Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals’ (HFTP) Second Annual Caribbean Hospitality Finance and Technology Professionals Conference was a success as the association reported, with an over 50 percent increase in attendance from last year. The conference, produced by HFTP and sponsored by Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), offered region-specific education and networking opportunities with vendors and colleagues. It was held December 10-11, 2007 at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica.

“The Caribbean Hospitality Finance and Technology Conference included lively and interactive education sessions that offered vast knowledge of the hospitality industry,” said Fitzroy Walker, corporate controller at Sandals Resorts International and conference attendee.

HFTP designed an agenda for the two-day conference that focused on the interests of Caribbean hospitality industry professionals. The education program included topics, such as “Energy Conservation & Innovative Marketing Options” with James Post, owner of Paradise Bay Resort in Grenada.

“The education sessions were very informative for operators in the Caribbean. Our company is currently looking to further expand in the Caribbean, so the conference provided valuable insight for us,” said Becky Lumly, senior manager of finance and development for RockResorts & Vail Resorts Hospitality and conference attendee. “The conference was also a great networking opportunity, both with vendors and with hospitality professionals.”

Along with the education sessions, attendees visited with exhibitors at tabletop displays and networked with colleagues. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s minister of tourism, was unable to attend the Welcome Reception because of official duties, so he sent Basil Smith, director of tourism, in his place. Smith welcomed attendees to the conference and Jamaica. Barlett also sent entertainment in the form of a five-piece Jamaican folk group that sang and danced for attendees.