AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA (May 29, 2009) – Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and the GUESTROOM 20X Task Force, a group of hospitality technology leaders and experts, are announcing a schedule change for the GUESTROOM 20X project. The special exhibit, which displays the hospitality industry's most innovative technologies for the guestroom, is transforming from an annual project to releasing a new version of the model guestroom on alternating years. The next version of GUESTROOM 20X will be unveiled at the 2010 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

The change in the schedule allows the GUESTROOM 20X Task Force additional time to research and explore new technologies within the hospitality industry. "When the project was originally devised it was unknown the popularity or following that would accompany the project," said Brian Garavuso, CHTP, EVP and CIO of Diamond Resorts International and chair of the GUESTROOM 20X Task Force. "This popularity drives HFTP and the GUESTROOM 20X Task Force to raise the bar each year. The time extension allows us to produce a quality exhibit for HITEC 2010 attendees."

GUESTROOM 20X will continue to educate during off years by presenting a portable presentation detailing the room's technologies. The portable presentation has already been shown across North America, Europe and Asia since its inception in 2006. GUESTROOM 20X’s education sessions so far in 2009 include Poland, Hong Kong, Singapore and various North American locations. HFTP's publication The Bottomline released a GUESTROOM 20X special edition in May, showcasing the latest in guestroom technology. An electronic version of the special issue is available at www.guestroom20x.org.

"Over the past three years, GUESTROOM 20X has garnered a reputation as providing the first glimpse into the possibilities of future guestroom technologies," said Frank Wolfe, CAE, CEO of HFTP. "Even during non-exhibiting years, the project will continue to be on the forefront of hospitality technology trends as it educates professionals in various industries around the world."

In the meantime, HITEC 2009 education sessions discuss the future of guestroom entertainment, new revenue generation in guestrooms, converting a legacy room into the guestroom of the future and more; while various HITEC 2009 exhibitors take guestroom technology to the next level. HITEC 2009 is June 22-25 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. USA.

For more information about GUESTROOM 20X and details about the technologies showcased in the 2008 version of the room, visit www.guestroom20X.org or contact the HFTP GUESTROOM 20X Department at [email protected], (800) 646-4387 x22 or +1 (512) 249-5333 x22.

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 4,800 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.