About TIED
@ The Bay

Innovate. Disrupt. Elevate Hospitality.

TIED @ The Bay is the evolution of FIU’s Tech Panel and Tech Afternoon into a full-day event bringing industry and academia together to advance hospitality technology and innovation.

Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day (TIED) @ The Bay reflects the continued evolution of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management’s vision to advance meaningful, industry-driven conversations around hospitality technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. What began as Tech Panel @ The Bay, a focused forum connecting industry professionals and students around emerging tools and career pathways, quickly revealed a need for deeper engagement. That momentum grew into Tech Afternoon @ The Bay, expanding the conversation through multiple sessions, stronger industry partnerships, and increased student participation. Building on that foundation, and inspired by the impact of the McKibbon ’75 Professorship in Hospitality Technology and the school’s commitment to McKibbon Technology and Innovation, TIED @ The Bay has emerged as a full-scale, one-day event that brings together leaders from industry, academia, and entrepreneurship to explore how technology is shaping commercial strategy, operations, research, and innovation across hospitality, while creating a dynamic platform for thought leadership, collaboration, and meaningful connection.

Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

The Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU) is ranked 4th in the U.S. and 31st in the world among the best public universities for hospitality & tourism management. Here you can study, learn and live at the top hospitality program in Miami and the only dedicated hospitality program located in the premier global destination of Miami, Florida. Our students have access to unforgettable experiences thanks to our location as a vacation, resort and event destination.

HFTP South Florida

Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals (HFTP®) established in 1952, is an international, nonprofit association, headquartered in Austin, Texas USA, with offices in the United Kingdom, The Netherlands & Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with members and stakeholders spanning across the globe. HFTP uniquely understands the industry’s pressing issues and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. South Florida Chapter was established more than 20 years ago and our members represent Broward, Miami Dade and Monroe Counties as well as Puerto Rico.

HSMAI South Florida

The South Florida Chapter of Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners, serving as the area’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable success. We provide hospitality professionals with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue.

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA)

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s $111.7 billion hospitality industry which represents 2 million employees.