Frank I. Wolfe, CEO for Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), was recognized as Most Influential Association CEO 2018 in Hospitality by the European-based corporate finance publication Acquisition International (AI). Published by AI Global Media, AI is a monthly magazine that seeks to inform and shape the global corporate conversation through a combination of high quality editorial rigorous research and an experienced and dedicated worldwide network of advisors experts and contributors."This is truly an honor, but is really a testament to our talented staff as well as the HFTP Global Board of Directors and our Executive Committee. The past few years have been marked by significant progress for HFTP, as we have established long-planned events that place us as an internationally influential organization. This honor is a notable recognition for all the efforts we have put in," says Mr. Wolfe. "We have also made available our signature services such as quality education and resources to the global hospitality finance and technology community. I am proud that our efforts have been recognized by such an esteemed publication, but I also know that we have much more to accomplish."Recipients of the brand new honor are internally researched, shortlisted, judged and selected. The publication's in-house research team looks into the global industry thoroughly in order to determine those most deserving of the accolade. Some factors the team takes into consideration include the nominee's significant achievements over the past calendar year, company and career profile, commitment towards innovation and company performance under the individual's leadership.Wolfe has been with HFTP since March 1991, and assumed the CEO position in 1994. He has overseen the positive evolution and growth of the association. Under Wolfe, HFTP has made a number of bold moves towards global expansion, new club conferences, and many organized clusters of members around the world. In 2017, HFTP also expanded its Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), the largest hospitality technology conference brand in the world with two additional events in Europe and Dubai, in addition to its annual North American event. He also spearheaded the hospitality-specific search site Pineapplesearch.com and HFTP news sites, topic specific sites for hospitality finance, technology, club, food and beverage, GDPR and the HFTP association.To read more about Frank Wolfe, including articles he has written, visit his bio page on the HFTP web site. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.About HFTP Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org.Follow HFTP on social media Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) has opened online registration for its Annual Convention, which it has produced since 1952. Following the traditional event format, the event will offer a variety of educational sessions, networking and vendor opportunities. HFTP has secured two keynote speakers who will discuss topics relating to productivity, engagement, collaboration and communication in the workplace: Colette Carlson and Curt Steinhorst. The HFTP Annual Convention will take place from October 24-26 at the brand new Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky USA.HFTP Annual Convention full registration attendees will have access to three days of education, two days of table top exhibits, a Welcome Reception and a formal HFTP Tribute to Success dinner and dance. The 2018 schedule of events is available on the HFTP website, and will be continuously updated until the event. Additionally, Annual Convention will feature a business meeting and the HFTP Helps Silent Auction benefiting the HFTP Foundation during the HFTP Tribute to Success. The HFTP Greater Louisville Chapter will also host a social night event on October 25, 2018 at the Kentucky Derby Museum to support the HFTP Helps fundraiser."HFTP is excited to host Annual Convention in Louisville, Kentucky this year," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "Annual Convention is created specifically with our association's members best interests in mind - join us this October for hospitality education, networking, exhibits, vendor interaction, fundraising, fun social events and more."The dynamic event program will provide relevant industry information for hospitality professionals. Vendor interaction this year will allow attendees to meet with participating companies at table top exhibits. Exhibits will be open to attendees on Wednesday evening during the Welcome Reception, as well as during breaks and lunch on the following Thursday.Visit the Annual Convention page on the HFTP website for complete information about all conference events, including the program schedule, hotel and travel details and more. For more information about HFTP's Annual Convention and other global activities, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org or visit www.hftp.org.Coming up, HFTP's Florida Regional Conference will take place July 25-27, 2018 at the Sarasota Westin in Sarasota, Florida USA - immediately followed by HFTP's inaugural Club Forum which will take place July 28, 2018 at the same location. HITEC Dubai will take place December 5-6 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. For more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.About HFTP Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org.Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is excited to announce that three new, local chapters have recently been chartered: HFTP Greater Louisville Chapter, HFTP New York University Student Chapter and HFTP Kansas State University Student Chapter. HFTP chapters provide a wide array of benefits to an association's membership -- not the least of which is the collaborative building of knowledge and camaraderie among local and like-minded industry professionals.HFTP's local chapters help industry professionals in the area expand their network, increase educational opportunities and build strong face-to-face connections with peers. Moreover, HFTP chapters give association members support, tools and resources to advance in their hospitality career."We are pleased to welcome these three new chapters to HFTP," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "HFTP is determined to efficiently serve its members across the globe, so we are excited to provide more expanded networks in additional local areas."HFTP currently has more than 76 local chapters providing opportunities for networking and education throughout the world. HFTP members can attend chapter meetings to connect with their local network of HFTP members and share solutions with professionals in the community. Chapters hold regular educational and social meetings, as well as participate in projects to benefit area charities.HFTP's Greater Louisville Chapter is currently is led by: Chapter President Joshua Bergen, CHAE, CHTP, controller at VENZA; Chapter Vice President Deuce Sapp, CIO at Al J. Schneider Company; Chapter Treasurer Ashley Barke, senior tax manager at MCM CPAs & Advisors; Chapter Secretary Paul West, hospitality technology consultant at Technical Solution Services.HFTP's New York University Student Chapter is currently is led by: Chapter President Hartanto Yuwo, CHIA, student at New York University; Chapter Vice President Harini Premnath, student at New York University; Chapter Treasurer Xinyi Zhu, student at New York University; Chapter Secretary Yixuan Li, student at New York University; Chapter Faculty Adviser Recep "Richie" Karaburun, clinical assistant professor at New York University.HFTP's Kansas State University Chapter is currently is led by: Chapter President Neda Shabani, student at Kansas State University; Chapter Vice President Prasanna Kansakar, student at Kansas State University; Chapter Treasurer Vahid Behzada, student at Kansas State University; Chapter Secretary Dalton Hahn, student at Kansas State University; Chapter Faculty Adviser Arslan Munir, Ph.D., assistant professor at Kansas State University.For more information about HFTP chapters, visit www.hftp.org. For more information about HFTP's new chapters, read this blog on HFTP Connect.About HFTP Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org.Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is hosting its inaugural HFTP Club Forum on July 28, 2018 at the Sarasota Westin in Sarasota, Florida USA - immediately following HFTP's Florida Regional Conference that is taking place from July 25-27, 2018 at the same location. HFTP's Club Forum is an executive-level event designed to provide club professionals with the opportunity to connect with industry peers, share ideas and discuss hot topics.The invitation-only event will be facilitated by Dr. Larry Ross, emeritus professor and former Anne and Bill France Distinguished Professor of Business in the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. The focus of this year's event is the Uniform System of Financial Reporting for Clubs. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the strengths and weaknesses, as well as, suggest changes and additions for the upcoming revised version."HFTP is excited to host this executive-level event for club professionals," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "Designed with intent to explore pressing industry issues, the HFTP Club Forum will serve as another great networking and educational opportunity for its club attendees."Attendees will be able to earn up to eight hours of continuing education credits at the HFTP Club Forum - a link for the CPE reporting will be provided at the conference.Online registration is open for the HFTP Florida Regional Conference, which precedes the HFTP Club Forum. HFTP is no longer accepting applications to register to attend the HFTP Club Forum. In addition, HFTP has several upcoming events. The HFTP Annual Convention is October 24-26, 2018 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky USA. HITEC Dubai will take place December 5-6 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. And HITEC Europe is April 10-11, 2019 at Palau de Congressos in Palma (Mallorca) Spain. HITEC Minneapolis is June 17-20, 2019 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota USA.For additional information about HFTP Club Forum, contact Linnet Baskett, director of club engagement & regionals at HFTP. For more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.About HFTP Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org.Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is pleased to announce that HITEC Houston broke barriers this week as the highest attended event in the association's history with over 6,650 attendees. Produced yearly by HFTP, Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) showcases the industry's latest innovations, and provides a top-notch education program for attendees. HITEC Houston took place from June 18-21, 2018 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas USA.HITEC Houston featured over 120 speakers, including futurist Mike Walsh and data security expert Theresa Payton as the keynote speakers. The daily education sessions addressed trending topics including: data security, IT initiatives, sustainability and CSR, AI, leadership development, blockchain, millennials reshaping the industry and more. The Houston exhibit floor featured 397 exhibitors showcasing the latest in hospitality technology products and services. An impressive 47 registered press members were in attendance covering the event."Thank you to everyone who helped make HITEC Houston a huge success," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "HITEC Houston was not only the highest attended HITEC conference to date, but it was also the highest attended overall conference in HFTP's 65-year history. HFTP looks forward to continuing to serve the hospitality technology community in years to come. See you next year in Minneapolis!"The Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) Houston innovation competition for hospitality startups featured 16 startups, an expert panel of six judges and 16 industry mentors who coached the entrepreneurs before their four-minute pitch. Reply.ai won the E20X Judge's Award grand prize of $5,000 USD, and Beekeeper was chosen by conference attendees - via the HFTP Multi-event app - as the E20X People's Choice Award winner. The HITEC Houston Opening Party, presented by Samsung and HFTP, featured multi-platinum rapper Flo Rida and took place at the famous House of Blues Houston.Three hospitality technology industry leaders were recognized and awarded at HITEC Houston: 2018 HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame recipients Tammy Farley and Jing Zhu; and 2018 CHTP of the Year recipient Sean Van Dyke, CHTP. HFTP also hosted its annual HITEC Helps social responsibility project during HITEC Houston, and raised funds for local nonprofit Compudopt - who provides technology access and education to underserved youth.Attendees with access to the HFTP Multi-event app can use it to refer back to the attendee list and exhibitors to follow-up on the event. HITEC Minneapolis is June 17-20 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota USA. In addition, HFTP has several other coming events. The HFTP Annual Convention is October 24-26 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky USA. HITEC Dubai will take place December 5-6 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. And HITEC Europe is April 10-11 at Palau de Congressos in Palma (Mallorca) Spain. For more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org.Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout North America, HFTP expanded HITEC in 2017 with two additional events outside: one in Europe and the other in Dubai. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org.Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###

As HITEC Houston wraps up its biggest week, plans for next year's North American event in Minneapolis are already in the works. New to the program is a Women in Technology networking luncheon designed to connect professionals and honor industry accomplishments. HITEC (Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference), produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology event and is dedicated to recognizing those guiding the forward path of hospitality technology. The inaugural luncheon will be June 17, 2019 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, and will feature an accomplished business leader speaker. Following the initial luncheon will be additional regional programs throughout 2019."A primary reason that HITEC attendees return year after year is the opportunity to meet with fellow industry professionals to share their ideas and learn from each other," said Frank Wolfe, HFTP CEO. "The addition of the luncheon offers a dedicated opportunity to celebrate the successes of the professional women who have focused their careers to hospitality technology. Hopefully the program will continue in successive years and will be a place to follow the evolution and progress of the industry and the women's careers."HITEC Minneapolis is June 17-20 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota USA. In addition, HFTP has several other coming events. The HFTP Annual Convention is October 24-26 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky USA. HITEC Dubai will take place December 5-6 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. And HITEC Europe is April 10-11 at Palau de Congressos in Palma (Mallorca) Spain. For more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org.Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout North America, HFTP expanded HITEC in 2017 with two additional events outside: one in Europe and the other in Dubai. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org.Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.

From the conference perspective, HITEC Europe's education program has received superior feedback each year. To accommodate for an overall modification of the event, there will be adjustments across all elements. This includes a reworking of the conference schedule to allow exclusive education hours and exclusive exhibit stand hours. As education is a key element to an event like HITEC Europe, the program planners will also provide access where possible to exhibitors and their staff, a frequent request made by exhibitors. Also, to provide the high-level networking and education opportunities for CIO/CFO delegates, invitation-only sessions during the conference and a private networking dinner will be incorporated into the schedule for this group.To build on the event, making it a hub of hospitality education and innovation, HFTP will continue to host co-located partner events at the Palau de Congressos, including HSMAI Region Europe and Entrepreneur 20X, a start-up pitch competition."One thing that was very clear from our evaluations, is that attendees want to make sure that HFTP continues to maintain the superior level of education offered and that we do not change our philosophy to a for-profit, 'pay to play' model," said Frank Wolfe, HFTP CEO. "As a not-for-profit organization, HITEC Europe has a dedicated group of industry experts who donate their time to both create and vet the education quality and HITEC Europe will continue that system."From the exhibition perspective, HFTP will make several logistical changes. These include requiring a higher service level from those who service stands, more food and beverage inside the exhibition, an easier registration processes and allowing exhibitors increased access to their stands for private appointments. Exhibition stand selection for HITEC Europe 2019 will be held in the same order as it occurred during the Amsterdam selection process.From a location prospective, evaluations indicated that attendees wanted the event to move around Europe. After consulting with HFTP partners, HSMAI, it was decided to locate the events at Palau de Congressos in Palma (Mallorca) Spain, the two year old center managed by Melia Hotels and located in one of the most beautiful resort areas in Europe. https://www.melia.com/es/palau-de-congressos/home.htmlhttps://www.melia.com/es/palau-de-congressos/home.htmlFor more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.For more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org.Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout North America, HFTP expanded HITEC in 2017 with two additional events outside: one in Europe and the other in Dubai. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org.Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), producers of Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), is pleased to announce its Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) sponsorship agreement with Amadeus for HITEC Houston. The successful E20X pitch competition, featuring hospitality technology startups, will take place at HITEC Houston in the afternoon on June 18, 2018. HITEC Houston will take place from June 18-21, 2018 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas USA.HFTP's Entrepreneur 20X program is a pitch competition that provides hospitality technology start-ups a career-boosting opportunity with exposure to top industry mentors, investors, leaders and executives. The startups compete for a cash prize, two separate awards and much more in this thrilling competition series. HITEC Houston attendees may visit startups following the competition in the HITEC Houston exhibit hall at the Innovation Lab."HFTP is excited for our partnership with Amadeus for this year's Entrepreneur 20X at HITEC Houston," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "Entrepreneurship plays an important role in fueling evolution to industries, and Amadeus supports this innovative spirit in the hospitality technology market by providing hospitality solutions for every stage of the consumer journey.""We are thrilled to support the competitors at E20X and see the newest ideas that can help shape the future of hospitality," said Hazem Hussein, Hospitality Division CEO at Amadeus. "Through our Amadeus Ventures Program, we have assisted over 1,200 early stage startups. By creating these mutually beneficial relationships, we bring innovate solutions to the industry."Amadeus develops open, cloud-native technology solutions for global hospitality organizations. From search and booking to check-in and departure, Amadeus's offerings help consumers improve efficiency, deliver exceptional experiences and exceed brand promise. Amadeus works with leading referral and reseller partners, technology companies, channel and lead generation organizations, as well as hospitality and academic institutions with one goal: to put customer needs first.For more information about E20X, email e20x@hftp.org. In addition to HITEC Houston, HFTP has several other events upcoming in 2018. HFTP Annual Convention will October 24-26 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky USA. HITEC Dubai will take place December 5-6 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. For more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.About AmadeusAmadeus is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (e.g. airlines, hotels, rail and ferry operators, etc.), travel sellers (travel agencies and websites), and travel buyers (corporations and travel management companies). The Amadeus group employs around 15,000 people worldwide and does business in more than 190 countries. The company has central sites in Spain (corporate headquarters), France (development) and Germany (operations), and offices in 70 countries around the world. The group operates a transaction-based business model. Amadeus is listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange under the symbol "AMS.MC" and is a component of the IBEX 35 index. Learn more here.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org. Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout the United States, HFTP expanded HITEC in 2017 with two additional events outside the annual North American event: one in Europe and the other in Dubai. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org. Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) added a new general session - "Technology and the Power of the C-Suite" - to the HITEC Houston education program. The session features C-level hospitality executives from brands, ownership groups and technology companies who will debate the future of emerging technology trends, funding for IT development and the nature of competition in a digital marketplace. The general session will take place from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Immediately before the session, Tammy Farley and Jing Zhu will be inducted into the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame - HFTP's highest level of recognition in the area of technology.The session will be moderated by HFTP Global Treasurer Michael Levie, CHTP, COO at citizenM, and include the following c-level hospitality executives:Cindy Estis Green, co-founder and CEO, Kalibri Labs, LLCBarry Goldstein, EVP and chief commercial officer, WyndhamAsh Kapur, SVP, hotel asset management and chief revenue officer, Starwood Capital Group"From guest experience to business infrastructure, will hoteliers move outside of their core businesses to transform traditional brand models? Or, will third parties in the travel sector evolve to dominate the booking and stay experience for hotel guests?" asks HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "This new general session will explore the gap in the valuation multiples of public companies in travel, and discuss limits of loyalty, power of data, new economics in customer acquisition and how technology investments may play a role in establishing the winners in a dynamic new environment."In addition to HITEC Houston, HFTP has several other events upcoming in 2018. HFTP Annual Convention will October 24-26 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky USA. HITEC Dubai will take place December 5-6 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. For more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org.Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout North America, HFTP expanded HITEC in 2017 with two additional events outside: one in Europe and the other in Dubai. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org.Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###

The International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame is HFTP's highest level of recognition in the area of technology. Since 1989, 44 individuals have received this award as a reflection of their contributions to the hospitality industry. Farley and Zhu were nominated and selected by their peers for representing the best in innovation and application, and for being leaders in their profession.Tammy Farley, co-founder and president of The Rainmaker Group, was selected for influencing the evolution of revenue optimization to meet the needs of today's global hospitality market. Since co-founding Rainmaker in 1998, she has been credited for her leading role in securing the company's impressive growth. Her natural abilities in entrepreneurship have proven vital in identifying opportunities that have helped Rainmaker to enhance and expand its industry leading portfolio of hospitality and gaming technology solutions. Over the past two decades, Farley has maintained her dedication to ensuring that more and more properties have the ability to leverage the latest advancements in revenue management technology."I am so very honored to be inducted into this prestigious group of hospitality professionals," says Farley. "Advancing the way hospitality revenue managers utilize technology has been both my personal objective as well as Rainmaker's corporate mission for over 20 years and it means a great deal to have our efforts recognized."Jing Zhu, founder and chairperson of the China Hospitality Technology Alliance (CHTA), was selected for establishing the Chinese hospitality technology network. CHTA aims to build industry innovation best practices and future platforms through talents in China and worldwide, and to connect ecosystems with leading-edge technologies to make travel and hospitality a better and fun space. Zhu is also CEO of 3D Networks a hospitality technology business where her emphasis on leading-edge hospitality technologies has resulted in a significant transformation for the business. She has more than 18 years of extensive experience in the IT/Telco industry."I am so honored and very humbled to receive such a significant award," said Zhu. "CHTA with a mission will continue striving for connecting East and West from innovation and technology perspectives."HITEC Houston will take place from June 18-21 at the George R. Brown Convention Centre in Houston, Texas USA. Also this year is HITEC Dubai, which will take place from December 5-7 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE in partnership with Naseba. For more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org. Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout North America, HFTP expanded HITEC in 2017 with two additional events outside: one in Europe and the other in Dubai. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org. Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), producers of Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), is pleased to announce the selected hospitality technology startups, expert judges panel and industry mentors that will participate in Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) at HITEC Houston. Sponsored by Amadeus, the E20X pitch competition will take place in room 342 on Monday, June 18, 2018 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. inside the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas USA; all registered HITEC attendees are welcome to attend.E20X innovators will pitch their business concepts to a room of HITEC attendees and a panel of six judges. The E20X judge's panel will determine the "E20X Judge's Choice Award" winner who will receive $5,000 USD and will receive extensive promotion by HFTP. HITEC attendees will determine the "E20X People's Choice Award" winner by voting for their favorite startup through the event mobile app; attendees may visit startups following the competition in the HITEC Houston exhibit hall at the Innovation Lab. E20X mentors will meet face-to-face with the entrepreneur pitchers hours before the E20X competition takes place sharing their experience, answering questions and making invaluable connections.The 2018 E20X Houston pitching companies include: Beekeeper; Stratifyd; TrayAway; Shenzhen Showboom Technology Co., Ltd.; Zendelity; Bookcliff Software, LLC; Sencity Corp; Jibestream; Conichi; LuggAgent; Proxce, Inc.; Reply.ai; PopulStay Pte. Ltd.; When Labs; ZiFiSense; HeyMojo, Inc.The 2018 E20X Houston expert judges' panel includes:Carson Booth, CHTP, CEO, SnapShot GmbHDiane Estner, President, DANNI EnterprisesMark Fancourt, Travel and Hospitality Technology CXOPrakash Shukla, Managing Partner, Wayfare VcScot Campbell, CHTP, CTO, North America Concerts - Live NationVanessa Ogle, CEO and Founder, EnseoThe 2018 E20X Houston onsite mentoring team includes:Bernard Ellis, CHTP, CRME, President and Founder, Lodgital Insights LLCDonna Hale, CEO and Owner, FEH Consulting, LLCHenri Roelings, Founder and CEO, HsyndicateKathleen Erickson, Director - Guest Facing Technologies, Hilton WorldwideMichael Cohen, Managing Partner, TechPartnerRich Siegel, President and Publisher, Hospitality UpgradeRon Tarro, Managing Member, SalientVoice Ventures, LLCShannon McCallum, Vice President - Hotel Operations, Mandalay Bay Resort & CasinoSophie Pommois, Project Director Global Distribution, Global Hotel AllianceFor more information about E20X, email e20x@hftp.org. In addition to HITEC Houston, HFTP has several other events upcoming in 2018. The HFTP Annual Convention is October 24-26 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky USA. HITEC Dubai will take place December 5-6 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. For more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org. Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout the United States, HFTP expanded HITEC in 2017 with two additional events outside the annual North American event: one in Europe and the other in Dubai. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org. Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) continues to build on its online news series with the addition of its F&B Bytes website. Powered by Hsyndicate, an electronic media-hub based in The Netherlands, F&B Bytes is an aggregated content destination where users will find the latest food and beverage news all in one place. Recognized as a global educator in the hospitality industry, HFTP now offers hospitality professionals online news resources specific to technology, clubs, finance, GDPR, F&B and its association at large. HFTP's informational sites include: HITEC Bytes, Club Bytes, Finance Bytes, F&B Bytes, GDPR Bytes and HFTP News.The website allows users to stay updated with food and beverage trends, information and updates in the same easy-to-access format featured on its other news sites. F&B Bytes is a cross-platform site serves as a daily news outlet that brings together specific publications, reports, feature articles, white papers and more."As the global spokes group for hospitality finance and technology professionals, HFTP has an obligation to provide our stakeholders with a trusted digital channel of information," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "Expanding the industry's access to curated knowledge is another reason that HFTP is granted nonprofit status and entrusted with experts who volunteer their time to provide solutions to everyday industry problems."HFTP's informational news sites were created with the goal of categorizing the large amounts of available information, and presenting the news in a more convenient way for users. F&B Bytes allows companies to publish their content to the site; registered users receive the additional benefit of having their content published to both F&B Bytes as well as PineappleSearch.com, the world's only hospitality-specific search engine. For those interested in publishing content or advertising on F&B Bytes, please contact HFTP Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Lee, CAE at jennifer.lee@hftp.org or +1 (512) 220-4023.For more information, visit www.hftp.org and https://fb.hftp.org.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org. Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), producers of Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), is pleased to announce a partnership with Samsung for the upcoming HITEC Houston Opening Party this June. HITEC Houston attendees are invited to the Opening Party, which will be a lively event filled with entertainment and food. Multi-platinum entertainer Flo Rida - one of the most downloaded artists of all time with 29 Billboard Hot 100 hits, over two billion YouTube views and over 80 million downloads - will perform at the Opening Party taking place on Monday, June 18 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the luxe environment of the House of Blues Houston. HITEC Houston will take place from June 18-21, 2018 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas USA.HFTP and Samsung, which annually hosts a party coinciding with HITEC, are coming together to create a memorable evening that will help propel the week of hospitality education and networking."Between Samsung and HFTP, the HITEC Houston Opening Party is sure to be a night that will be remembered," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "The opening kick-off party for the largest HITEC of the year is open to all conference attendees. Join HFTP, Samsung and industry peers at the fabulous House of Blues for fun and mingling as everyone prepares for a busy and exciting week ahead.""Samsung has a multi-year legacy of delivering a big event at HITEC in which we bring the industry together as one," said Jonas Tanenbaum, vice president of hospitality TV division at Samsung Electronics America. "This year we are thrilled to join with HFTP for a kickoff to HITEC like never before at which we will demonstrate our collective commitment to the industry we serve."Samsung's vision of "creating a better world full of richer digital experiences, through innovative technology and products" aligns with the overall mission HITEC. HITEC Houston offers multiple sponsorship and advertising opportunities for those interested in promoting their company name to thousands of attendees. See which opportunities are still available by downloading the HITEC Houston Marketing Kit.HFTP remaining events for 2018 include HITEC Houston - HFTP's largest event of the year - from June 18-21 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas USA. HFTP Annual Convention will October 24-26 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky USA. HITEC Dubai will take place December 5-6 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. For more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org. Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout the United States, HFTP decided to break tradition in 2017 by hosting three HITEC events all taking place outside of U.S. borders- in Toronto, Amsterdam and Dubai. This was the first time the global association's largest HITEC event - featuring thousands of hospitality professionals from around the world -took place outside of the United States. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org. Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###

OpenTravel Alliance, the not-for-profit responsible for developing and maintaining interoperability for disparate systems in all verticals of the travel industry, has published the 2018A 2.0 Object Suite Publication. This release is primarily focused on hospitality and includes functionality for key actions associated with booking a hotel.Functions of the 2018A Object Suite Publication include searching for hotels, checking availability, creating offers and orders and booking reservations. Part of the larger 2.0 Object Model, 2018A Object Suite Publication affords implementers with the same benefits, such as scalability and message customization and personalization. The specification contains both XML and JSON messaging, WSDLs and Swagger, documentation and examples, as well as supporting artifacts.By incorporating JSON, a lightweight data interchange format, and REST, an improved software architecture style, 2.0 reduces message weight which improves mobile compatibility by allowing app and widget development.David Velasquez, SVP technology and distribution at LinksRez said, "Developing an updated Hotel Distribution Messaging standard is challenging because it has to accommodate so many unique implementations while providing a path from previous versions. Implementing a new messaging standard is also challenging because of the vast support and capabilities the model provides. OpenTravel, it's members, and the next generation messaging simplify that process."The standard is extremely easy to interpret and more human readable compared to previous versions and other standards," Velasquez said. "Our experience developing a product based on the Hotel 2.0 standard had been relatively simple and very efficient timewise."2.0 is designed in a tiered fashion, giving the developer the ability to choose the level of detail needed, allowing for ease in design of everything from lightweight applications for mobile use to full featured robust applications."We're thrilled to provide a significant hospitality piece in the 2.0 Object Model," said Susanne Auinger, OpenTravel Board Chair. "2.0 answers the demands of the travel industry with a solution that, among other advantages, is even more flexible for various use cases. It will be exciting to see how greater adoption of the 2018A 2.0 Object Suite Publication improves the experience for all users."More information on the benefits of the 2.0 object model can be found at: http://opentravel.org/resources/object-model-solution/The 2018A 2.0 Object Suite Publication is available for download at: http://opentravelmodel.net/pubs/specifications/Specifications.htmlThe foundation of consumer direct bookings, OpenTravel's standards are responsible for travel industry connectivity, and every day, tens of thousands of OpenTravel message structures are in use, carrying tens of millions of messages between partners. Because of the strength of stakeholders, OpenTravel continues to identify future transactional needs while providing the necessary tools for travel companies to thrive.About OpenTravel AllianceOpenTravel Alliance is passionate about solving the problems inherent with connecting multiple systems within the complex travel distribution arena. Our mission is to enable the future of travel by driving the evolving digital experience for consumers. OpenTravel Alliance creates, expands and drives adoption of open specifications, including but not limited to the use of XML and JSON, for the electronic exchange of business information among all sectors of the travel industry.OpenTravel Alliance is comprised of companies representing airlines, car rental firms, hotels, cruise lines, railways, leisure suppliers, service providers, tour operators, travel agencies, solutions providers, technology companies and distributors. Tens of thousands of OpenTravel Alliance message structures are in use, carrying tens of millions of messages between trading partners every day.OpenTravel Alliance is a not-for-profit trade association, founded in 1999 by travel companies, with a primary focus on the creation of electronic message structures to facilitate communication between the disparate systems in the global travel industry. For more information on OpenTravel Alliance membership, new products, or projects, please visit http://www.opentravel.org or email info@opentravel.org.

