Schedule at a Glance

10:00 - 10:30 AM

Registration & Refreshment Break

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

FINANCE SESSION
The Future of the CFO- Will he be Lean?

There are growing challenges to the traditional finance function.  Our findings show many of the old problems continue to be relevant now. This session will discuss how the CFO can reposition to address the demands of the future in an effective, lean way.

Keith Stephenson is a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

TECHNOLOGY SESSION
Technology Return on Investment

The real ROI on investing in new technology is often difficult to ascertain. How do we measure the qualitative factors such as guest satisfaction or competitive advantage?  Will a new PMS, POS or PABX provide a ROI? This session will explore the process of justifying the cost of investing in new technology.

Ted Horner is managing director for E Horner & Associates Pty Ltd.

11:30 - 1:30 PM

Break
A lunch program is not provided. Attendees are encouraged to utilize this time to explore the FHA 2008 exhibition. More>

1:30 - 3:00 PM

FINANCE SESSION
Is There Any Dividend in Human Capital?

The underlying assets of hotel companies are its people besides its real estate, and we assess the transactional value of assets through change of ownership. How often have we placed the same if not higher emphasis on the assessment of human capital that contributes to the success of a hotel besides the equity, debt or other form of financial engineering value assessment? It is not too late to value our human capital in a competitive global market for talent.

James Lee, FCCA, CPA is director of finance for The Regent Singapore, A Four Seasons Hotel.

TECHNOLOGY SESSION
Changing Paradigms of Hotels

In today's market, technology is no longer a necessary evil, but an extension of the guest experience. This session will discuss why and how technology needs are changing and the essential concepts for both non-technical and technical decision makers to bare in mind.

Mark Kendall is a real estate vertical lead at Cisco Systems USA Pte Ltd.

3:00 - 3:15 PM

Refreshment Break

3:15 - 4:30 PM

FINANCE SESSION
Retention Practices in the Hospitality Industry

Attracting and retaining the right talent has been an issue with most organizations in Singapore. Successful companies encourage and manage their workforce in order to make a positive impact on productivity, engagement, innovation – and business results. However, with more opportunities and avenues, the pull is on the side of people today. Transactional employment relationships are a trend in both emergent and developed markets and if organizations are serious about moving into the new economy and coming out a winner in talent wars, they have to start buying results by appealing to the this instinct of employees. This presentation will link the economic trends to the current talent market profiling retention practices in the hospitality industry.

Samir Bedi is a regional consultant in Asia for Hewitt Associates.

TECHNOLOGY SESSION
Convergence of Technologies Within Hotels

Explore the protocols for designing a hotel’s converged wiring infrastructures including bandwidth and cable requirements, HDTV options, VoIP, HSIA and WIFI. Discuss the existing flavours and variety of converged networks currently installed within hotels worldwide.  Learn about the latest conference and meeting space technologies and how the convergence of cabling and network infrastructures can help to leverage the investment required in providing quality audio visual systems within hotel properties.

John Grew, RCCD is a hospitality technology consultant for Spartan Communications.  Martin V. Cook is a lighting, audio visual and security consultant for C&A Design Ltd.

4:30 - 6:00 PM

Explore the numerous opportunities available at the FHA 2008 exhibition.

10:15 - 10:30 AM

Registration & Refreshment Break

10:30 - 11:45 AM

FINANCE SESSION
Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry

Review additions and changes for the latest version of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry.

Anna McFarland, CPA, CFE, CHAE, CHTP is vice president of finance and management reporting for Sofitel Luxury Hotels, North America and the HFTP Global president.

TECHNOLOGY SESSION
The Future of Hospitality Technology

Discover the current trends and standards of hospitality technology in today’s changing industry climate. Hear how technology effects not only the IT department, but the property as a whole.

Frank I. Wolfe, CAE is chief executive officer for Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals.

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM

Break
A lunch program is not provided. Attendees are encouraged to utilize this time to explore the FHA 2008 Exhibition.

1:00 - 4:30 PM

FINANCE SESSION
CHAE Review - The Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) designation is recognized as the symbol of achievement in hospitality accounting. Individuals interested in the CHAE exam will benefit from participating.

Anna McFarland, CPA, CFE, CHAE, CHTP is vice president of finance and management reporting for Sofitel Luxury Hotels, North America and the HFTP Global president.

TECHNOLOGY SESSION
CHTP Review - The Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designation is recognized as the symbol of achievement in hospitality technology. Individuals interested in the CHTP exam will benefit from participating.

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

CHAE & CHTP Exams
The CHAE and CHTP designations are internationally recognized by hospitality industry professionals as the premiere symbol of career dedication and educational achievement. For more information, contact the Certification Administrator at (800) 646-4387 or 001 (512) 249-5333 ext. 29, or via e-mail at certification@hftp.org.