HFTP's 'GUESTROOM 2010' Display, Highlight Of HITEC 2006

AUSTIN,TX | In recent years, the guestroom experience has changed dramatically as hotel companies progressively incorporate modern technology to provide comforts and conveniences for their guests. The confluence of many of these ideas is the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), where industry professionals gather annually for a four-day education conference and an over 300-company exhibition. Today, the Board of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), producers of HITEC, has agreed to take HITEC 2006 a step above with its decision to underwrite Guestroom 2010®, a display that will feature a guestroom prototype with the latest and near-future technologies for the modern hotel room. The concept was originally conceived at the HITEC 2006 Advisory Council meeting in November 2005, and was given final approval today to be a major draw to this year's event.

"HFTP's goal is to be the information source for the hospitality technology industry," said HFTP International Secretary Jules Sieburgh, CHTP. "In pursuit of this goal, the Board felt it was the association's obligation to fully explore the possibilities that are usually presented in pieces at HITEC. Guestroom 2010 will be a realistic model demonstrating the numerous concepts that circulate at HITEC, viewed by HITEC attendees - the industry's major players."

The design of Guestroom 2010 will be under the direction of Carol Beggs, CHTP, HITEC Advisory Council chair and vice president of technology for Sonesta International Hotels; Frank Wolfe, CAE, HFTP's chief executive officer, as well as Sieburgh, who is the senior vice president of information technology at Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas and an inductee to the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame. The team will draw ideas from the expertise of the HITEC Advisory Council, inductees to the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame, and stakeholders from the supplier community.

"When designing Guestroom 2010, HFTP will conduct an exhaustive global search for the industry's cutting-edge and future technology," said Wolfe. "Our intent is for Guestroom 2010 to be an important reference for the industry and the possibility exists that we will take the display to other venues."

While HFTP's Guestroom 2010 will not carry any other co-brand, HFTP will be accepting a very limited number of sponsors. Companies who would like to apply for a sponsorship, or who would like to submit a proposal for a product or prototype to be included, should send an e-mail directly to [email protected].

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 4,500 members around the world, and produces the premier hospitality technology show HITEC. 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 Guestroom 2010® are registered service marks of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals.