AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA | Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) wants 2008 Annual Convention & Tradeshow attendees to avoid the stress of packing and dealing with additional airline costs by dressing in business casual attire at the upcoming convention. The business casual attire initiative started with HFTP's 2008 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC ®), after several airlines announced increased costs with luggage check. The Annual Convention & Tradeshow is scheduled for September 24-27 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

"With the extra costs airlines are putting on customers, HFTP encourages all Annual Convention attendees to cut down on packing by dressing in business casual attire, like khaki pants and polo shirts," said Frank Wolfe, CAE, CEO of HFTP. "We want attendees to be comfortable while they travel to, from and during the convention." The last night of the convention is the President's Evening, a black-tie optional event with dinner and dancing. Those not wanting to pack a tuxedo can rent one during the convention from Street Tuxedo. Arrangements have been made for Street Tuxedo to come to the Gaylord Opryland for fittings on Thursday, September 25 from 7:30-8:30 a.m. in room Belmont A. Visit www.streettuxedo.com for more information.

The Annual Convention & Tradeshow includes targeted education sessions, numerous networking opportunities and access to leading suppliers at the tradeshow. Online registration or the conference is available at www.hftp.org. Visit the 2008 HFTP Annual Convention & Tradeshow web page for a schedule, details on the tradeshow and more.

For more information about attending the 2008 Annual Convention & Tradeshow, send inquiries to education@hftp.org, call (800) 646-4387 or +1 (512) 249-5333.