HFTP would like to cordially invite you to apply to attend the HFTP Club Forum, July 28, 2018 at the Sarasota Westin Hotel in Sarasota, FL USA. This executive-level event is designed to provide club professionals with the opportunity to connect with industry peers, share ideas and discuss hot topics. The main focus will be the Uniform System of Financial Reporting for Clubs. Attendees will suggest changes and additions for the revised version. There is no fee to attend but seating is limited. Club professionals are invited to complete the application to attend. Applicants will be notified by June 28, 2018 whether or not they are selected to attend this event.Your Registration Includes:- Complimentary registration to the HFTP Club Forum- Breakfast and lunch on July 28- Opportunities to earn CPEApplication Deadline: May 31, 2018For more information about the HFTP Club Forum: Linnet Baskett, Director of Club Engagement & Regionals, Phone: +1 (512) 220-4018. We hope to see you to Sarasota, FL USA!Event Website>

Two authorities on operating your business in a digital-dependent world have been added to the education program for Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)'s upcoming Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC). The opening keynote presenter is Mike Walsh, a 21st century business designer, futurist, global nomad and author. The event's closing keynote is Theresa Payton, a former The White House CIO and cybersecurity authority. HITEC Houston is the second, and largest, of three HITEC events planned for 2018, and will take place from June 18-21 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas USA.On Monday, June 18, 2018, Mike Walsh will take the HITEC Houston stage from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. to discuss his topic of "Reinventing Leadership for the Age of Machine Intelligence." Walsh is the CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing companies for the 21st century. He advises leaders on how to thrive in the current era of disruptive technological change rather than focusing on the distant future. Walsh takes an anthropological approach scanning the near horizon for emerging technologies and disruptive shifts in human behavior, and then translating these into pragmatic plans for digital transformation. He has many clients spanning the global Fortune 500, and also founded Jupiter Research in Australia.On Thursday, June 21, 2018, Theresa Payton will take the HITEC Houston stage from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. to discuss her topic of "Hype or Reality? Your Workplace and Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and the Internet of Things." Payton was the first female to serve as The White House chief information officer, and she was named number four on IFSEC Global's list of the world's Top 50 cybersecurity influencers in security and fire 2017. Payton is a well-respected authority on Internet security, data breaches and fraud mitigation. With real-world strategies and solutions, she helps public and private sector organizations protect their most valuable resources."The HITEC Advisory Council has planned a stellar education program for this year's event, including two reputable keynote speakers," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "Shifting gears into today's technology dependent society, both keynote speakers have extensive knowledge on how businesses and leadership can adapt into more modernized, thus successful, entities."Booth space for HITEC Houston is sold out. A waiting list is available on a first-come, first-served basis for booth space - a floor plan of the exhibit hall is available on the HITEC Houston website. HITEC is the world's largest hospitality technology exposition and conference with over 337 companies and 887 booths occupying this year's show floor. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch hospitality technology education, led by industry peers and experts, and an unparalleled trade show showcasing the latest hospitality technology products and services. Beginning in early June 2018, HITEC Houston exhibitors will have the opportunity to select space in advance for next year's show.In addition to HITEC Houston, HFTP has several other events upcoming in 2018. HFTP Annual Convention will October 24-26 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky USA. HITEC Dubai will take place December 5-6 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. For more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org. Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout the United States, HFTP decided to break tradition in 2017 by hosting three HITEC events all taking place outside of U.S. borders- in Toronto, Amsterdam and Dubai. This was the first time the global association's largest HITEC event - featuring thousands of hospitality professionals from around the world -took place outside of the United States. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org. Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), producers of Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), is currently accepting applications for participants, judges and mentors for Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) at HITEC Houston. Those interested can apply via the HITEC website - startups can apply here, and volunteers can apply here. E20X Houston will take place on Monday, June 18 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Gorge R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.E20X participants will be selected from the field of applicants and pitch their business concepts to a panel of expert judges and HITEC attendees and exhibitors. Participants will have access to a team of mentors before the competition, who will inspire and educate the startups by lending them insights, expertise and guidance. The E20X judge's panel will determine the grand prize, "E20X Judge's Choice Award," winner while the audience will determine the crowd favorite, "E20X People's Choice Award," winner. Selected startups will also receive a kiosk in the HITEC Houston exhibit hall.E20X mentor opportunities are available to industry professionals who would like to volunteer and share their knowledge with participants the day of the competition. Day-of mentors will meet face-to-face with participants in a series of pre-booked meetups hours before the E20X competition takes place sharing their experience, answering questions and making invaluable connections."Being an entrepreneur, running your own business, can be challenging in the sense that you are solely making decisions without the guidance of feedback," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "HFTP's Entrepreneur 20X event gives startups the opportunity to showcase their products, services and ideas in front of a global network of industry peers including investors, c-level experts and a judges panel that is guaranteed to serve as a steppingstone on your path to success."HFTP remaining events for 2018 include HITEC Houston - HFTP's largest event of the year - from June 18-21 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas USA. HFTP Annual Convention will October 24-26 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky USA. HITEC Dubai will take place December 5-6 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. For more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout the United States, HFTP decided to break tradition in 2017 by hosting three HITEC events all taking place outside of U.S. borders- in Toronto, Amsterdam and Dubai. This was the first time the global association's largest HITEC event - featuring thousands of hospitality professionals from around the world -took place outside of the United States. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org. Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org. Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), will honor Sean Van Dyke, CHTP as the 2018 Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) of the Year at HITEC Houston this June. The CHTP of the Year award honors the individual that scored the highest on the CHTP certification exam within a given year. HITEC Houston, HFTP's second and largest HITEC of 2018, will take place from June 18-21 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas USA.Van Dyke works as a director of IT at St. Julien Hotel & Spa, a luxury four star/diamond spot located in Boulder, Colorado USA. Van Dyke mentions computers are both his day job and also his hobby. He enjoys building virtual environments, dabbling with containers and staying up on the latest VR news."Getting the CHTP certification made a lot of sense for me," said Van Dyke. "It offers recognition of my specialized knowledge in both my field of study and the particular industry in which I make my career applying those skills. It is a unique designation which stands out to my industry colleagues."Developed jointly by HFTP and the Educational Institute (EI) of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA), the CHTP designation is the ultimate achievement in hospitality information technology by showing a dedication to both the hospitality and technology industries. The CHTP exam was first given in 1994 at HITEC in Dallas, Texas USA. Since then, more than 400 professionals have earned the CHTP designation around the world. HFTP also administers the examination and awards the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) industry designation.HFTP's certification programs are globally recognized for setting industry standards for hospitality finance and technology. Qualification for the exams is based on level of education and experience in the industry; student programs are also available. Active certificants have reported higher salaries and various career advancement opportunities. Becoming certified indicates and individual's commitment to professionalism, continuing education and their chosen career path.For more information on HFTP's certification programs, contact HFTP Certification Manager Robin Bogdon at certification@hftp.org or visit www.hftp.org.HFTP remaining events for 2018 include HITEC Houston - HFTP's largest event of the year - from June 18-21 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas USA. HFTP Annual Convention will October 24-26 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky USA. HITEC Dubai will take place December 5-6 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. For more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org. Download the 2018 HFTP event mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play - information coming available as each event nears.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org. Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout the United States, HFTP decided to break tradition in 2017 by hosting three HITEC events all taking place outside of U.S. borders- in Toronto, Amsterdam and Dubai. This was the first time the global association's largest HITEC event - featuring thousands of hospitality professionals from around the world -took place outside of the United States. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org. Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###

