A Record-breaking 769 Registrations at HFTP's 2005 Annual Convention & Tradeshow in Myrtle Beach, SC
AUSTIN, TX, November 7, 2005. Serving as a great event to make professional links, the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals' (HFTP) Annual Convention & Tradeshow was once again a great success. A record-breaking 769 individuals registered for the conference held October 26-29 at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel in Myrtle Beach, SC. The convention featured education sessions covering important industry topics, networking, HFTP's Annual Business Meeting and International Board installation. The eighth annual tradeshow was full, with 60 companies exhibiting.
Attendees experienced the benefit of the network of hospitality professionals HFTP provides. Frank Wolfe, CAE, HFTP's executive vice President/CEO said, "Because of the impact of this year's hurricane season in the United States and the Carribean, our members who attended were reminded of how important the HFTP community is to them. One of the most special things about this year's convention was that attendees heard first hand words of gratitude from members in New Orleans, Florida, and the Caribbean."
The education program offered five different education tracks, including Club, Hotel, General, Technology and International, covering topics such as revenue management systems, employment law, disaster recovery, and time management. In addition to the industry-relevant sessions, the convention featured the dynamic speakers Connie Podesta, MS, CSP, LPC; Christine Holton Cashen; and Eric Wahl. All three are professional speakers who offered entertaining and meaningful presentations.
"The Annual Convention this year was a big hit," said Cammie Eaton, CHAE, president of the HFTP Greater Puget Sound Chapter in Seattle, Washington. "I left the event feeling inspired by the fantastic speakers at the general sessions. I am grateful for the chance to have shared so many memorable moments with new contacts, colleagues and friends that I met at the events."
The tradeshow, held Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon, featured exhibitors representing 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.
"As first-time exhibitors, the HFTP Annual Convention and Tradeshow was a huge success for us," said Peter Bepler, Vice President of Anybill Financial Services Financial Services. "We were especially impressed by the highly qualified and receptive attendees, competent event management, and friendly show environment. We're already making plans for next year's show in Vancouver."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
