HFTP’s 2005 HITEC Sells Out Exhibits Earliest Ever

AUSTIN, TEXAS; *The 2005 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) exhibits are sold out, with 624 booths representing 280 companies. This is the earliest the exhibit space has sold out in HITEC's 33-year history. A complete list of exhibiting companies is available on the HITEC web site at www.hitec.org.

"HITEC is the most comprehensive meeting of its kind in the hospitality industry. It continues to be the conference address for anyone who wants to be integral to the use of technology in the industry," said Lance Peterson, HFTP's director of marketing. "HITEC has brought together buyers and sellers of technology for over 30 years and it continues to be a one-stop shop."

HITEC 2005 will be held June 20-23 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles. The number of exhibits at HITEC has increased significantly from 252 booths in 1993 to the 624 booths booked for this year's event in Los Angeles. HITEC attendance has also greatly increased from its small beginning with approximately 20 attendees for its 1972 debut, to 1,825 in 1993, to an expected attendance of more than 4,500 for this year’s show.

In addition to the exhibits, HITEC 2005 will also feature more than 35 education sessions taught by some of the world's best hospitality technology experts and users. Following a day of "nuts and bolts" training and "boot camp" seminars on Monday, June 20, Scott Adams, creator of the widely-syndicated cartoon, Dilbert, will kick-off the opening general session on Tuesday, June 21.

"Hospitality executives and exhibitors from around the world are expected to fill the education portion of the four-day conference," said Irma Sutherland, HITEC's education coordinator. "This year’s education advisory council has worked exceptionally hard to offer the best hospitality technology sessions and give attendees a glimpse of its future."

Because of its reputation and importance to the hospitality industry, HFTP is working to add a few more booths to the exhibit floor. However, the show has grown to such proportions that space for expansion is limited. Some exhibitors were not able to have the large-sized booths that they would prefer, and some will not even get exhibit space in the trade show at all.

"Since booth space is limited, we are working with our exhibitors to create advertising and sponsorships that will allow them to increase their presence," said Laura Huffman, HFTP’s marketing specialist. "We appreciate the desire for our vendors to make a big splash with their products."

Contact Lance Peterson or Laura Huffman at (800) 448-3239 or 001 (512) 249-5333 for exhibitor wait-list and sponsorship information. Visit the HITEC web site at to get more information on the education sessions, exhibitors and exhibitor news.

To request a complimentary press registration for HITEC 2005, please contact Eliza Selig at [email protected] or at 001 (512) 249-5333 xt. 30

About HFTP: Based in Austin, Texas, HFTP is the professional association for financial and technology personnel working in hotels, resorts, clubs, casinos, restaurants and other hospitality-related businesses. The association provides continuing education and networking opportunities to more than 4,300 members around the world, and produces the premiere hospitality technology shows HITEC and ONHTEC. HFTP also administers the examination and awards the certification for the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designations. HFTP was founded in 1952 as the National Association of Hotel Accountants. HFTP®, HITEC® and ONHTEC® are registered service marks of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals.