AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS -- (MARKET WIRE) -- February 20, 2007 -- Hospitality industry experts from more than 15 countries convened today and yesterday at the Hilton Amsterdam Hotel to discuss the current state of hospitality technology and what the future might hold for the industry. They gathered for Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals' (HFTP) inaugural European Hospitality Technology Educational Conference (EHTEC).

"This conference has been an incredible learning experience so far," said Anna McFarland, CHAE, from Accor Hotels and HFTP Vice President. "At Accor, we understand that in order to achieve excellence in our business, decisions must be made based on the widest range of perspectives. With EHTEC, HFTP has successfully created a conference that reflects many different perspectives, as well as experiences. These experiences are a benefit to delegates personally, and the knowledge gained will help boost our performance professionally."

Michael Levie, CEO of Onestarisborn (OSIB) presented the opening session "What Individual Hotel Operators and CEOs Expect in Terms of I.T., Now and In The Future." Levie explored hotel technology from a hardware and software point of view, and discussed a future where hotel technology would be a primary focal point for the European hotelier. In addition, he discussed publicly for the first time the launch of his new hotel concept that experts believe will have a profound impact on the hospitality industry.

Following the opening session, conference delegates attended sessions on how hoteliers can maximize their relationships with technology suppliers, generate revenue on in-room technology without sacrificing the guest's experience and manage information systems across a multi-national organization.

EHTEC, HFTP's first European conference on hospitality technology, is a forum where hoteliers and suppliers exchange ideas and concerns with each other and their peers. In addition to the educational conference designed by a Pan-European council of hoteliers, consultants, press and educational institutions, EHTEC features an extremely limited number of sponsors.

HFTP, founded in 1952, is the professional association for financial and technology personnel working in hotels, clubs and other hospitality-related businesses. With headquarters in Austin, Texas, USA and Maastricht, The Netherlands, HFTP provides first class educational opportunities, research and publications to more than 4,600 members worldwide including, the premiere hospitality technology conference HITEC. HFTP awards the only hospitality specific certifications for accounting and technology, the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designations.
Eliza Selig
eliza.selig@hftp.org
www.hftp.org