Hello Scout, Inc. named Judge's Choice Award winner at HITEC 2016 — Source: HFTP

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) held its second Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) pitch competition during its 2016 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITECSM) last month in New Orleans, La. USA. The expanded program had 17 participating companies, a panel of 11 hospitality-renowned judges, 22 competition mentors and two awards given out.

After the three hour competition took place on Monday, June 20, 2016, the judge's panel deliberated and selected Hello Scout, Inc. as the second E20X Judge's Choice Award winner. The company offers a virtual travel assistant. Hello Scout, Inc. was presented with a $5,000 USD check, a trophy and a Tech Talk speaking opportunity at HITEC 2016.

"Thanks to everyone who helped make HFTP's second E20X a riveting success," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE. "Congratulations to both winners—we hope the participants will use their E20X experiences as a tool to help them as they continue to build their companies."

Following the pitch competition, HITEC attendees were encouraged to visit the E20X pavilion, during exhibit hours, in the convention center's exhibit hall to learn more about each company and vote for their favorite. Attendees were able to cast a vote for their favorite startup via the HITEC mobile app. Voting concluded the final day of the conference on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 1:00 p.m., and the first People's Startup Award winner, Daylighted, was awarded with a trophy at the closing keynote session. Daylighted offers digital art galleries.

"This year's E20x competition featured top notch talent and judges," said E20X emcee and HFTP Global Vice President Lyle Worthington, CHTP. "All of the entrepreneurs inspired the large audience with their passion for technology and innovative, revolutionary ideas. This year's panel of judges was exceptional in the feedback and questions they provided each entrepreneur—their selection process for the Judge's Choice winner was meticulous and well deserved."

HITEC 2016 was June 20–23 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, La. USA. For detailed information about HITEC 2016, visit the HITEC 2016 mobile site or download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play. Read more about Entrepreneur 20X on HFTP Connect.

HITEC 2017 is slated for June 26–29, 2017 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada. Expanding into Europe, the premiere HITEC Amsterdam is scheduled for March 28–30, 2017 at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

For the latest news, follow HFTP/HITEC on HITEC Bytes, PineappleSearch, Facebook, Twitter (@HFTP), LinkedIn and Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). For more information about HITEC, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at [email protected], +1 (512) 249-5333.

About HITEC

HITEC is the world's largest hospitality technology exposition and conference. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technology from over 375 companies around the globe to one place. The unparalleled expo offers 6,300 + attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. HITEC 2017 will take place June 26-29 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada. Expanding into Europe, the premiere HITEC Amsterdam is scheduled for March 28–30, 2017 at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

About HFTP

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is a global nonprofit hospitality association, headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA, that uniquely understands the industry's problems. HFTP has over 5,300 members and several thousand stakeholders across the globe. HFTP assists its members in finding solutions to industry problems more efficiently than any organization via its expert networks, research, conferences such as HITEC and certification programs. HFTP also owns the world's only hospitality specific search engine, PineappleSearch.com. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segment of the hospitality. For more information about HFTP, e-mail [email protected].

Jessica Blankenship
Public Relations Manager
HFTP