In its second year, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) European HITEC was held last week where top industry experts exchanged knowledge geared toward shaping the future of hospitality globally. Discussions were held on the hottest topics in the industry - artificial intelligence, voice recognition, data science, robotics, customer journey and the EU GDPR. Over 100 companies displayed the latest in available hospitality technology products available around the globe.Kicking-off the event was HFTP's Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) where 11 entrepreneurs presented their innovative technology to a panel of expert judges. Startup KITRO was awarded the Judge's Choice grand prize award of EUR2,500. Following the competition, participants were available to meet with delegates in the Innovation Lab. Delegates had an opportunity to select their favorite innovative technology, which differed from the E20X Judges Award. For the second time, the favorite technology of delegates at a HITEC event went to Arrivedo.Another highlight of the conference might well have been the largest gathering ever of European hospitality CIO and CFOs. The invitation only event, sponsored by Fourteen IP Communications, provided the c-level audience an opportunity to address current day problems and speculate about the future. The sometimes spirited discussion offered insight into what the near future trends might be, and what the roles of industry professionals will be in the future. The stellar educational program ended with Frits van Paasschen, best-selling author and former CEO of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, providing unique perspective on trends shaping the global economy.The partner of the conference - the exhibitions - was not as stellar or up to HFTP standards. "Producing hospitality events for more than four decades, and being a nonprofit organization, HFTP sets higher standards regarding the quality and overall experience of our stakeholders than other conferences and exhibitions," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "We work passionately on behalf of the industry year-round to provide the best possible tools and experiences for all of our participants - including our exhibiting companies. A positive exhibitor experience was not the case at this event."The first sign of trouble exhibitors experienced was set-up preparations, which overflowed into actual opening exhibit hours. During the event, exhibitors experienced internet problems and the traffic inside the exhibition hall was clearly disappointing.Although buyers registered for the event, checked in on site and were available on the event app, the numbers inside the exhibitions were not what we expected. So, in recognition of the energy and time HFTP supporters spent preparing for the event, ALL exhibiting companies were offered a partial refund of their stand reservation fees. "HFTP continues to expand and evolve for the industry and its promise is to do our best to make the quality of the experience positive," Wolfe said. "In spite of the troubles, HITEC Amsterdam already has really good support from the exhibitions side and has sold almost 50 percent of the available stands for 2019."HFTP remaining events for 2018 include HITEC Houston - HFTP's largest event of the year - from June 18-21 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas USA. HFTP Annual Convention will October 24-26 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky USA. HITEC Dubai will take place December 5-6 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. For more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career. Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout the United States, HFTP decided to break tradition in 2017 by hosting three HITEC events all taking place outside of U.S. borders- in Toronto, Amsterdam and Dubai. This was the first time the global association's largest HITEC event - featuring thousands of hospitality professionals from around the world -took place outside of the United States. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org. Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org. Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes and HFTP GDPR Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.

Building on the expertise of planning and producing the world's largest hospitality technology show, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), producers of Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), will host HITEC Dubai 2018 from December 5-6, 2018 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. Produced in partnership with Naseba, HFTP's HITEC Dubai will serve as the association's third and final HITEC of 2018.The event is a Middle Eastern counterpart to the tremendously successful annual HITEC which brings together thousands of individuals from the hospitality technology community to a different city in North America each year. Since Dubai is one of the world's leading international business centers and regional hubs with a booming hospitality industry, HFTP has expand its recognized HITEC to the region. HFTP recently opened a Dubai Research Center, which serves as an office space and research center, located in the Dubai World Trade Centre. HFTP has employed two graduate students from The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management to conduct regional research, benefitting the association and its international scale of events and resources."Last year's inaugural HITEC Dubai event featured 600+ hospitality stakeholders, 40+ solution and service providers and 30+ industry expert speakers," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "The demand for HITEC Dubai 2018 was such a great success that the event outgrew its initial venue. HFTP is excited to expand its educational resources and expert networks across The Middle East."The partnership between HFTP and Naseba for HITEC Dubai combines both organizations' vast experience in the sector to build the ultimate hospitality technology platform in the GCC region. Naseba brings additional, local expertise to the event whereas HFTP has appointed a HITEC Dubai Advisory Council to assist with the education program.Planning for HITEC Dubai has begun, and will reflect practices and trends specific to The Middle East. Top regional experts will be diligently selected to volunteer their industry expertise on the HITEC Dubai Advisory Council and provide guidance for the event's education program. Reservations for exhibit space at HITEC Dubai are now being taken. HITEC Dubai also offers multiple sponsorship and advertising opportunities for exhibitors to increase impressions before and after the show. For more information, contact HFTP Director of Exhibits Paula Lerash, CEM at Paula.Lerash@hftp.org.In addition to HITEC Dubai, HFTP is currently hosting HITEC Amsterdam from April 11-13 at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam. The larger HITEC Houston is from June 18-21 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas USA. For more information about HITEC and HFTP's other international activities, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org or visit www.hftp.org and www.hftp.org/hitec. Click here to watch a video from HITEC Dubai 2017.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout the United States, HFTP decided to break tradition in 2017 by hosting three HITEC events all taking place outside of U.S. borders- in Toronto, Amsterdam and Dubai. This was the first time the global association's largest HITEC event - featuring thousands of hospitality professionals from around the world -took place outside of the United States. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org. Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org. Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes and HFTP GDPR Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###

Gearing up for the first Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) of 2018, event producers Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is excited to announce the launch of this year's "HFTP Events" mobile app. The HFTP event 2018 mobile app is home to all the information attendees and exhibitors will need for HITEC Amsterdam, HITEC Houston and Annual Convention this year, with information coming available as the event nears. Available now for download from the iTunes Apple Store and Google Play, the app will serve as a comprehensive guide for information on education sessions and exhibits while also providing social feeds and in-app correspondence capabilities for exhibitors and attendees.The HFTP events 2018 mobile app is a benefit for event attendees, serving as an interactive and informative tool. Users should create a profile and login to gain access to all app functionality. Once logged in, users will have the ability to create a customized educational schedule and link speaker biographies, session evaluations and more. Mobile app users will also be able to connect with other attendees using searchable directories, direct messaging and meeting booking functionalities. Robust searching gives users the capability to network a practical way to find and make direct contact for potential business opportunities."As a hospitality association, HFTP is always looking for ways to enhance the experience for our event attendees and members," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "The decision to create a combined mobile app again in 2018 comes from our determination to offer corporate event attendees a feature-rich tool in an easy-to-use and convenient platform. Attendees will not only benefit from the interactive capabilities and mobile planning functions, the app gives users a front seat to all of the event information."The HFTP event mobile app is a resource complete with all the information you will need to navigate the association's upcoming events in 2018. Event maps, floorplans, survey links, information sites, educational credits are only some of the resources available inside the app. Discover information about event speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) and much more. Stay updated with HFTP through the app's activity feed feature, which streamlines all social channels into one space.Next up on the HFTP event schedule is HITEC Amsterdam - the first of three HITEC events HFTP will produce in 2018 - taking place next week from April 11-13 at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam. HITEC Houston, HFTP's largest event of the year, will take place from June 18-21 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas USA. HFTP Annual Convention will take place October 24-26, 2018 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky USA. HITEC Dubai will take place December 5-6 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE.For a full listing and more information about HFTP's international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org or contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org. Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes and HFTP GDPR Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout the United States, HFTP decided to break tradition in 2017 by hosting three HITEC events all taking place outside of U.S. borders- in Toronto, Amsterdam and Dubai. This was the first time the global association's largest HITEC event - featuring thousands of hospitality professionals from around the world -took place outside of the United States. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org. Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is pleased to announce the joint development of a new program with the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYUSPS ) Jonathan M. Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism, which provides the students with the opportunity to prepare for their HFTP Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP ) designation.The program, which is expected to launch in the 2018-2019 academic year, will include HFTP-approved CHTP information in the School's 14-week class syllabus. A faculty advisor, who has attained and maintains the CHTP certification, will be appointed by NYUSPS to teach the class and oversee the program offerings. Upon completion of the class, the first step in attaining the designation is to submit a Student CHTP Certification Application to HFTP and take the certification exam."Receiving a hospitality designation from HFTP is a good way for students to jump-start their professional careers in hospitality," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "HFTP's certification programs are globally recognized for setting industry standards for hospitality finance and technology."Nicolas Graf, associate dean of the NYUSPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism, who was instrumental in moving this initiative forward, commented "We are delighted that through our agreement with HFTP, we will be able to offer our students additional educational and credentialing opportunities in areas that are driving forces in the hospitality industry."HFTP offers the only designations for finance and technology professionals who are working in the hospitality industry. Both the CHAE and CHTP designations require professionals to sit for an initial competency exam, and complete continuing education credits for each renewal cycle. Qualification for the exams is based on level of education and experience in the industry; student programs are also available.For more information about HFTP's certification programs, contact HFTP Certification Manager Robin Bogdon at robin.bogdon@hftp.org or visit www.hftp.org. For immediate information, visit the FAQ pages for both CHTP and CHAE certifications.About the NYUSPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center for Hospitality and TourismThe NYUSPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism has prepared global leaders in the dynamic, expanding industries of travel, tourism, and hospitality for more than 20 years. With widely recognized, cutting-edge undergraduate and graduate degree and noncredit Career Advancement Courses and Professional Diplomas, as well as a deep commitment to integrating theory with practice, the NYUSPS Tisch Center is the perfect environment in which to embark upon an academic journey that prepares professionals for careers in hospitality and tourism. Students have access to the extraordinary resources of New York University, one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions. Tisch Center students benefit not only from the expertise of dedicated full-time faculty members, but also from adjunct faculty members and guest lecturers who are renowned in their fields, unparalleled access to industry leaders, invaluable site visits and study away opportunities, and highly successful global alumni who serve as mentors. Through rigorous curricula, applicable research, and a hands-on approach to learning, students gain the preparation, knowledge, and skills sought by employers. For more information about the NYUSPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism, visit sps.nyu.edu/tisch.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org.Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes and HFTP GDPR Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.

OpenTravel Alliance (OpenTravel), a nonprofit responsible for developing and maintaining interoperability for disparate systems in all verticals of the travel industry, is pleased to extend its partnership with Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and co-locate European conferences in April 2018. OpenTravel will co-locate its Advisory Forum, taking place from 11-13 April 2018, with HFTP's HITEC Amsterdam, taking place from 11-13 April 2018. Both events will take place at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam.Online registration and housing is open for the OpenTravel Advisory Forum. Agenda highlights for the Advisory Forum include: education from recognized technology leaders, case studies from companies utilizing OpenTravel standards, collaborative panels on enabling the consumer experience, evolving distribution standards, collaboration stories on standards, networking and more. Also, the results from the OpenTravel Virtual Hackathon held in March will be revealed at the OpenTravel Challenge.Education topics range from GDPR and evolving distribution standards to hospitality and tourism in Europe. As an organization that represents the business and leisure consumer's end-to-end travel, the OpenTravel Advisory Forum will feature the latest travel trends for a unified consumer experience."OpenTravel is the source for the most adopted, cross-industry technology standards that enable business solutions driven by the travel community," said Mike Tinkey, CEO at OpenTravel. "We are excited to co-locate in Europe our Advisory Forum with HFTP's regional HITEC Amsterdam, and provide attendees with more resources and education in one setting", shared Susanne Auinger, Chairperson of OpenTravel and the OpenTravel Advisory Forum Amsterdam.Together, OpenTravel and HFTP encompass an extended group of stakeholders and industry professionals; combining resources will enable better communication, and allow stakeholders to conduct business more efficiently.For more information about OpenTravel Alliance, please contact media@opentravel.org or visit http://opentravel.org. To register for the OpenTravel Advisory Forum, click here.About OpenTravel AllianceOpenTravel Alliance is passionate about solving the problems inherent with connecting multiple systems within the complex travel distribution arena. Our mission is to enable the future of travel by driving the evolving digital experience for consumers. OpenTravel Alliance creates, expands and drives adoption of open specifications, including but not limited to the use of XML, for the electronic exchange of business information among all sectors of the travel industry.OpenTravel Alliance is comprised of companies representing airlines, car rental firms, hotels, cruise lines, railways, leisure suppliers, service providers, tour operators, travel agencies, solutions providers, technology companies and distributors. Tens of thousands of OpenTravel Alliance message structures are in use, carrying tens of millions of messages between trading partners every day.OpenTravel Alliance is a not-for-profit trade association, founded in 1999 by travel companies, with a primary focus on the creation of electronic message structures to facilitate communication between the disparate systems in the global travel industry. For more information on OpenTravel Alliance membership, new products, or projects, please visit http://www.opentravel.org or email info@opentravel.org.Follow OpenTravel on Twitter (@OpenTravel) and LinkedIn and the LinkedIn Group page.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout the United States, HFTP decided to break tradition in 2017 by hosting three HITEC events all taking place outside of U.S. borders- in Toronto, Amsterdam and Dubai. This was the first time the global association's largest HITEC event - featuring thousands of hospitality professionals from around the world -took place outside of the United States. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org. Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), producers of Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), is pleased to announce the selected hospitality technology startups and expert judges panel that will participate in Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) at HITEC Amsterdam next month. All registered HITEC attendees are welcome to attend the action-packed pitch competition taking place on Wednesday, 11 April 2018 beginning at 14:30 in the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.Participants will have access to a team of mentors, before the competition, who will inspire and educate the startups by lending them insights, expertise and guidance. E20X innovators have four minutes to present their breakthrough business concepts to a room full of HITEC attendees as well as a panel of expert judges. Selected startups compete for two available awards: the E20X Judges' Award and the E20X People's Startup Award. The startup deemed "most innovative" by the judge's panel will win a EUR2,500 cash prize. The startup selected by HITEC Amsterdam attendees, via the HITEC mobile app, will be presented with a trophy on Friday, 13 April at the closing keynote session. Attendees will have additional opportunities to visit with startups in days following the competition at the Innovation Lab on the HITEC show floor.The following innovative startups will pitch their cutting-edge ideas to a room full of attendees and a panel of expert judges at the Amsterdam version of the globally recognized pitch competition. The 2018 E20X Amsterdam pitching companies include:SwayyRoomRaccoonChargifiKITROReceptioHO[S]TELOFER.ONLINEJibestreamOrbital Systems ABArrivedoClimber HotelHotelFlexE20X Amsterdam pitchers will present their technologies to an expert panel of judges with backgrounds in hospitality, technology and entrepreneurship. The 2018 E20X Amsterdam judges' panel includes:Carson Booth, CHTP, startup technology consultant at Venture Capital & Private Equity and chairman of the HITEC Amsterdam 2018 Advisory CouncilPrakash Shukla, managing partner at SolarexMichael Levie, CHTP, chief operations officer at citizenM and treasurer on the HFTP Global 2017-2018 Board of DirectorsBarry Thomas, CHTP, area director of information technology at Rosewood, London and council member on the HITEC Amsterdam 2018 Advisory Council"Entrepreneur 20X is a great platform for hospitality startups to present their business concepts to the industry," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "HITEC brings together hospitality leaders from across the globe -creating an unparalleled network for attendees."Watch E20X videos from previous years on the HFTP YouTube channel. For more information on HITEC Amsterdam marketing opportunities, contact HFTP COO, Europe Carl Weldon at carl.weldon@hftp.org or +1 (512) 220-4164. For more information about HFTP's global activities, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org or visit www.hftp.org and www.hftp.org/hitec.HITEC Amsterdam will be the first of three HITEC events in 2018. The larger HITEC Houston will take place 18-21 June at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas USA. HITEC Dubai will take place 5-6 December at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE.About HITECHospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout the United States, HFTP decided to break tradition in 2017 by hosting three HITEC events all taking place outside of U.S. borders- in Toronto, Amsterdam and Dubai. This was the first time the global association's largest HITEC event - featuring thousands of hospitality professionals from around the world -took place outside of the United States. For more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org. Follow HITEC on social media: Facebook (@HITECconference); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Find updates on the HFTP News page, and exhibitor news on the HITEC Bytes site. HITEC event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org. Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HTIEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes and HFTP GDPR Byes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###

AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA -- Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), an international nonprofit and producers of the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), is pleased to announce its exclusive CIO/CFO event sponsorship agreement with Fourteen IP Communications Ltd at the upcoming HITEC Amsterdam 2018. The invitation-only event that brings together CIOs and CFOs from leading hotel and hospitality companies from across Europe will take place on 11 April to kick-off HITEC Amsterdam, which is taking place from 11-13 April at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.The CIO/CFO pre-conference event will feature a welcome and introductions from HFTP, updates on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Officer role, as well as CIO and CFO roundtable discussions. The roundtable discussions will bring together high-level, hospitality CIOs and CFOs from across Europe for a face-to-face discussion on crucial issues their companies are encountering."We are excited to have Fourteen IP as an exclusive sponsor for the CIO/CFO event at HITEC Amsterdam next month," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "As a leading systems integrator specializing in voice and data solutions, the team at Fourteen IP has been helping make hospitality communications simple and effective for 25 years. Looking forward to an innovative partnership at HITEC Amsterdam.""We are very proud to be not just exhibiting at HITEC Amsterdam, but also taking the lead sponsorship on the CIO/CFO day," said Neil Tolley, managing director at Fourteen IP. "It's a great opportunity for us to network with the people we really want to speak to and to tell them a little about our company and our solutions, as well as bringing our usual sense of fun to the evening's events. We are very grateful to the HFTP team for their superb support."For more information on HITEC Amsterdam marketing opportunities, contact HFTP COO, Europe Carl Weldon at carl.weldon@hftp.org or +1 (512) 220-4164. For more information about HFTP's global activities, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org or visit the HFTP web site.HITEC Amsterdam will be the first of three HITEC events in 2018. The larger HITEC Houston will take place 18-21 June at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas USA. HITEC Dubai will take place 5-6 December at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE.

OpenTravel Alliance (OpenTravel) is hosting a series of virtual hackathons, with the first taking place now. Register and submit your web-based application until April 8, 2018. The online event, sponsored by LinksRez, is designed to enhance the experience of the connected travel consumer.The challenge includes creating a web-based application that enhances the connected consumer's travel experience in a unique way, utilizing at least one of the provided APIs that implement OpenTravel messaging. API providers include: LinksRez, IATA and MASAI Mobility Community (M2C) and encompasses travel verticals including hotel, car rental, ground transportation, air and golf.Open Travel is the source for the most adopted, cross-industry technology standards that enable business solutions driven by the travel community. "Our virtual hackathons create opportunities to build solutions around OpenTravel standards," said OpenTravel CEO Mike Tinkey. "We encourage developers to be creative and innovative. We look forward to seeing what new insights this year's events bring."The OTA virtual hackathon will feature five judges who will judge the applications based on originality, technical merit, presentation skill and how well the project addresses the hackathon challenge. Along with cash prizes the winners of the virtual hackathon will have the opportunity to have their applications presented at the OpenTravel Advisory Forum in Amsterdam next month.If you are interested in providing your APIs which use OpenTravel messaging, or in sponsoring a future event, please email OpenTravel Director of Specifications Sandy Angel at sandy.angel@opentravel.org for more information. Click here to register for the event.About OpenTravel AllianceOpenTravel Alliance is passionate about solving the problems inherent with connecting multiple systems within the complex travel distribution arena. Our mission is to enable the future of travel by driving the evolving digital experience for consumers. OpenTravel Alliance creates, expands and drives adoption of open specifications, including but not limited to the use of XML and JSON, for the electronic exchange of business information among all sectors of the travel industry.OpenTravel Alliance is comprised of companies representing airlines, car rental firms, hotels, cruise lines, railways, leisure suppliers, service providers, tour operators, travel agencies, solutions providers, technology companies and distributors. Tens of thousands of OpenTravel Alliance message structures are in use, carrying tens of millions of messages between trading partners every day.OpenTravel Alliance is a not-for-profit trade association, founded in 1999 by travel companies, with a primary focus on the creation of electronic message structures to facilitate communication between the disparate systems in the global travel industry. For more information on OpenTravel Alliance membership, new products, or projects, please visit http://www.opentravel.org or email info@opentravel.org.###END###

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is pleased to announce Keystep Solutions as the exclusive sponsor of the upcoming HFTP London Interest Meeting. Keystep Solutions is a family owned British company specializing in access control systems - they include: electronic keycard locks, access readers, energy-saving room switches and lift controllers. The event will take place Monday, 12 March 2018 at the Rosewood Hotel in London. Guests are invited to join HFTP and top European hospitality executives for an evening of interesting speakers and discussion. Those interested in attending the complimentary event can RSVP online.Beginning at 18:30, Keystep Solutions CEO Andrew Evans will lead a presentation on "The Age of RFID and AI." He will be followed by STR Global Senior Manager Regional Accounts Manager Ivana Neskovic who will present "2017 Year-end Hotel Trends in Europe and the United Kingdom." Information and the latest on hospitality GDPR and data mapping challenges, plus an update on the HFTP GDPR Task Force will be presented by Privalis Group Managing Director Jose Medio, Attorney, CIPP/us, CIPP/E."We are grateful for our partnership with Keystep Solutions again this year for our second London Interest Meeting," said Frank Wolfe, CEO at HFTP. "HFTP is dedicated to provide the best education and resources internationally, and our 2018 London Interest Meeting is a great opportunity for hospitality professionals in the area to connect and help ameliorate our industry as a whole."HFTP continues to expand its events and resources internationally, and hosted its first London Interest Meeting in 2017 - where Keystep Solutions was the program's sponsor. For more information about HFTP's London membership event, contact HFTP COO, Europe Carl Weldon, FIH FHOSPA at Carl.Weldon@hftp.org or +1 (512) 220-4164. For more information about HFTP's global activities, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org or visit www.hftp.org and www.hftp.org/hitec.About HFTPHospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org. Follow HFTP on social media: Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HTIEC). Stay tuned to HFTP's industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes and HFTP GDPR Byes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.###