boxed, then served individually to avoid unnecessary contact. 
  • Printed conference materials and giveaways will be mailed in advance. 

“Conferences are such a key part of the industry—not only for the business they bring destinations, but for the opportunities they provide in the exchange of knowledge and advancement of the industry,” Mayock said. “While we would love to welcome our usual packed house with more than 700 people, we’re looking forward to contributing to the early return of industry events.”