Record-Breaking Registration at HFTP's 2005 Annual Convention & Tradeshow
AUSTIN, TEXAS; Serving as a great event to make professional links, the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals’ (HFTP) Annual Convention & Tradeshow was once again a great success. A record-breaking 769 individuals registered for the conference held October 26–29 at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel in Myrtle Beach, SC.
AUSTIN, TEXAS; Serving as a great event to make professional links, the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals’ (HFTP) Annual Convention & Tradeshow was once again a great success. A record-breaking 769 individuals registered for the conference held October 26–29 at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel in Myrtle Beach, SC. The convention featured education sessions covering important industry topics, networking, HFTP's Annual Business Meeting and International Board installation. The eighth annual tradeshow was full, with 60 companies exhibiting.
Attendees experienced the benefit of the network of hospitality professionals HFTP provides. Frank Wolfe, CAE, HFTP's executive vice President/CEO said, "Because of the impact of this year's hurricane season in the United States and the Carribean, our members who attended were reminded of how important the HFTP community is to them. One of the most special things about this year's convention was that attendees heard first hand words of gratitude from members in New Orleans, Florida, and the Caribbean."
Connie Podesta, MS, CSP, LPC spoke at the general session.
"The Annual Convention this year was a big hit," said Cammie Eaton, CHAE, president of the HFTP Greater Puget Sound Chapter in Seattle, Washington. "I left the event feeling inspired by the fantastic speakers at the general sessions. I am grateful for the chance to have shared so many memorable moments with new contacts, colleagues and friends that I met at the events."
The tradeshow, held Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon, featured exhibitors representing companies that offer a mix of hospitality industry services, such as a variety of software, insurance, tax consultants, payroll services, human resources, high-speed Internet, Internet marketing, audio-visual equipment and financial management solution providers.
The tradeshow was full, with 60 companies exhibiting.
The sessions kept attendees busy during the day, and at night they were treated to social events focused on networking and fun. On Thursday, October 27, attendees had a full evening of entertainment at The House of Blues. After cocktails and a dinner buffet, the group N'Tranze brought the past alive by playing classics from musicians such as Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, BB King, and The Drifters.
Attendees had a full evening of entertainment at The House of Blues.
Friday night, October 28, was the elegant President’s Evening Dinner and dance, decorated in the theme, "Around the World in 80 Days." Part of the evening’s highlights included the installation ceremony conducted by HFTP member Jerry Trieber, CPA, CHAE. The 2005–2006 HFTP Board of Directors and Executive Committee were installed, including Ralph Miller, CA, CBV, CHA, CHAE, president and owner of Integrated Hospitality Management Ltd. The presentation concluded with a special dedication, given by Miller, to retiring president, Frank Agnello Jr., CMA, CHAE. The evening was topped off with dancing to live music provided by the band Fabulous Classics.
Other highlights included the Opening Session on Thursday morning when several HFTP honors were presented. Before the start of the general session the HFTP Mid-Florida Chapter was recognized as the HFTP Chapter of the Year. The HFTP Greater Puget Sound Chapter won the Chapter Choice Award, an award established to recognize and reward outstanding chapter programming. Also recognized were Wendy Zurstadt, CPA, CHAE, CHTP, as the 2005 Paragon Award recipient; Joe Hylton, CHAE, as the 2005 New Member Sponsor of the Year; and Angela Powers, CPA, CHAE, as the CHAE of the Year.
HFTP would like to thank the following sponsors Anybill Financial Services, Aptech Computer Systems, Business Objects, EPICOR | scala, Gatekeeper Business Solutions, Inc., Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel Information Systems, and MembersFirst.
The 2006 HFTP Annual Convention and Tradeshow will be held October 18–21 at the Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Refer to the HFTP web site for more information.
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