Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

HFTP conference goes virtual

Safety concerns led to decision to move hospitality event into cyberspace

FOLLOWING A TREND set by other large hospitality conferences in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals’ "Best of HFTP" in-person event, scheduled for October, will instead be part of the virtual "Cyber HITEC."

The in-person events, including HITEC San Antonio, HFTP Annual Convention and Club Forum, were scheduled for Oct. 26-29 in San Antonio, Texas. Concern for attendee safety and the fact that many global travel restrictions remain in place were factors in the decision to take the event online.


"Health and safety have always been our top priority and continued uncertainty around the COVID 19 pandemic makes it prudent to forgo the in-person events ahead of critical deadlines for both attendees and exhibitors planning to participate," said Frank Wolfe, HFTP’s CEO. "We arrived at this decision thoughtfully after hearing from many sources including our exhibitors and attendees who shared industry concerns."

The online program will be available Oct. 27 to Nov. 25. Along with education sessions, it will feature keynote presentations, a networking lounge and a marketplace of technology providers. The HFTP Annual Convention will also be held under the Cyber HITEC banner and attendees will have the opportunity to attend education sessions for both events.

"With Cyber HITEC, we will be able to do things we have not done in the past. It will prove to be an excellent experience for attendees," said Justin Taillon, chairman of the HITEC San Antonio Advisory Council.

HSMAI and its Revenue Optimization Advisory Board also are developing an interactive format for the event. HFTP's "invitation only" Club Forum will be held virtually on Oct. 26. Information about credits, registration for Cyber HITEC and invitations for the Club Forum will be no later than July 25. Check www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org for the latest information.

In June, STR announced its Hotel Data Conference in August would include more online events and reduced time for in-person activities. AAHOA also announced that its 2020 Convention & Trade Show will be virtual instead of in-person.

More for you

CBRE: US Hotel RevPAR to Grow 1.3 Percent in 2025

CBRE: RevPAR to grow 1.3 percent in 2025

U.S. HOTEL REVPAR is expected to grow 1.3 percent in 2025, supported by urban markets from group and business travel and increased demand for drive-to and regional leisure destinations, according to CBRE. Occupancy is forecast to rise 14 basis points and ADR 1.2 percent year-over-year.

This represents slower growth than CBRE’s February forecast, which projected 2 percent RevPAR growth based on a 21-basis-point increase in occupancy and a 1.6 percent rise in ADR, the commercial real estate and investment firm said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Palette Hotels to Transform DoubleTree by Hilton in Washington, PA

Palette to manage Washington, PA, DoubleTree

Palette’s Expertise in Hospitality Management

SUNRISE GOLD HOSPITALITY recently selected Palette Hotels to manage its 140-room DoubleTree by Hilton Washington Meadow Lands Casino Area in Washington, Pennsylvania. Palette will oversee renovations, including Hilton Connected Rooms technology upgrades, new signage, landscaping, building systems and updates to the lobby, guestrooms, bathrooms, meeting spaces, restaurant, bar and lounge.

Sunrise Gold Hospitality is led by owner Ramesh Pandya, and Palette Hotels by Founder and CEO Richard Lou.

Keep ReadingShow less