LendingCon 2026 Draws Nearly 1,000 Hospitality Leaders to Orlando

Sixth annual conference expands access to capital, international investment opportunities and industry collaboration

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 13, 2026) — LendingCon 2026 welcomed nearly 1,000 hospitality professionals to Orlando Aug. 4–5 for two days of education, networking and dealmaking focused on the forces shaping hotel investment, development and operations.

Now in its sixth year, the annual Hospitality Investment, Development and Lending Conference brought together hotel owners, investors, developers, operators, brand executives, lenders, government leaders, technology companies and industry service providers from across the United States and international markets.

Programming addressed topics ranging from hospitality investment and capital markets to hotel operations, development, insurance, technology, government affairs and alternative financing strategies. More than 40 banks, lenders and capital providers participated in this year’s conference, with dedicated Deal Room and lender networking opportunities designed to connect hospitality projects with financing resources and potential partners.

“LendingCon continues to grow because the industry needs a place where owners, operators, lenders and partners can have meaningful conversations about where hospitality is headed and what it will take to move projects forward,” said Jan Gautam, founder of LendingCon. “This year’s turnout and participation reinforced the strength of that community and the opportunities ahead.”

Expanding LendingCon’s Reach

LendingCon 2026 also marked an expansion of the conference’s international programming. Government officials and representatives from several countries introduced attendees to hospitality, tourism, real estate and economic development opportunities in their respective markets, creating new connections between U.S.-based investors and international opportunities.

The conference expects to build on that international participation in future years as LendingCon expands its reach and creates additional opportunities for cross-border investment and collaboration.

Technology and innovation also remained a major focus throughout the event, with conversations examining the growing role of artificial intelligence, automation, robotics and digital platforms across hotel operations, underwriting, revenue management and the guest experience.

New Hospitality Insurance Initiative Announced

During the conference, LendingCon announced plans for a specialized hospitality insurance program connected with Lloyd’s of London. Expected to launch in the coming months, the initiative is being developed to provide qualifying hospitality owners and operators with access to competitive insurance and risk management solutions. Additional information regarding eligibility, coverage and program details will be announced as the initiative develops.

Insurance was also among the conference’s educational focuses, with industry experts addressing rising costs, captive insurance strategies and ways hotel owners can approach risk management more strategically.

Recognizing Industry Leadership and Community Impact

LendingCon honored three leaders during the conference for their contributions to hospitality, advocacy and public service:

• Congressman Mike Haridopolos, Governmental Affairs Award
• Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Hospitality Advocacy Award
• Jonel Hines of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Hospitality Community Outreach Award

Two community organizations – Epilepsy Association and Gift of Life – also received charitable contributions as part of LendingCon’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities connected to the hospitality industry.

“The momentum coming out of LendingCon 2026 is exciting,” Gautam said. “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, participated and helped bring this year’s conference to life. We see tremendous opportunity to continue growing LendingCon, expanding our international reach and creating new connections between hospitality leaders, capital and investment opportunities around the world.”

About Hospitality Investors Conference (LendingCon)

LendingCon is an annual hospitality investment, development and lending conference that brings together hotel owners, investors, developers, operators, lenders, brands, government leaders, technology companies and industry service providers. Its mission is to strengthen the hospitality industry through education, access to capital, collaboration, innovation, international engagement, community service and relationship building while creating opportunities for the next generation of hospitality leaders. For more information, visit LendingCon.com.