With its record number of attendees, the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals’ (HFTP) Annual Convention & Tradeshow was a great success…
With its record number of attendees, the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals’ (HFTP) Annual Convention & Tradeshow was a great success. The final count came to 753 attendees, making this the largest attendance for the 51-year-old event that took place October 15–18 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. The sixth annual tradeshow also set a record by selling out its exhibit space for the first time ever.
“This year’s event had all the elements that the HFTP Annual Convention & Tradeshow has become known for — a superb education program, entertaining social events, recognition of outstanding members and an opportunity for friends to gather,” said Frank Wolfe, CAE, HFTP executive vice president and CEO. “This event has earned a notable reputation and I am happy that we had so many people come and enjoy the benefits.”
The education program offered sessions covering strategic planning, tax and financial trends, software agreements and much more. In addition to the industry-relevant sessions, the conference featured the dynamic performance coach Keith Harrell, CSP, CPAE, and Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE, a member of the exclusive Speakers Roundtable which includes 20 of the world’s top speakers.
Each year I cannot imagine how you [HFTP] will surpass the last, but with continued dedication and creativity, you [HFTP] manage to do just that, said Anna McFarland, CPA, CHAE, CHTP, a hospitality consultant and a Director on the HFTP International Board. The sessions were so good I heard several people say that they were having a difficult time deciding between concurrent sessions.
The tradeshow, which grew by 19 percent from last year, featured 58 companies. Exhibitors represented companies that offer a mix of hospitality industry services such as a variety of software, insurance, tax consultants, payroll services, human resources, high-speed Internet, Internet marketing, audio-visual equipment and financial management solution providers.
The sessions enriched attendees during the day, and at night they were treated to social events focused on networking and fun. On Thursday, October 16, attendees went to the “Drop Dead Best Party Ever.” The evening began with a dinner buffet in a spookily decorated room with a lively Mayan Tomb. Skulls “livened up” the tables and tombstones, mummies and scary trees created an eerie atmosphere. After dinner and socializing, the party moved into the shadows of “Fright Night” at Universal Orlando.
Friday Night, October 17, was the elegant President’s Evening dinner and dance. Part of the evening’s highlights included the installation ceremony conducted by HFTP member and Orlando native Larry McCloskey, CHAE. The 2003–2004 HFTP Board of Directors and Executive Committee were installed, including Tina Samson, CHAE, CFO for Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, as HFTP President. The presentation concluded with a special dedication to retiring president, Wendy Zurstadt, CPA, CHAE, CHTP, given by Wolfe.
“The annual convention was an educational and social success on all counts,” said Zurstadt. “I was especially touched by the Presidents Evening gala. My son presented me with a bouquet of roses and a copy of Lance Armstrong`s most recent book, personally signed just for me. This was all the work of Frank Wolfe, which demonstrates his capacity as a leader with a lot of heart. I am blessed to have been able to serve this association and its members, aided by such a professional and caring staff.”
The evening was topped off with dancing to live music provided by the band Karakter.
Other highlights included the Annual Business Meeting luncheon. During the meeting, the HFTP Mid-Florida Chapter was recognized as the HFTP Chapter of the Year, as well as for winning the Chapter Choice award. An individual from the past was honored as well. Fran Tally, the HFTP executive vice president from 1972–1986, was distinguished by HFTP past presidents as someone who greatly contributed to the association’s early development. Also, HFTP vice president, Frank Agnello, CHA, CHAE, chartered a student chapter at his alma mater, Michigan State University.
The 2004 HFTP Annual Convention & Tradeshow will be held Oct. 27–30 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in Garden Grove, Calif.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
