Unearthing Opportunity: Your Essential Guide to the Idaho Hospitality Expo in Boise!

Imagine stepping into a vibrant exhibition hall, alive with the unmistakable spirit of the Gem State, mingled with the irresistible aromas of freshly brewed coffee, local potato specialties, and the lively buzz of thousands of professionals connecting to shape the future of their businesses. For every dedicated restaurateur, visionary chef, meticulous lodge owner, ambitious food entrepreneur, and burgeoning hospitality professional across the magnificent “Potato State,” there’s one annual event that serves as the essential compass for navigating the ever-evolving world of hospitality: the Idaho Hospitality Expo in Boise. This isn’t just a trade show; it’s the definitive annual gathering, a crucial nexus of innovation, education, and unparalleled networking opportunities, meticulously designed to empower and propel the state’s incredibly diverse foodservice, lodging, and tourism sectors amidst Idaho’s rugged landscape and dynamic economy.

Picture yourself on a sprawling exhibition floor, a dynamic marketplace of ideas and innovation. You’ll be surrounded by hundreds of exhibitors showcasing everything from Idaho’s famous potatoes and local craft beverages, to cutting-edge kitchen equipment designed for efficiency in both bustling city establishments and remote ski resorts, sophisticated Property Management Systems (PMS) that streamline operations for hotels and charming B&Bs, and vital services that ensure compliance with Idaho’s specific regulations in a rapidly expanding industry. This Expo is a hands-on learning laboratory, a powerful community hub, and a direct pipeline to the products and strategies you need, all expertly curated to cater to the unique demands of Idaho’s hospitality landscape. It’s where a bustling downtown Boise restaurant discovers innovative new ways to source local ingredients; where a charming ski lodge in Sun Valley finds unique ways to enhance guest experiences with sustainable practices and authentic Idaho touches; and where an up-and-coming cidery from Meridian gets inspired by the latest beverage trends and techniques, often with a distinctly Idahoan flair. For any professional deeply invested in the success and evolution of their restaurant, hotel, bar, catering company, or retail establishment across Idaho, attending this Expo is not merely an option—it’s an indispensable annual tradition that directly impacts their sourcing, fuels innovation, strengthens their professional network, and ultimately contributes to the flourishing of the entire Idaho hospitality ecosystem.

Idaho’s hospitality sector is as diverse and vital as its expansive wilderness, soaring mountains, and fertile valleys, encompassing the rapidly growing urban centers of Boise, Meridian, and Nampa, the world-renowned ski resorts (Sun Valley, Bogus Basin), and the thriving remote lodges, fishing resorts, and outdoor adventure destinations. Operators here navigate unique challenges and opportunities, whether it’s sourcing from its abundant agriculture, managing specific state liquor and tourism regulations in a diverse and often remote environment, attracting a global visitor base (from outdoor enthusiasts and ski tourists to business travelers and local residents), or adapting to its distinct seasonal economic patterns and logistical considerations. The Idaho Hospitality Expo is specifically crafted to address these very issues. It’s where a popular resort in McCall can find tailored solutions from regional distributors who understand the logistics of Idahoan supply chains; where a large hotel in Idaho Falls can connect with new technology providers for online bookings that accommodate varied traveler demographics; and where industry leaders can discuss the latest trends and legislative updates impacting their businesses, often with a focus on sustainable growth, effective workforce solutions, and adapting to a dynamic economic climate unique to “The Gem State.” The Expo’s commitment to showcasing local excellence, providing direct engagement, and fostering community building makes it an incredibly efficient platform for businesses of all sizes to thrive. If you’re a restaurateur looking for a competitive edge, a lodging professional aiming to enhance your guest experience, a retailer seeking innovative products, or a supplier keen to expand your market reach within this vital state, attending this Expo offers a practical, inspiring, and profoundly strategic experience that directly contributes to your business growth and strengthens Idaho’s thriving hospitality and retail sectors.

