"HITEC pre-registration numbers are very encouraging," said Julie Walker, HFTP's director of exposition management. "Our stakeholders tell us that HITEC attendance is a must. These April 15 numbers appear to back up that statement even in a volatile economy."

HITEC attendees are also receiving some additional help from HFTP's hotel block partners. "HFTP always keeps a close eye on market conditions during our conferences," said Walker.

"We discovered that third party Internet distributors were unloading inventory during the dates of our show below current competitive market rates. We pointed this phenomenon out to our hotel block partners and most of them responded forcefully." The result was a severe reduction in attendee room rates. This helps HFTP entice attendees back into our room block and provides a better value to participants."

HITEC has been in existence for more than 30 years and is one of the world's oldest technology-focused conferences. Last year, the conference had more than 600 booths and 5,500 participants. According to Lance Peterson, HFTP's director of marketing, exhibit booth sales remain strong, but are trailing about 2 percent compared to this time last year. Being an optimist, Peterson said, "Right now, booth sales are behind 10 booths from last year at this time and beating last year's numbers is going to be a cinch!" 

For those companies who have yet to decide to attend or would like more information about HITEC, visit www.hitec.org or contact Lance Peterson at (800) 646-4387/(512) 249-5333 x20 or e-mail [email protected] before you miss your opportunity.

HITEC®, produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, is the largest and most comprehensive showcase of hospitality technology in the world. HITEC attendees include presidents; owners; general managers; CIOs; IT directors; CFOs; vice presidents of finance, operations, and information services; front office and reservations managers; sales and marketing managers; and food and beverage managers. Attendees have the opportunity to gather new ideas and find ways to increase their operating efficiency at the most comprehensive showcase of hospitality technology in the world. Live demonstrations of the latest in hospitality technology equipment, products and services allow them to compare cost and quality.

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 4,000 members around the world, and produces the premiere hospitality technology shows HITEC and ONHTEC. HFTP also administers the examination and awards the certification for the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designations. HFTP was founded in 1952 as the National Association of Hotel Accountants.

HFTP® and HITEC® are registered service marks of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals.