After completing surveys, interviews and conducting additional industry research, changes to the program and exhibition have been made, including the re-location of HITEC Europe 2019. Originally announced for Amsterdam, and the location of the first two years of HITEC Europe, in 2019 it will be located at the Palau de Congressos in Palma (Mallorca) Spain, scheduled for April 10-11, 2019.
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.html
For more information about HFTP’s international events, visit www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org.