Gem City Gathering: Venue, Time, and Cost

The Idaho Hospitality Expo, as the central gathering for the state’s industry, is ideally positioned in Boise. As Idaho’s capital and largest city, a major hub for business, and a popular destination for travelers, Boise offers unparalleled accessibility for professionals from across Idaho and surrounding regions, making it the perfect host for a statewide industry event.

Boise Centre: The Premier Hub for Idaho’s Hospitality! The Boise Centre, located at 850 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702, USA, is the confirmed and ideal venue for the Idaho Hospitality Expo. This modern, purpose-built convention center in the heart of downtown Boise is perfectly equipped to host a comprehensive trade show and conference:

• Extensive Event Space: Boise Centre boasts approximately 86,000 square feet of total event space, including adaptable exhibit halls, numerous meeting rooms, and versatile ballroom space. This capacity is perfectly suited to accommodate a significant number of exhibitor booths, dedicated product zones, areas for live culinary and beverage demonstrations, and multiple seminar rooms. This ensures a dynamic, organized, and easy-to-navigate show floor, allowing attendees to explore thoroughly.
• Prime Downtown Location: Situated in the vibrant core of downtown Boise, Boise Centre offers excellent accessibility for attendees. It’s within walking distance of over 1,600 hotel rooms, more than 100 restaurants and breweries, and major attractions like the Grove Plaza, the Boise River Greenbelt, and the Basque Block. This central location enhances the overall experience for attendees, combining business opportunities with easy access to Boise’s cultural and culinary scene.
• Integrated Amenities: As a modern convention center, Boise Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including robust Wi-Fi, in-house catering services, advanced audio-visual capabilities, and various amenities that ensure a comfortable and productive experience for all participants.
• Connected to The Grove Hotel: Boise Centre is directly connected to The Grove Hotel, a premier full-service hotel, offering seamless access for attendees and exhibitors who choose to stay on-site, minimizing travel time and maximizing networking opportunities.

A Seasonal Harvest: The Annual Schedule The Idaho Hospitality Expo is an annual event, strategically timed to allow businesses to explore new solutions and prepare for the coming year’s operations and the next peak seasons.

• When It Happens: These types of comprehensive state-level expos are often held in the early to mid-summer (e.g., July) or early fall (e.g., September/October). A summer or early fall timing is often preferred to allow operators to assess the previous year’s performance, learn from the busy ski season or early summer tourism, and plan for the crucial upcoming fall harvest, winter tourism, and holiday seasons, making purchasing and strategic planning more effective. As per recent information, the Idaho Hospitality Expo typically occurs around July. For example, the 2025 event has been noted for July 8-10, 2025.
• Duration: This comprehensive industry event usually runs for one to two intensive days, packed with opportunities for discovery, learning, and networking, maximizing efficiency for busy professionals traveling from across the state. While some multi-day events might have a trade show for one full day, a two-day schedule allows for more in-depth educational content and networking.
  • Typical Schedule (e.g., 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM for Trade Show, with concurrent seminars): The Expo floor is typically open for full days of exhibits. Educational seminars are usually interspersed throughout the days, providing continuous learning opportunities without pulling attendees away from the main exhibit floor for too long. There might also be preceding evening receptions or concluding networking events.

Cost of Admission: The Idaho Lodging & Restaurant Association (ILRA), as the primary organizer or supporter of such an event, aims to make its premier event accessible to industry professionals.

• For ILRA Members: Pre-registered members of the Idaho Lodging & Restaurant Association often receive significant benefits, including complimentary (FREE) admission to the Trade Show component and access to educational sessions. This is a substantial perk of ILRA membership, which provides valuable advocacy, resources, and savings year-round.
• For Non-Members: There is a nominal fee for non-members to access the trade show floor and educational seminars. The fee for attendees is typically in the range of $25.00 – $75.00. This modest investment provides immense value given the resources, networking, and direct opportunities available at the show. For a multi-day conference that includes the Expo, the cost could be higher, for example, around $499 for non-members and $399 for members for a full convention pass. This full pass would cover all seminars, access to the trade show, and often some meals or receptions.

