SETT 2026 is set to highlight the use of drones, robotics, and other automated technologies in outdoor hospitality during its conference program in Montpellier, France, from November 3 to 5, 2026.
The trade show, which is organized by the Federation of Outdoor Hospitality of Occitanie and five partner regional French federations, will bring together more than 730 exhibitors across 60,000 square meters. Its 47th edition will place greater emphasis on technologies intended to address operational, safety, and customer-service needs within tourism businesses.
One of the featured sessions will focus on applications for autonomous drones and humanoid robots in campsites and other tourism facilities. Instadrone, a company specializing in drone-based technical inspection, land surveying, and surveillance of sensitive sites since 2014, will present examples of how these technologies are being applied in outdoor hospitality.
Cédric Botella, CEO of Instadrone, will lead the conference titled “Drones and robots at the service of outdoor hospitality: rescue, prevention, and tomorrow’s customer experience” on Wednesday, November 4, at 2:30 p.m. in Conference Center, Room 1. Simultaneous English translation will be available.
The presentation will cover applications related to safety and rescue, including autonomous nighttime drone launches for beach surveillance, early fire detection, and assistance to rescue teams. Instadrone will also demonstrate potential customer-service applications involving humanoid robots, including welcoming late-arriving guests in their native language and directing them to their assigned pitch.
For campground and outdoor hospitality operators, the technologies highlighted at SETT point to several potential operational applications. Autonomous monitoring systems could support existing safety and surveillance procedures, while robotic reception services could provide an additional option for facilities handling arrivals outside staffed hours.
However, implementation would also require operators to consider factors such as infrastructure, staff responsibilities, regulatory requirements, maintenance, and the appropriate role of automation in guest interactions.
The conference is part of SETT’s broader focus on how tourism businesses can respond to changing operational and environmental conditions. The event has traditionally focused on outdoor hospitality but is expanding its positioning in 2026 through the launch of the “Sett Hospitality” brand.
The new positioning reflects the growing overlap between outdoor hospitality and the hotel and restaurant sectors. In addition to campsites, the event is targeting decision-makers from hotels, cafes, restaurants, guesthouses, and beaches, with solutions spanning areas such as interior design and specialized outdoor services.
SETT was founded in 1978 and has developed a European visitor base that includes professionals from Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Belgium, and Portugal. The event also hosts the annual Sett d’Or competition, which recognizes developments in the tourism and hospitality sector, alongside its conference program covering industry trends and operational issues.
SETT 2026 will take place November 3, 4, and 5 in Montpellier, with the Instadrone conference scheduled for November 4.
Featured image by SETT
