Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), producers of the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), has opened the application process for the North American Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) start-up pitch competition. Established in 2015, E20X gives innovative hospitality technology startups an opportunity to pitch their cutting-edge ideas to a room full of HITEC attendees and a panel of expert judges. Two awards will be presented to the top competitors: the Judges’ Choice Award —selected by the panel of judges and the People’s Choice Award — selected by popular vote determined by HITEC attendees.

The application asks potential participants for company details including a business description and history; as well as how their solution relates to hospitality and its competitive landscape. Applicants are also asked to submit a three-minute pitch video. There is a $200 USD application fee with a March 15, 2023 deadline.

Parminder Batra, CEO of TraknProtect, the E20X 2019 Judges’ Choice Winner said, “We know that E20X is a great way to increase the visibility of your brand and solutions, and so to participate in the session was a ‘no brainer’… some executives have told me this is the one event they do not miss to learn more about upcoming technologies and the benefits that startups can have on our hotel technology ecosystem.”

The selected participants will have access to a team of mentors before the competition, who will inspire and educate the startups by lending them insights, expertise and guidance. In addition, 2023 competitors will be given space in the E20X pavilion in the HITEC exhibit hall June 27–29, 2023. Here they will demonstrate their solution to HITEC attendees who determine the winner of the People’s Choice award.

HFTP will also hold an E20X competition in 2023 at HITEC Dubai at The Hotel Show Dubai, May 23-24 located at the Dubai World Trade Center in Dubai, UAE. Applications for E20X Dubai will open soon.

HITEC North America will take place on June 26–29 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ont. Canada. HITEC is the world's largest hospitality technology exposition and conference. It offers a unique combination of top-notch hospitality technology education, led by industry peers and experts, and an unparalleled trade show showcasing the latest hospitality technology products and services.