The structure of the Idaho Hospitality Expo is thoughtfully designed to provide maximum value and engagement:

• Comprehensive Exhibit Hall: The core attraction, featuring diverse product categories from Idaho’s leading food and beverage producers, as well as suppliers of essential restaurant, lodging, and retail services.
• Educational Seminars & Workshops: A robust program of expert-led sessions covering critical topics relevant to Idaho’s unique hospitality industries, such as navigating the state’s specific liquor laws and evolving regulations, optimizing labor management in a seasonal environment (especially around tourist seasons), capitalizing on the state’s significant tourism (skiing, outdoor recreation, national forests), promoting authentic Idahoan cuisine and local sourcing (like potatoes, trout, huckleberries), and implementing sustainable practices in a delicate natural environment.
• Live Culinary & Beverage Demonstrations: Providing both inspiration and practical application of products and techniques, often featuring renowned Idaho chefs showcasing the versatility of local ingredients – from high-quality potatoes and trout to specialty items – and innovative preparation methods, along with expert craft beverage tastings and mixology sessions inspired by the state’s burgeoning craft beer, wine, and spirits scene.
• Networking Opportunities: Beyond the trade show floor, the Expo provides ample opportunities for attendees to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential business partners from across the state, fostering collaboration and growth within the close-knit Idaho industry. This is especially vital in a state with vast distances between communities.

This focused and engaging schedule, combined with an affordable entry cost (or free for members), ensures that Idaho’s foodservice, lodging, and retail professionals can efficiently discover new solutions, gain vital industry knowledge, and forge invaluable business relationships within a productive timeframe, all in the vibrant heart of Boise.

From Spuds to Suds: Key Product Categories

The Idaho Hospitality Expo would offer an incredibly comprehensive showcase, presenting virtually every product, service, and technology vital for operating a successful restaurant, lodging establishment, or retail business in Idaho. It’s truly a one-stop-shop designed to address the diverse needs of the state’s unique hospitality and tourism industries, often highlighting the best of what the “Gem State” has to offer. Key product and service categories you can expect to explore include:

