Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is pleased to recognize two champions of hospitality technology. Mary Gerdts will be inducted to the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame, recognized for the development of game-changing, hospitality payment technology. Gerdts is the founder and CEO of two payment processing companies, POST Integrations, Inc. and EboCom, LLC. Bob Gilbert will be posthumously recognized with the HFTP Award of Merit, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant innovation or breakthrough that established a path for others in hospitality technology. Gilbert, was the president and CEO of HSMAI Americas for more than 30 years. They will be recognized at HITEC 2026 on June 15–18 in San Antonio, Texas USA.  

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The International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame is HFTP's highest level of recognition in technology. Since 1989, 58 individuals have received this award as a reflection of their contributions to the hospitality industry. Gerdts will be recognized at the HITEC Tuesday Headliner session on June 16.

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Gerdts stated, “I am honored beyond measure to be inducted into the HFTP Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame and to be recognized by my peers for my 35 years of technical excellence in hotel payments. It is a privilege to be amongst the incredible individuals who have walked this path before me. I am eternally grateful to serve the hotel industry and be recognized for doing what I love.”

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Gerdts founded POST Integrations in 1991, which provides payment processing services exclusively to the hospitality industry. EboCom is a fintech company founded in 2000 that provides back-office clearing and settlement payment processing to POST’s clients. Her visionary leadership in business, innovation in technology led to her being nominated for Fortune’s "Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs."

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Gerdts is also an active member of the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA), the global trade association that represents payment and technology companies. She has held numerous leadership positions in the organization, including as its national president. She was recognized with the ETA Member of the Year award in 2004 and in 2019, was inducted into the ETA Hall of Fame. Gerdts was also recognized with the HFTP Paragon Award in 2019.

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Created in 2002, the HFTP Award of Merit recognizes individuals who have made significant technological contributions that have had longevity. The work accomplished by those selected will have benefitted those across the industry. Last awarded in 2017, HFTP is recognizing Gilbert for driving innovation, technology adoption, and commercial excellence across the global hotel industry. Gilbert will be recognized at the HITEC Opening Headliner session on June 15 and to memorialize this moment, HFTP will make an additional donation to the HSMAI Foundation.  

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HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE explained, “Bob’s leadership fundamentally reshaped how the hotel industry and commercial professionals engage with and leverage technology and data to strengthen revenue performance and adapt to an increasingly technology-driven marketplace. Today, his contributions continue to shape the capabilities, skill sets, and strategic thinking of today’s hospitality commercial leaders.”

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As CEO, Gilbert championed the creation of HSMAI’s expert communities in digital marketing and revenue management, accelerating industry understanding of emerging commercial technologies and data-driven strategy. His leadership helped unify sales, marketing, distribution, and revenue optimization under a more technology-enabled commercial strategy approach that most hotel companies follow today.

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HITEC 2026 will take place on June 15–18 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas USA. Produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, HITEC is the world's largest and longest-running hospitality technology exposition and conference. It 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. The 2026 event is expecting more than 5,900 attendees and 370+ exhibiting companies. Registration for HITEC 2026 is available.