AUSTIN, TEXAS (June 7, 2007) � The 2007 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) will cap off with a can't-miss closing session, offering insight on the state of technology solutions, as well as the announcement of the brand new HITEC FAVE award winners. The closing session �2007 I.T. Challenges: Suppliers Respond,� June 28 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., will bring together top hospitality technology experts and suppliers for a candid panel discussion. The announcement of the HITEC FAVE results will reveal the favorite HITEC booth designs and top-five technology solutions of the 2007 HITEC attendees, which were voted on during HITEC.

The highly-interactive closing session discussion will focus on the industry's I.T. challenges for 2007 and critique promising technologies. Panelists will discuss how product development addresses challenges faced by hospitality technology professionals. Scheduled panelists include:

• Co-moderator Scot Campbell, vice president of business solutions for MGM Mirage�s City Center 
• Co-moderator Richard Siegel, president and publisher of Hospitality Upgrade magazine, a member of the 2006 � 2007 HITEC Advisory Council and an inductee to the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame 
• Sandra Andrews, hospitality industry solutions director for Microsoft 
• Tom Giannopoulos, chairman, president and CEO of MICROS Systems Inc. 
• Sean O�Neill, CEO for Newmarket International 
• Nicholas Price, CIO and CTO at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Ltd. 
• Terry L. Price, CHAE, CHTP, CPA, executive I.T. manager at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, a member of the 2006 � 2007 HITEC Advisory Council and HFTP International secretary 
• Michael Schubach, CHTP, vice president of I.T. for Pinehurst Resort 
• David Sjolander, CHTP, vice president of hotel information systems for Carlson Hospitality Corp. and a member of the 2006 � 2007 HITEC Advisory Council. 
• Tina Stehle, vice president and general manager for Agilysys, Inc. 

"The Favorite Solutions Awards are very important because they highlight the five technologies or solutions that stand out among a large group, singling out the ones attendees feel will have the greatest impact on the industry," said Frank Wolfe, CAE, HFTP CEO and executive vice president. "The HITEC FAVE Awards will bring a new level of excitement to the show and will encourage greater interaction between attendees and exhibitors, who will be challenged to be noticed."

Attendees will note their favorites as they explore the exhibit hall and cast their votes electronically at voting stations located at the HITEC Cybernet Center; HFTP booth, located next to GUESTROOM 2010; and at the entrance to the exhibit hall. Those who cast FAVE votes will be automatically entered in a drawing to win a 26� Philips LCD High Definition TV, which will be shipped to the winner after HITEC. Winners will receive industry-wide promotion as a HITEC FAVE Award recipient and will be listed on the HITEC web site throughout the year.

For more information about the Closing Session, FAVE Awards or about attending HITEC, send inquiries to [email protected], call (800) 646-4387 or 001 (512) 249-5333 or visit HITEC.org.

About HITEC
HITEC, produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), is the world's largest hospitality technology exposition and conference. The 2007 event will be June 25-26 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. It offers a unique combination of top-notch hospitality technology education, led by industry peers and experts, and an unparalleled trade show showcasing the latest hospitality technology products and services from over 300 companies. The trade show will feature the brand new Club Technology Pavilion, brand new FAVE Awards and GUESTROOM 2010, which is returning to HITEC for a second run. 
About HFTP
HFTP, Austin, Texas, USA and Maastricht, The Netherlands, founded in 1952, is the global professional association for financial and technology personnel working in hotels, clubs and other hospitality-related businesses. HFTP provides first class educational opportunities, research, and publications to more than 4,600 members globally including, the premiere hospitality technology conference HITEC--founded in 1972. HFTP also awards the only hospitality specific certifications for accounting and technology ---the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designations. HFTP was founded in the USA as the National Association of Hotel Accountants. For more information, visit www.hftp.org.