NCRLA’s first Hospitality AI Summit brought together hospitality leaders, technology experts, industry innovators and solution providers from across North Carolina to explore what AI really means for our industry.
Now, we’re sharing some of the practical ideas, insights and real-world applications from the Summit—designed to help restaurants and lodging businesses work smarter, improve efficiency and create more capacity for what matters most: people.
Explore the videos below and join the conversation in the NCRLA Hospitality AI Member Forum.
Keep the Conversation Going
Join the NCRLA Hospitality AI Member Forum to share ideas, ask questions and learn how to fellow hospitality professionals are putting AI to work.
2026 Hospitality AI Summit Recap
NCRLA’s inaugural Hospitality AI Summit, held August 10 at NC State’s McKimmon Center, brought together hospitality leaders, technology experts and industry innovators for a practical look at how AI is changing restaurants and lodging. Sessions explored AI-powered profitability, operations, marketing, guest experiences, AI search, cybersecurity and responsible adoption.
Summit Panelists
Bhavana Bartholf
Executive VP of Commercial Sales & Strategy at Compass Group North America
Joao Oliveria
Director of Business Development at Restaurant Associates
Sean Potter
CEO at Built On Hospitality
Lee Bridges
Chief Product Officer at Inn-Flow
Todd Keenan
Director of Specialty Lines at Sentinel
Scott Peacock
Director of Marketing & Communications at Visit NC
Kelley O’Brien
Growth Marketing Lead at Farlow + Co.
Kyle Highberg
VP of Hospitality at Biltmore Farms
