Austin-based AI voice platform Maitly AI will sponsor and exhibit at the 2026 Texas Restaurant Show in San Antonio, July 12-14, as an official partner of the Texas Restaurant Association. The company will demonstrate its hosted call-handling technology, which answers guest calls, handles routine questions and integrates with reservation systems including OpenTable, for an audience expected to exceed 8,000 attendees and 600 exhibitor booths.
Voice AI built for restaurant operations
Maitly's platform acts as a 24/7 automated voice receptionist, fielding inbound calls when staff are busy or off the clock. The software answers common questions and can place reservations directly into a venue's existing booking system. CEO and founder Ben Wolfenden said the TRA partnership and show presence grew out of direct operator input. "The Texas Restaurant Show is one of the largest and most successful restaurant trade shows in the U.S.," Wolfenden said. "We look forward to meeting Texas restaurant owners and operators - the reason we built Maitly."
The Texas Restaurant Association confirmed the deal, which includes a member discount and onboarding support. The Texas Restaurant Show partnership puts Maitly in front of buyers, owners and decision-makers from restaurants, bars, nightclubs and regional hospitality businesses.
An expanding trade event
The 2026 show added the Texas Bar & Nightclub Convention as an expanded Bar & Nightclub Showcase and will host the first U.S.-sanctioned World Tapas Competition event, the Lone Star Tapas Showdown. Four on-floor education stages and two days dedicated to networking and sales follow a 20% attendance gain over 2025. Organizers say the combination of product exhibits, live competitions and education sessions drew the increased numbers.
Partnership targets front-of-house efficiency
By integrating with OpenTable and similar systems, Maitly's voice platform aims to cut missed calls and lost bookings. The TRA partnership gives its members a direct path to try the technology with preferred pricing. Attending operators can see the system at Booth #2156 during the show.
Why this matters for hospitality and events professionals
Restaurants lose reservations when phones go unanswered during peak service or after hours. Tools like Maitly's automate that gap, turning more calls into confirmed bookings without adding headcount. For event managers and venue operators exploring AI for Hospitality & Events, the Texas Restaurant Show offers a chance to test the software live and ask questions before committing. The move reflects a shift toward practical, voice-driven automation that handles routine guest interactions while staff focus on on-site service.
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