From showcasing some of the hottest hospitality technology products to finding solutions to technology issues, the 2009 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) focuses on the latest in hospitality technology.
The conference is June 22-25 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. Attendees that register by May 15 can save $100 on the full conference registration fee.
HITEC, produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), is one of the world's largest hospitality technology expositions and conferences. It offers attendees a one-stop shop for essential education, access to experts and hospitality technology vendors, networking with top leaders in the industry and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines.
"While the economy continues to slump, professionals must keep on top of what is happening in the industry so that they can make the right decisions," said Frank Wolfe, CAE, CEO of HFTP. " Throughout HITEC attendees can map out a plan for the future by learning ways to cut costs, what technologies are on the horizon, how to attract more guests to their property and more."
From Monday through Thursday, there are over 40 education sessions on topics such as social media, guestroom technology, IT infrastructure, surviving a tough economy with help from technology, demystifying Web 2.0, building a wireless network and more. The three general sessions include the importance of digital relationships with Terry Jones, founder of Travelocity; a panel of CIOs discussing the economy; and the industry's future and how to use design thinking as a useful problem-solving technique with Doug Solomon, CTO of IDEO.
Special concurrent sessions include Monday's roundtable discussions on 12 various topics, a series of technology fundamentals that cover topics from VoIP systems to disaster recovery and a series of club-related sessions that address technology issues specific to the club industry.
The HITEC exhibit hall offers hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest in hospitality technology. Attendees can receive support and advice from experts and vendors as they walk the show floor. HITEC's online buyer's guide allows attendees to plan their time on the show floor by viewing an up-to-the-minute floor plan and searching for exhibitors by product, location and special group. The Club Technology Pavilion, a special section of the exhibit hall, features the latest in club-related technology.
An added bonus on the exhibit hall floor is the 24 free education sessions in the exhibitor tutorial rooms. During each half-hour session, attendees learn basic information to make them more informed buyers. The sessions are offered by exhibitors and are presented in a non-sales environment.
Attendees can expand their networks during HITEC 2009 by sharing ideas, making connections, job searching and more with fellow colleagues. Among the various opportunities to connect with peers at HITEC is the welcome reception at the Anaheim Marriott immediately following the opening session Monday evening.
Industry events and organization meetings to be held in conjunction with HITEC include HFTP's Club and Hotel Controllers Conference, HSMAI's Revenue Management & Internet Marketing Strategy Conference, AH&LA, HITA, HTNG, the University of Delaware - IT Advisory Board, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and more.
Visit www.hitec.org for complete information about all conference and exhibition events, including a full conference schedule, buyer's guide, a map of the exhibit hall and the most current HITEC news. For more information, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at attendee@hftp.org, (800) 646-4387 or +1 (512) 249-5333.