• Idaho-Sourced Food & Beverage Products: This would be a major highlight, showcasing the state’s unparalleled natural resources and growing local production:
  • Potatoes & Agricultural Products: An extensive focus on Idaho’s most famous export – potatoes – in various forms, along with other local produce, onions, and specialty crops.
  • Idaho Trout & Aquaculture: Highlighting fresh, locally sourced trout and other aquatic products.
  • Beef & Game Meats: High-quality Idaho-raised beef and, where applicable, game meats, emphasizing the state’s agricultural heritage.
  • Specialty & Gourmet Foods: Locally produced huckleberry products, cheeses, jams, sauces, baked goods, and other unique regional items, emphasizing artisanal and natural products.
  • Craft Beverages: An extensive selection from Idaho’s celebrated craft brewery, cidery, winery, and distillery scenes, offering unique opportunities for restaurants and bars to source distinctive local adult beverages.
• Kitchen & Foodservice Equipment & Supplies:
  • Cooking Equipment: The latest commercial ovens, ranges, fryers, griddles, combi ovens, and specialty cooking apparatus designed for efficiency and high performance.
  • Refrigeration & Freezing: Commercial refrigerators, freezers, ice machines, and cold storage solutions crucial for food quality and safety.
  • Warewashing & Sanitation: Commercial dishwashers, advanced cleaning chemicals, and sanitizing systems suited for various operational scales.
  • Smallwares & Tableware: A vast selection of pots, pans, utensils, cutting boards, bakeware, and serving tools, including durable options suitable for busy restaurants and lodges.
• Lodging & Guest Services:
  • Linens & Laundry Services: High-quality linens, towels, and specialized laundry solutions for hotels, lodges, and B&Bs, crucial for guest comfort in diverse Idaho environments.
  • Amenities & Guest Supplies: Toiletries, in-room coffee, and other items that enhance the guest experience, often with a focus on locally sourced or Idaho-themed products.
  • Property Management Systems (PMS): Software solutions for reservations, check-in/out, billing, and housekeeping, crucial for managing diverse lodging types from large urban hotels to remote ski resorts and guest ranches.
  • Furnishings & Fixtures: Options for rooms, lobbies, and common areas, reflecting various styles from rustic mountain lodge and authentic Western to modern contemporary.
  • Outdoor Recreation Equipment & Services: Given Idaho’s focus on outdoor tourism (skiing, rafting, hiking, fishing), suppliers of related equipment or services for lodges (e.g., guided tours, gear rentals) might be featured.
• Technology & POS Systems:
  • Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Cutting-edge POS hardware and software, mobile ordering solutions, online reservation platforms, and table/room management systems, with a focus on reliability and integration.
  • Online Travel Agency (OTA) Integration & Marketing: Solutions to manage bookings across various platforms and enhance online visibility, crucial for Idaho’s tourism-driven economy, including digital strategies for promoting attractions like Sun Valley, McCall, and various outdoor activities.
  • Back-of-House Technology: Inventory management software, labor scheduling programs, and kitchen display systems (KDS).
• Business Services & Solutions:
  • Food & Beverage Distributors: Major national and regional foodservice distributors showcasing their vast product catalogs and crucial logistical capabilities across Idaho’s diverse geography.
  • ILRA Resources: Direct access to association representatives for information on advocacy, legislative updates (including specific alcohol and tourism regulations), legal compliance, training programs (like ServSafe), and valuable membership benefits crucial for navigating Idaho’s unique business environment.
  • Financial & Insurance Services: Specialized offerings for the hospitality, retail, and tourism industry, including payment processing, workers’ compensation, and property insurance, with considerations for the state’s unique operational risks (e.g., seasonal businesses, remote properties, wildfire concerns).
  • Marketing & Tourism Promotion: Website design, social media management, online reputation management, and SEO services tailored for promoting Idaho as a destination, its unique attractions, and local businesses.
  • Staffing & Training: Recruitment services, culinary schools, hospitality management programs, and food safety certification providers, addressing the region’s workforce needs, particularly for seasonal demands and in a state with a rapidly growing population.
  • Consulting Services: Experts in menu development, operational efficiency, restaurant/lodge design, and cost control, particularly for Idaho’s unique market and logistical challenges.
  • Sustainability Solutions: Exhibitors focusing on waste reduction, energy efficiency (especially important for remote operations), local sourcing programs, and other environmentally conscious practices increasingly important to Idaho consumers and visitors, aligning with the state’s pristine natural environment.

This comprehensive array ensures that attendees can find solutions for every facet of their operation, from sourcing the freshest Idaho ingredients to optimizing back-of-house efficiency and enhancing the overall guest and traveler experience, all with a strong focus on Idaho’s unique market needs and environmental considerations.

Growth in the Greenbelt: Visitor and Exhibitor Count

The Idaho Hospitality Expo in Boise consistently draws a significant and highly engaged audience of foodservice, lodging, and retail professionals from across the state, along with a robust presence of exhibitors eager to connect with them. Idaho’s hospitality and tourism industry is a vital and growing component of its economy, generating billions in visitor spending and supporting tens of thousands of jobs annually, ensuring a dedicated attendee base actively seeking ways to enhance their businesses. The state’s diverse attractions, from ski resorts to national forests and bustling urban centers, attract a consistent flow of visitors, highlighting the substantial market for hospitality and related services. According to the National Restaurant Association, Idaho has over 4,500 restaurant locations and the industry employs over 84,000 people.

