I shared a story about the time I went into sales for a PMS company back in the '80s and the company moved me from San Francisco to Dallas. I moved to a city where I didn’t know anyone and worked out of my apartment. Imagine this: there was no internet and no email when I did this. The look of disbelief on her face (she is 32 years old) made me laugh. That was the way things were back then. Wow, I might be getting old. A positive of having been around for a long time in the same industry is the many stories and experiences we have had. As I was at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January, Bob Gilbert the CEO of HSMAI invited me to join his board and some guests for dinner. Eric Pearson (CIO of IHG) was there and we had met before so we sat down and talked. And talked and talked. He has been around quite a while also, and conversations went to the days of initiatives like CONFIRM and the birth of THISCO. I shared my stories about the early days of property technology. He suggested, quite strongly, that I write a book on the history of technology in the hotel industry. Oh sure, I will spend all this time and cost of writing a book that nobody will buy. Any other ideas for me? We laughed and then went on with the dinner that night. I bring this up because that was one of many conversations I have had over the years about the history of technology and how it has changed over the years. This year is my 25th year publishing and promoting a better understanding of technology for our industry. Maybe it is time to take a look back and share what has transpired over the years. I have often been encouraged to do this, but it is a great deal of work and research. I know I would need help. Now I don’t know how good of a salesperson I am, but today I am feeling that I am great. To talk the happily retired Jon Inge, one of the most respected industry technologists ever, into coming out of retirement to help with this project makes me smile. In life, it is often all about timing. If you are reading this and know some old-timers or are one yourself, please email me at rich@hospitalityupgrade.com. We want to hear your stories for this special edition of Hospitality Upgrade, A History of Technology. We will distribute this special edition at HITEC in June. There are many I know who were technology leaders from the hotel side and some were early adopters of tech solutions for the hotel industry. It will be fun sharing stories with the industry and who knows, maybe this will lead to an actual book. Wish us luck!