AUSTIN, TX--The 2008 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) was attended by over 5,200 hospitality professionals from around the world.Held June 16-19 at the Austin Convention Center (above photo) in Austin, Texas, the exposition and conference had 300+ exhibiting companies, 40+ education sessions, special exhibits and recognition for several hospitality industry professionals.
“Where else but HITEC do you have the chance to see representatives from mult
iple technology vendors in one place at one time, plus sit in on a variety of sessions talking about timely topics?” said Ron Strecker, (top left photo) CHTP, CHAE, CFO of Al J. Schneider Co.
Several industry professionals were honored during the general session. First, CHTP of the Year Ian Cole, CHTP, vice president of strategic technology for Starwood Vacation Ownership (SVO), was presented a plaque for earning the highest score for the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) exam within the last year.
iple technology vendors in one place at one time, plus sit in on a variety of sessions talking about timely topics?” said Ron Strecker, (top left photo) CHTP, CHAE, CFO of Al J. Schneider Co.Several industry professionals were honored during the general session. First, CHTP of the Year Ian Cole, CHTP, vice president of strategic technology for Starwood Vacation Ownership (SVO), was presented a plaque for earning the highest score for the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) exam within the last year.
Then Fraser Hickox (top right photo) was inducted into the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame. At the forefront of guest room technology for over 20 years, Hickox was honored for his leading-edge approach to technology in the hospitality industry.
“This is our third HITEC and we've found that this is the show to capture high-level IT professionals,” said Denis Lesak, director of digital signage services, Hotel Services Division for PSAV, a HITEC 2008 exhibitor.
“SoftBrands is proud to be a sponsor of HITEC 2008, and we have had a tremendous response and traffic at our booth,” said David Gandrud, director of global marketing for SoftBrands, a HITEC 2008 exhibitor. “Once again, HFTP has exceeded our expectations by provid
ing a venue that brings together not only buyers and sellers, but partners and customers in an environment that allows us to share our story and learn where the industry is going. Specifically for SoftBrands, we have had a very positive experience, and expect to see a very positive return.”
ing a venue that brings together not only buyers and sellers, but partners and customers in an environment that allows us to share our story and learn where the industry is going. Specifically for SoftBrands, we have had a very positive experience, and expect to see a very positive return.”
“HITEC is a great social interaction with other end-users that are sharing similar pitfalls. The conference provides great access to find solutions together to overcome these issues,” said Thomas J. Bilbrey Jr., network administrator for Bay Creek Resort & Club.
“As a first-time attendee, the conference was a great chance for education and relationship building. I look forward to attending next year,” said Brian Beck, director of technology for BearingPoint Hospitality.For those who were unable to attend HITEC 2008, visit http://www.hitec.org/ to review information on HITEC 2008 exhibitors, pictures and information on the technologies featured in GUESTROOM 2010. If you didn't make it this year, start making plans to attend next year's HITEC at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. June22-25, 2009.
CONTACT:
Katy Walterscheid, Communications Specialist, Phone: (512) 249-5333 (Ext 27). Hospitality Financial Technology Professionals (HFTP), 11709 Boulder Ln., Suite 110, USA - Austin, TX 78726. Toll free: (800) 856-4242. Phone: (512) 249-5333. Fax: (512) 249-1533Email: hftp@hftp.org
