Stump Recaps 2026 HD Expo

Charlotte, NC, May 13, 2026-Analyst Stump provided the following review of HD Expo, the annual hospitality show in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, which took place May 5 to 7.

“This year HD felt a bit slower, but most exhibitors reported solid growth for Q1 following a choppy 2025. Previous challenges were mostly due to ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs and a corresponding pause in new business activities due to cost uncertainties. However, looking forward, new hotel projects are happening, refurbishments are occurring, and public spaces are being enhanced to attract customers.

Key Topics 

“Iran war and gas prices-Rising energy costs and geo-political turmoil does not help consumer confidence (and as a result, consumer spending on hotels, travel, etc.) and are hurting profit margins. Many companies are instituting fuel surcharges to offset rising costs. We are monitoring this closely.

“Foam prices-Due to a fire at one of the Texas chemical companies that supplies key inputs for producing polyurethan foam, most upholstery manufacturers are raising prices (or adding surcharges) to meet these rising costs. Many are on allocation for foam - which is limiting growth.

“High end hotels are doing better than the lower-star chains, as the luxury consumer sector still booms around the world. U.S. vendors are expanding their sales reach to meet this international demand (and avoid U.S. tariffs).

“Tariffs remain a huge issue and the constant changes in actual rates-plus conflicting guidance on just the interpretation of the rules-is leading to frustration in the C-suite. Most of the people we talked to are urging the President to provide certainty. Many companies are seeking refunds from the U.S. Treasury on past tariff payments, and there is debate on how this will play out. Given the magnitude of the tariff payments already received (some accounts say $166 billion +) many fear that fraud will be rampant. We heard from two executives that refunds are arriving this week for 25% of the approved amount. One friend said he had received $6 million already. 

“AI-We heard a lot about AI being an important part of companies’ success in product development, administration, quoting, and digital displays. We too are embracing AI, and we encourage all our clients and friends to explore how they can leverage this new technology.”