�This is really surprising data compared to other conferences,� said Julie Walker, HITEC�s show manager. �Although HITEC has been a place where almost everyone there is either learning about new technology or buying it, these numbers indicate that exhibitor registrants are planning to spend higher dollar amounts this year.�

�The first year that HFTP went to a lead retrieval card system for HITEC attendees, exhibitors were not provided the cards,� continued Walker. �Quite frankly, the staff at that time did not see the need for them since they were �exhibitors.� During the show, we were overwhelmed with complaints that registrants who exhibited should have also received these encoded cards since they too bought technology and services from others on the show floor. Since that time, HFTP treats everyone who attends as a potential buyer � which makes us unlike any other show and creates more value for all who attend.�

Other interesting survey results indicated that more than 80 percent of respondents consider HITEC the most critical conference or tradeshow to their company�s success, 45 percent have attended HITEC more than three times and 30 percent have attended more than five times. 

�Since HFTP is interested in making HITEC 2003 the most positive experience possible, we asked the exhibitor registrants what we could do to make it better,� said Frank Wolfe, HFTP�s executive vice president and CEO. �The number one request was to help exhibiting companies get more face time with the industry press. While we created a number of press conference opportunities this year, there are still more than 275 companies competing with representatives of about 30 �mainstream� hospitality publications. This creates a real dilemma for all involved, but HFTP continues to try to find additional solutions to this recognized problem.� Wolfe said.

The survey polled 523 individuals who registered as exhibitors for HITEC 2003. The results have a margin of error of less than + or - 5%. 

Early registration for HITEC 2003 was very strong early on, slowed down to about the same as last year, and is now surprisingly picking up once again. HFTP is expecting about 5,500 attendees for the three-day event. For more information on registration or hotel accommodations, click to www.hitec.org.

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