On July 23, 2026, the official press conference announcing HORECFEX Vietnam 2026 was held at Ariyana Convention Centre Danang, marking the beginning of the journey towards one of Vietnam’s most notable forums for technology, innovation and procurement in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Under the press conference theme “Future Vision”, HORECFEX Vietnam 2026 delivered a clear message: the future of the HORECA industry is no longer a distant concept. Artificial intelligence, smart glasses, VR/360 technology and robots are gradually entering every touchpoint across hotels, resorts, restaurants, tourism and event operations.
Technology Moves Beyond Exhibition Booths into Real-World Operations
Unlike a conventional technology presentation, the HORECFEX Vietnam 2026 press conference was designed as a live proof of concept. The featured solutions were not limited to the stage or exhibition area; instead, they were integrated directly into the experience of guests and members of the media.
One of the most prominent highlights was the Rokid smart glasses, introduced as a “press pass” for the AI era. The device enabled journalists to record footage from a first-person perspective while receiving subtitles, directions and real-time multilingual translation directly within their field of vision.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh opens the event
HORECFEX Vietnam starts with the press theme "Future Vision"
Through its integration with artificial intelligence platforms, the smart glasses could also support users in quickly accessing agendas, event data and speaker information without leaving the venue. For the hospitality and tourism sectors, this technology offers potential applications in front-office operations, customer service, staff training, presentations and communication with international guests.
Mr. Pham Ngoc Loi, Director of Information Technology and Innovation at HORECFEX Vietnam, shared:
“Tomorrow is no longer ahead of us - it is already within our field of vision. In hospitality, technology is not intended to replace people. It helps people see faster, understand more deeply and serve more thoughtfully.”
VR/360 Technology Removes Geographical Barriers
Alongside smart glasses, Meta Quest 3 was used to recreate event spaces through virtual reality and 360-degree content.
At the experience area, guests were able to virtually “step into” spaces at Ariyana Convention Centre Danang and Furama Villas. The technology allowed users to preview accommodation, villas, convention halls, stages and event layouts before making a decision.
The Meta Quest 3 headset attracts attention at the press conference
For hotels and MICE businesses, VR/360 technology can support sales activities, reduce the costs of physical site inspections, shorten decision-making processes and expand access to international clients. Mixed reality also introduces new training methods for employees working in front-office, housekeeping, food and beverage, and operational safety departments.
Through an ecosystem of digital maps and virtual destinations, Da Nang was also positioned as a “living laboratory” for smart hospitality solutions. User interaction data can become a valuable source of insight for marketing, business development and destination management.
AI Robots Take on New Roles in Hospitality and Tourism
The AI robot ecosystem was one of the most attention-grabbing areas at the press conference.
The Unitree Robotics quadruped robot demonstrated scenarios involving security patrols, large-area surveillance, rescue assistance and access to high-risk terrain. It represented the concept of “Physical AI”, in which robots undertake repetitive, hazardous tasks or duties that require continuous operation.
The Unitree robot dog is one of the press conference’s standout highlights
Meanwhile, the OrionStar reception robot demonstrated the ability to communicate in more than 30 languages. It could proactively welcome guests, provide information and guide them to designated areas. This solution is particularly relevant to hotel lobbies, resorts and convention centres that receive large numbers of international visitors.
The KEENON service robot was directly integrated into the post-conference reception, transporting food and beverages to guests’ tables. Its participation illustrated how automation could support F&B operations, reduce manual tasks and allow employees to focus more closely on guest experience.
Together, the three robot solutions represented three major areas of the HORECA industry: security and safety, reception and communication, and F&B operations. Their shared purpose was not to replace employees, but to enable people to dedicate more time to emotional connection, creativity and genuine hospitality.
“ALL YOU NEED” - A Comprehensive Ecosystem for the HORECA Industry
Building on the technology experiences introduced at the press conference, HORECFEX Vietnam 2026 will officially take place on August 20–21, 2026, at Ariyana Convention Centre Danang.
Under the theme “ALL YOU NEED - Knowledge, Technology, Supply and Connections”, the event aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem for hotels, resorts, restaurants, F&B businesses, tourism companies and event organisations.
In terms of knowledge, HORECFEX Vietnam 2026 is expected to feature more than 40 presentations and panel discussions, bringing together approximately 55 speakers from 20 countries. The programme will address key issues shaping the future of hospitality and tourism, including artificial intelligence, hotel management, revenue optimisation, sales and marketing, sustainability, F&B and human resource development.
The press conference concludes successfully
In terms of technology, the event will introduce practical solutions in automation, data management, smart rooms, energy management and sustainable operations.
For procurement, nearly 100 exhibitors are expected to present a broad ecosystem of products, equipment and services for hotels, resorts, restaurants, housekeeping, wellness, interior design, facilities and operational management.
The event will also feature business networking and B2B matching programmes, providing opportunities for investors, operators, specialists and suppliers to discuss their needs, identify suitable partners and explore cooperation opportunities in Vietnam and international markets.
Building New Competitive Capacity for Vietnam’s Tourism Industry
HORECFEX Vietnam 2026 does not simply ask how advanced technology has become. Instead, the event focuses on a more practical question: how can technology be applied to improve productivity, service quality and business performance?
By bringing knowledge, technology, procurement and networking together on one platform, businesses will gain greater access to suitable solutions, opportunities to standardise their operations, optimise resources and improve customer experiences.
Expected to welcome more than 4,500 participants, HORECFEX Vietnam 2026 continues to affirm its role as a meeting point for the hospitality, tourism, technology and supply-chain communities. The event will accompany Vietnam’s tourism industry on its journey towards digital transformation, innovation and stronger international competitiveness.
HORECFEX Vietnam 2026
Dates: August 20-21, 2026
Venue: Ariyana Convention Centre Danang
Theme: ALL YOU NEED – Knowledge, Technology, Procurement and Networking