• Visitor Count: As Idaho’s largest trade show exclusively for the hospitality and retail industry, this Expo typically attracts hundreds to over a thousand qualified industry attendees over its intensive day or two. Given the importance of this show to Idaho’s robust tourism and local service sectors, the visitor count often ranges from 700 to 1,800+. This highly targeted audience represents the full spectrum of Idaho’s vibrant hospitality and retail industry, including:
  • Restaurant Owners & Operators: From independent eateries and popular Boise establishments to casual dining, fine dining, and multi-unit chains across Idaho, including those in remote towns and seasonal tourist destinations.
  • Executive Chefs & Culinary Professionals: Key decision-makers for menu development, sourcing, and kitchen operations, often with a strong interest in Idaho products like potatoes, trout, and local produce.
  • Hotel & Lodging Professionals: Including general managers, F&B directors, and purchasing managers from hotels, motels, resorts, remote lodges, guest ranches, and B&Bs throughout the state, with a strong presence from properties catering to leisure, business, and outdoor adventure tourism.
  • Retailers (especially those with a hospitality/tourism focus): Gift shop owners, specialty food retailers, and other businesses that cater to tourists and locals, looking for unique Idaho products or operational efficiencies.
  • Catering & Event Managers: Professionals from independent catering companies and event venues, especially those involved in Idaho’s event and tourism sectors.
  • Bar & Beverage Managers: Seeking new products, equipment, and trends for bars, distilleries, breweries, and wineries, with a keen interest in Idaho’s unique craft beverage offerings and specific alcohol regulations.
  • Tourism Operators & Attraction Managers: Representatives from tour companies (e.g., ski tours, rafting adventures), and other attractions actively looking to enhance visitor experiences.
  • Institutional Foodservice Leaders: From schools, universities, hospitals, and corporate dining facilities. The strength of these expos lies in their ability to bring together a highly targeted audience of decision-makers and influencers actively looking for solutions to improve their businesses and eager to support Idaho producers and service providers.
• Exhibitor Count: The show floor at Boise Centre for the Idaho Hospitality Expo is consistently robust, featuring dozens to over a hundred exhibiting companies, typically ranging from 75 to 150+. These exhibitors comprise a vital mix of national brands with strong Idaho presence and a significant number of regional and local suppliers:
  • Leading Food & Beverage Manufacturers & Distributors: Both large, well-known brands and smaller, innovative producers, with a strong focus on Idaho-based companies (e.g., potato growers, craft beverage makers, specialty food producers).
  • Major Foodservice & Lodging Distributors: Core to these events, showcasing their vast product catalogs and crucial logistical capabilities across Idaho.
  • Kitchen & Bar Equipment Manufacturers & Dealers: Showcasing the latest in commercial cooking, refrigeration, and warewashing technology.
  • Technology Providers: Exhibiting cutting-edge POS systems, online booking platforms, property management software, and back-of-house solutions.
  • Idaho Producers & Artisans: A significant presence of local farmers, craft beverage makers, specialty food companies, and artisans, keen to connect with Idaho buyers and tourism operators, emphasizing “Idaho Grown” products.
  • Service Providers: Including financial services, insurance (particularly for remote and seasonal businesses and those in areas with unique natural risks), uniforms, linen services, pest control, and marketing agencies tailored to the hospitality, retail, and tourism industry.
  • Idaho Lodging & Restaurant Association (ILRA): The association itself would have a prominent presence, offering resources, advocacy information, and membership details crucial for navigating the state’s unique regulations and opportunities.

This concentrated gathering of both suppliers and buyers makes the Idaho Hospitality Expo a definitive platform for fostering critical business relationships and driving growth within the dynamic and essential hospitality and retail industry of Idaho.

