AUSTIN, TEXAS; Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is ending 2005 with a record-breaking membership total of 4,631 members. This is the highest HFTP membership statistic recorded, which is traditionally noted at the end of the association's fiscal year, Oct. 31. This is an 11 percent increase over 2004, and surpasses HFTP's pre-September 11, 2001 membership, which tallied at 4,398 on September 8, 2001.

International expansion has recently been an important focus for HFTP, and the association's efforts have paid off. From 2001 to 2005 there was a 25 percent increase in international participation, which includes conference attendance, CHAE/CHTP exams and other HFTP events. From 2004 to 2005 there was a 29 percent increase in international participation. In addition, the exams for the Certified Hospitality Technology Executive (CHTP) and the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) were given in Kuwait, St. Lucia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and China in 2005.

"One of my primary interests is to spread the HFTP brand internationally," said Ralph Miller, CA, CBV, CHA, CHAE, HFTP International president and president and owner of Inntegrated Hospitality Management Ltd. "Although many members are based in North America, the HFTP network reaches far beyond this continent. HFTP's benefits can serve a member in Ireland just as well as they can serve a member in Indiana."

Members of HFTP receive award-winning publications, industry research, online networking tools, chapter affiliation, online education, discounted registration fees to HFTP conferences and events, career advancement opportunities and much more. The association produces the premiere hospitality technology show, HITEC, as well its popular Annual Convention & Tradeshow which offers educational sessions on the industry's hottest topics. For more information about HFTP, visit the HFTP web site at www.hftp.org.