AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA (May 11, 2010) – Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) will honor Simon J. Hulme, CHTP, as the 2010 CHTP ( Certified Hospitality Technology Professional ) of the Year during the Opening Session of the 2010 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) on Monday, June 21. In its 13th year, the CHTP of the Year honors the individual that scored the highest on the CHTP certification exam in a given year.

Hulme is the director of IT business services for Diamond Resorts International® — one of the largest Vacation Ownership companies in the world. Located in Las Vegas, Nev., he is accountable for the delivery of global support and procurement of IT Services to over 5,500 team members. Prior to this, he held the role of Director Strategic Technology Initiatives, leading major IT and Business Change programs.

Hulme moved to the United States from his native England in March 2008, where he held director level IT and Operational roles for Thomas Cook — a leading European Tour Operator and Resort Management company. He also previously worked throughout Europe for American Express and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Developed jointly by HFTP and the Educational Institute (EI) of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the CHTP designation is the ultimate achievement in hospitality information technology by showing a dedication to both the hospitality and technology industries. The CHTP exam was first given in 1994 at HITEC in Dallas, Texas. Since then, more than 250 professionals have earned the CHTP designation around the world. HFTP also administers the examination and awards the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE).

HITEC, produced by HFTP, is the world's largest hospitality technology exposition and conference. The conference is June 21-24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. It offers attendees a one-stop shop for essential education, access to experts and hospitality technology vendors, networking with top leaders in the industry and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines.

Visit www.hitec.org for complete information about all conference and exhibition events, including a full conference schedule, Buyer's Guide, a map of the exhibit hall and the most current HITEC news. For more information, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at [email protected], (800) 646-4387 or +1 (512) 249-5333.

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 ho spitality-related businesses. HFTP provides first class educational opportunities, research, and publications to members around the globe 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.

Katy Walterscheidt
Media/Public Relations Specialist
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)
 11709 Boulder Lane, Ste. 110
Austin, TX USA 78726-1832
Ph: +1 (512) 249-5333
www.hftp.org