In its eighth year, The CHTP of the Year award recognizes the person who scored the highest in a given year on the CHTP exam. Developed jointly by HFTP and the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA), the CHTP certification elevates the professionalism of both the recipient and the industry by helping set standards for the field. Those who earn the CHTP demonstrate a high level of dedication to their profession. The inaugural exam was first given in 1994 at HITEC in Dallas, Texas USA. More than 400 professionals have earned the CHTP designation representing countries from North America, Asia, the United Kingdom and the Middle East.

Richard Benoit currently serves as IT manager for the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Fla USA. His previous experience includes positions with The Ginn Company and Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, as well as IT consulting for clients such as Siemens Westinghouse, AT & T, Lucent Technologies and IBM. Benoit focuses on his professional education earning an MSE certification and Cisco Network Design and Professional certifications. He has also served as a technical reviewer for several books, including: Managing Cisco Network Security and Building Cisco Multilayer Switching Networks. Benoit has a bachelor's degree in management systems from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. 

"It is an honor to be presented with this award. I would like to extend my gratitude to all of the HFTP members who offered me their support and guidance," said Benoit. 

To earn the CHTP designation, applicants must pass a 250-question exam covering: technology concepts; specific hotel systems (i.e. PMS); systems rooted in other industries but also used in the hospitality sector (i.e. the Internet); and general hotel management practices. The candidate should also possess a basic knowledge of hotel accounting, be familiar with procedures relating to risk management, know the basics of sales management procedures as it relates to sales management systems, and understand the workings of telephone revenue accounting and facility management systems. 

HFTP also administers the examination and awards the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE), which is recognized as THE symbol of achievement in the profession of hospitality accounting.

For more information and a full schedule of reviews and exams, go to the HFTP web site at www.hftp.org. Contact the certification administrator via phone at 001 (512) 249-5333 or 1 (800) 646-4387 ext. 26, or by e-mail at [email protected].

About HITEC:
HITEC, produced by HFTP®, is the most comprehensive meeting of its kind in the hospitality industry. It addresses the use of technology in the industry and brings together buyers and sellers of technology under one roof. About 4,500 hospitality executives and exhibitors from around the world are expected to attend this four-day conference and three-day exposition. The exposition includes companies providing technology equipment, services and products in the hospitality industry. HITEC 2005 will be held June 20-23 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles.

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 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.

Eliza R. Selig
HFTP Communications Manager
1 (800) 646-4387
001 (512) 249-5333 x23
Fax: 001 (512) 249-1533
www.hftp.org