The attendance for the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) is up more than 8 percent over…
The attendance for the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) is up more than 8 percent over last year`s numbers as of April 15, 2003. The technology show, produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), features companies displaying the latest technology products and services geared to the hospitality industry. The event also features an exceptional educational conference with experts from all segments of the industry, including hotels, restaurants, resorts and clubs.
HITEC pre-registration numbers are very encouraging, said Julie Walker, HFTP`s director of exposition management. Our stakeholders tell us that HITEC attendance is a must. These April 15 numbers appear to back up that statement even in a volatile economy.
HITEC attendees are also receiving some additional help from HFTP`s hotel block partners. HFTP always keeps a close eye on market conditions during our conferences, said Walker. We discovered that third party Internet distributors were unloading inventory during the dates of our show below current competitive market rates. We pointed this phenomenon out to our hotel block partners and most of them responded forcefully. The result was a severe reduction in attendee room rates. This helps HFTP entice attendees back into our room block and provides a better value to participants.
HITEC has been in existence for more than 30 years and is one of the world`s oldest technology-focused conferences. Last year, the conference had more than 600 booths and 5,500 participants. According to Lance Peterson, HFTP`s director of marketing, exhibit booth sales remain strong, but are trailing about 2 percent compared to this time last year. Being an optimist, Peterson said, Right now, booth sales are behind 10 booths from last year at this time and beating last year`s numbers is going to be a cinch!
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
