LendingCon recently 2026 brought nearly 1,000 hospitality professionals to Orlando for discussions on hotel investment, development, lending and operations.
The sixth annual Hospitality Investment, Development and Lending Conference took place on Aug. 4-5. The event attracted hotel owners, investors, developers, operators, brand executives, lenders, government officials, technology companies and industry service providers from the U.S. and international markets.
Conference programming covered hospitality investment and capital markets, hotel operations, development, insurance, technology, government affairs and alternative financing strategies. More than 40 banks, lenders and capital providers participated, with Deal Room and lender networking sessions connecting hospitality projects with potential financing sources and 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,” Jan Gautam, founder of LendingCon, said in a statement. “This year’s turnout and participation reinforced the strength of that community and the opportunities ahead.”
The conference also expanded its international programming, with government officials and representatives from several countries presenting hospitality, tourism, real estate and economic development opportunities in their respective markets. The sessions were intended to connect U.S.-based investors with potential international opportunities.
Artificial intelligence, automation, robotics and digital platforms were also among the technology topics discussed, with sessions examining their applications in hotel operations, underwriting, revenue management and the guest experience.
LendingCon also announced plans for a hospitality insurance program being developed in connection with Lloyd’s of London. The program is expected to launch in the coming months and is intended to provide qualifying hospitality owners and operators with insurance and risk management options.
The conference also recognized three industry and public-sector leaders. Congressman Mike Haridopolos received the Governmental Affairs Award; Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, received the Hospitality Advocacy Award; and Jonel Hines of the U.S. Small Business Administration received the Hospitality Community Outreach Award.