ALPHARETTA � May 17, 2005 �   Plans are underway for the second annual Property Technology Dinner to be held Monday, June 20, during HITEC 2005 in Los Angeles for hoteliers responsible for property technology, according to David Sjolander, vice president hotel information systems with Carlson Hotels Worldwide, which co-sponsors the informal, invitation-only event.  Other sponsors are Marriott International, represented by Ms. Patton Conner, and Hospitality Upgrade Magazine president and publisher, Richard Siegel.  An estimated 25 people attended last year�s Property Technology Dinner during HITEC 2004. 

�This is one of the few appropriate places where people with similar responsibilities in like companies can help each other in ways that are good for the industry and good for our customers, yet do not undermine a competitive advantage,� said Sjolander, who started the annual dinner last year as a way to create a network of peers �so we know who to call when we need technology insights.  Many of us deal with highly distributed systems in a hostile environment.  We face the same challenges and issues, and partner with the same vendors.� 

Patton Conner, vice president, guest services systems with Marriott International agrees.  �At last year�s dinner I made new relationships with colleagues in an informal, no-pressure setting; exploring ideas and sharing information with peers who are resolving similar industry-wide issues can be valuable to our customers.�   Patton cited the new Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards as an example.

�The networking aspect of last year�s dinner was very similar to what happens at our CIO and Vendor Summits.  We had most of the major US-based hotel companies represented at the dinner last year; this year in Los Angeles, we would like to see those that missed it along with more international companies represented,� said Hospitality Upgrade�s Rich Siegel.  Persons interested in attending the Second Annual Property Technology Dinner on June 20, 2005 in Los Angeles may contact Rich at [email protected].

About Hospitality Upgrade
Hospitality Upgrade is published for hotel, travel and foodservice professionals including management, independent operators, executives and chains. Each publication educates hospitality professionals on the latest technology software and hardware solutions. Regular coverage focuses on new industry trends and products, in-depth analyses by leading hospitality consultants, insider news and gossip, interviews with top industry executives, and profiles from many of the industries� solution providers. Specific topics include purchasing and maintenance of the following hospitality systems: point-of-sale, property management, back office, sales and marketing, Internet, in-room, restaurant management, central reservations, guest response, handheld/wireless technologies, executive information and more.

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