HFTP's New Hospitality Technology Conference, EHTEC, Launches Successfully in Amsterdam
Amsterdam, The Netherlands -- Hospitality industry experts from more than 20 countries convened today at the Hilton Amsterdam Hotel for Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals' (HFTP) European Hospitality Technology Educational Conference (EHTEC). The focus of discussion was on the current state of hospitality technology and what the future might hold for the industry. The conference will continue through Tuesday, February 20.
"This conference has been an incredible learning experience so far," said Anna McFarland, CHAE, from Accor Hotels and the 2007 HFTP Vice President. "At Accor, we understand that in order to achieve excellence in our business, decisions must be made based on the widest range of perspectives. With EHTEC, HFTP has successfully created a conference that reflects many different perspectives, as well as experiences. These experiences are a benefit to delegates personally and the knowledge gained will help boost our performance professionally."
Michael Levie, CEO of Onestarisborn (OSIB) presented the opening session "What Individual Hotel Operators and CEOs Expect in Terms of I.T., Now and In The Future." Levie explored hotel technology from a hardware and software point of view. He also launched a dialogue about a future where hotel technology becomes a primary focal point for the European hotelier. In addition, Mr. Levie discussed publicly, for the first time, the launch of his new hotel concept that experts believe will have a profound impact on the hospitality industry.
Following the opening session, conference delegates attended sessions on how hoteliers can maximize their relationships with technology suppliers, generate revenue on in-room technology without sacrificing the guest’s experience and manage information systems across a multi-national organization.
EHTEC, HFTP’s first European conference on hospitality technology, is a forum where hoteliers and suppliers exchange ideas and concerns with each other and their peers. In addition to the educational conference designed by a Pan-European council of hoteliers, consultants, press and educational institutions, EHTEC features an extremely limited number of sponsors.
"We heard many suggestions that HFTP should produce a balanced conference of hoteliers and suppliers rather than a full exhibition with a few education sessions," said Frank Wolfe, CAE, HFTP executive vice president and CEO. "We were committed to produce a conference that would balance these groups."
For complete information on EHTEC and its education sessions, visit