The Gem State Advantage: Perks of Attending

Attending the Idaho Hospitality Expo in Boise offers an invaluable return on investment for any professional in Idaho’s foodservice, lodging, and retail industries, providing a unique blend of practical benefits and inspiring opportunities:

• Direct Product Sourcing & Tasting: Get hands-on with the latest kitchen equipment, sample new menu items, and taste innovative food and beverage products directly from hundreds of suppliers. This direct interaction allows for informed purchasing decisions that can significantly impact your bottom line. Discover fresh, regional ingredients unique to Idaho, like authentic Idaho potatoes, locally raised trout, and distinctive craft beverages directly from the source.
• Unparalleled Networking Opportunities: Engage face-to-face with hundreds of your peers – from independent restaurant owners and executive chefs to hotel general managers, remote lodge operators, and retail business owners from across Idaho. Share challenges unique to the Idaho market (e.g., seasonal workforce, logistics to remote ski resorts), exchange best practices, and build a robust professional network within the vibrant Idaho hospitality and retail community. This is your chance to connect with the people who truly understand the unique operational realities of the Gem State.
• Discover Cutting-Edge Innovations: Be among the first to see and experience the newest products, technologies, and services designed to enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and increase profitability in the foodservice, lodging, and retail sectors. From advanced kitchen systems to sustainable tourism practices and innovative outdoor recreational technologies, you’ll find solutions for every aspect of your operation, with a strong focus on environmentally conscious and locally relevant practices.
• Expert Insights & Education: Leverage a robust educational program with expert-led seminars and workshops. Gain actionable insights from industry experts on crucial topics relevant to Idaho, such as promoting the state’s vast outdoor adventure tourism, navigating specific state liquor laws and evolving regulations, optimizing labor management in a seasonal and often remote environment, capitalizing on the “Idaho Grown” movement, promoting authentic Idahoan cuisine and cultural experiences, and understanding new legislative impacts. The Idaho Lodging & Restaurant Association (ILRA) is a key source for this, offering valuable training and compliance resources.
• Exclusive Show-Only Deals: Many exhibitors leverage the Expo to offer special pricing, discounts, or incentives exclusively for orders placed at the show. This can lead to significant cost savings on equipment, ingredients, and services, directly improving your profitability and giving you a competitive edge as you prepare for Idaho’s busy tourism seasons.
• Inspiring Culinary & Beverage Demonstrations: Witness continuous live cooking and expert mixology demonstrations by talented chefs and industry professionals. These sessions showcase new techniques, creative menu ideas, and the effective use of equipment and Idaho-sourced products, providing both inspiration and practical application for your kitchen, bar, or unique guest experiences.
• Problem-Solving Power: Directly interact with vendors and sales representatives to find tailored solutions for your specific operational challenges, whether it’s managing supply chain logistics for remote communities or ski towns, adapting to unique visitor preferences (e.g., outdoor enthusiasts, business travelers), or implementing new technologies for improved guest satisfaction and operational resilience in challenging climates.
• Connect with ILRA: Directly engage with the state’s leading industry association. Learn about their advocacy efforts on behalf of hospitality and retail businesses, educational programs, and valuable resources that can help your business navigate regulations, access support, and stay informed on legislative changes impacting the Idaho market. Members can often get complimentary admission as a benefit.
• Experience Boise’s Charm: The Expo provides a perfect opportunity to combine essential business with a chance to explore Boise’s dynamic urban landscape, its important cultural attractions (like the Boise Art Museum, Basque Block, and Idaho State Capitol), its thriving arts and entertainment community, and its role as a gateway to Idaho’s magnificent wilderness and vibrant outdoor scene.

For any hospitality or retail professional in Idaho, the Idaho Hospitality Expo is not just an event to attend; it’s a strategic investment in your business’s future, offering a direct path to innovation, efficiency, and sustained success in this uniquely vibrant and truly “Gem State” market.

