A proliferation of both new and emerging technology resources has sparked the phenomenal growth in this category at the IH/M&RS. Some 225 tech-focused exhibitors are expected to participate this November, a notable increase from the 1999 Show, which featured 174 tech exhibitors. 

�Technology is the fastest growing area for the Show, with a 30% increase in technology resources projected for this November,� said Christian Falkenberg, IH/M&RS show manager. �While this expansion spans the �tech spectrum,� we have seen the greatest growth in three key areas: e-procurement, on-line reservation services and Internet and broadband access.� 

Procurement sites, offering business-to-business opportunities for both the lodging and culinary industries, will have a strong presence at the 2000 Show. Among key lodging providers are: Go Co-op, hglobe.com, Purchase Pro and Zoho. Restaurant procurement resources include: Big Tray, FoodGalaxy.com, Restaurant-Trade.com and StarChefs.com. 

Business-to-consumer resources also have an expanded presence at IH/M&RS. On-line reservation services, for both the lodging and foodservice industries, are showcasing their offerings at the Show. Among key participants are b-there.com, Expedia.com and Pegasus Solutions. 

Within the lodging technology arena, the Show also has experienced growth in the number of Internet access and broadband service providers. Confirmed exhibitors include: CAIS Internet, Core Communications, Darwin Networks, Stay Connect, Inc., Unisys and Wayport. In addition to these individual growth areas, the IH/M&RS spotlights new and emerging Internet and software resources through the �Technology Innovation Center.� Presented in cooperation with Hospitality Upgrade, some 15 companies will be featured in the exhibit this November. Confirmed participants to date include: Affiliated Computer Services, BookingCenter.com, CSS Hotel Systems, geomerx, IPIS (Internet Pictures Corporation), Management Technologies and Rare Medium. 

Educational programs

Six technology-directed programs, addressing e-issues related to both foodservice and lodging will be presented during the Show. Presented by a select group of industry tech experts, these seminars are complimentary to registered IH/M&RS attendees. All seminars will be presented in Hall 1E of the Javits Center. 

High Speed, In-Room Internet Access: The Required Amenity for the New Millennium Saturday, November 11, 2:30 p.m. � 4:00 p.m. Frank Wolfe of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) will moderate this session, focusing on various procedures and costs associated with offering high speed, in-room Internet access. Panelists will include members of the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame and/or the HITEC Advisory Council. 

The Impact of Internet on Foodservice Industry Procurement Sunday, November 12, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon This seminar will address the latest trends and technology available for on-line procurement, information, communication and management. Moderated by Robin Ashton of Foodservice Equipment Reports, the panel will include Christopher Koetke of Chef Magazine and Kendall College, Richard Young of Commkitchen.com, and John Mcdonough of Hobart US. 

Using E-Commerce Can Make Your Hotel E-Ceptionally Profitable Sunday, November 12, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. In-room technology has become a must for hoteliers, but no one has really analyzed the �back-of-the-house� technology. This session explores web-based and Internet procurement systems and their impact on profitability. Stacy Horowitz of Hotel Journal/Innside Real Estate moderates a panel including Alan Benjamin of Benjamin West, Ravi Kalakota of Hsupply.com, Dick Moskal of Purchase Pro and Bill Fraine of ZOHO. 

Technology Is the Sonic Boom You Hear Monday, November 13, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Presented as part of the �Restaurant Futurists� conference, this session will explore the revolutionary changes E-commerce will bring to the culinary industry. Moderated by Greg Belanger of Freshnex.com, a sponsor of Restaurant Futurists, the panel will include a mix of Internet companies that support the foodservice industry, operators and suppliers. 

Expanding Your Horizons-Global Distribution Systems and Central Reservation Systems Monday, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Marketing needs, new technology, new product introductions and the Internet are creating rapid changes to global distribution systems and central reservations systems. Moderated by Frank Wolfe, of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), this session will examine the future evolution of distribution and the emergence of new alternatives. 

Keynote: Designing the Hotel Room of the Future Tuesday, November 14, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon Frank Wolfe of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), will present results of a survey of HITEC 2000 attendees, and share thoughts about property trends and guest expectations of the future. 

The 85th annual International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show (IH/M&RS) will be
held Saturday, November 11, through Tuesday, November 14, 2000, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. 

The IH/M&RS is sponsored by the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, the Hotel Association of New York City, and the American Hotel & Motel Association and is managed by George Little
Management, Inc. (GLM).