Your Boise Basecamp: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Accommodation

Boise, as Idaho’s capital and largest city, offers a wide array of excellent hotel options conveniently located near the Boise Centre and other key areas, catering to various budgets and preferences. Its compact downtown and excellent accessibility make it a practical choice for visitors.

Here are some highly recommended hotels, ranging from full-service to more budget-friendly, all with convenient access to the Boise Centre and the greater Boise area:

• Directly Connected / Within a Block of Boise Centre:
  • The Grove Hotel: This is the most convenient option, directly connected to the Boise Centre. It’s a premier full-service hotel offering luxury and comfort, with its own restaurants and amenities.
  • Hotel 43 Boise: A stylish and modern hotel located very close to the Boise Centre, offering a boutique experience and a popular restaurant.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Boise-Downtown: A reliable and highly-rated option within easy walking distance, known for its complimentary breakfast and consistent quality.
  • Home2 Suites by Hilton Boise Downtown: An excellent extended-stay option with kitchenettes, ideal for longer visits, also very close to the convention center.
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Boise Downtown City Center: Another extended-stay hotel offering spacious suites and amenities, just a short walk away.
  • Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown: Offers comfortable, modern rooms and a convenient location, also within easy walking distance.
  • Inn at 500 Capitol: A luxurious boutique hotel offering personalized service and unique rooms, a short walk from Boise Centre.
• Within a Short Drive (Still Central or Near Airport):
  • The Riverside Hotel, BW Premier Collection: A larger hotel with a resort feel, located a short drive along the Boise River. Offers multiple dining options, live music, and a beautiful setting.
  • Hilton Garden Inn Boise Downtown: A comfortable and modern hotel in downtown Boise, a short drive or slightly longer walk from the convention center.
  • Holiday Inn Express Boise – University Area: A reliable option located closer to Boise State University, a short drive from downtown.

Booking Advice:

• Consider On-Site or Walkable First: Given Boise Centre’s prime downtown location, prioritize hotels within immediate walking distance (like The Grove, Hotel 43, Hampton Inn, Home2 Suites) for maximum convenience.
• Book Early: Boise is a popular city, especially during conference seasons and summer. Hotels can fill up quickly, and rates can fluctuate significantly. Booking your accommodation several weeks or even months in advance is strongly recommended to secure your preferred option and rate.
• Consider Transportation: Downtown Boise is very walkable. The Boise Centre is easily accessible from major routes. Boise Airport (BOI) is also very convenient, typically a 15-20 minute drive from downtown, and many hotels offer airport shuttles.
• Look for Official Blocks: The Idaho Lodging & Restaurant Association (ILRA), as the event organizer, may offer special room blocks or discounted rates at partner hotels for Expo attendees. Always check their official website for any specific hotel recommendations or booking links related to the Expo.

Choosing a convenient and comfortable hotel ensures you can maximize your time at the Idaho Hospitality Expo, allowing you to focus on the valuable opportunities it presents for your business and also experience the welcoming and dynamic atmosphere of Boise.

Your Idaho Business Journey: Plan Your Visit to the Expo!

The Idaho Hospitality Expo is more than just an event; it’s the annual convergence of pioneering spirit, innovative drive, and strong community that defines Idaho’s vital hospitality and retail industry. It’s where the state’s breathtaking natural beauty meets entrepreneurial foresight, where crucial connections are forged over shared passions for exceptional quality and service, and where the next unforgettable experience or game-changing solution for your establishment is just waiting to be discovered. If you are serious about the success of your restaurant, lodging property, retail store, tourism attraction, or any hospitality-related operation across the magnificent “Gem State,” then marking your calendar for this Expo is an absolute must. Come and immerse yourself in the unique products, the invaluable insights, and the thriving community that make Idaho’s food, lodging, and retail scene truly exceptional.

To learn more about upcoming events from the Idaho Lodging & Restaurant Association (ILRA), including their annual Expo and other industry gatherings, and to find registration details, please visit their official website:

idahoilra.org