7:30 - 11:30 AM

CHAE Review
Registration is required to attend this session. The Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) is a hospitality industry designation showing competency in accounting. This session will provide you with what you need to know  to pass the exam.  Individuals interested in sitting for the exam must also pre-register with HFTP’s Certification Department.

CHTP Review
Registration is required to attend this session. The Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) is a hospitality-specific technology designation. This session will provide you with what you need to know to pass the exam. Individuals interested in sitting for the exam must also pre-register with HFTP’s Certification Department.

8:00 - 10:00 AM Concurrent Sessions

Project Management Basics
For executives and managers in accounting, operations and marketing at individual properties or hotel chains, this session provides an understanding of practical skills in Project Management that you can use every day. A practical work session is conducted to give hands on experience using the Project Management template provided as part of this session.

How to Select a Sales & Catering System
The backbone of Food & Beverage is its sales and catering system, and procuring the system best suited to a specific property means the difference in how smooth operations are run. From budgeting to implementation, explore and discuss the processes and how to successfully complete the project with a cooperative team approach.

High Speed Internet Access 101
Learn the current state of HSIA services, as well as the emerging demand for such services at this session. Explore HSIA shortcomings, the effects of computing, networking and consumer device convergence on the HSIA model as well as the likely effects of various services on WiFi usage by guests along with back-of-house LAN services.

8:00 - 12:00 PM

Club Technology Forum (Additional Registration Fee $150 USD)

This event is sponsored by the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA).

This highly interactive session sets the stage for your HITEC Club experience. The forum is led by club industry experts and encourages a dialogue amongst attendees on today's current technology issues and real-life solutions. The sessions focus on Club Technology from the risk management perspective.

This session is limited to non-vendor club professionals with an interest in or job responsibilities related to technology. HFTP will verify eligibility of each attendee and press attendance is prohibited. Individuals interested in participating in this session must pre-register during HITEC registration process under "Ticketed Events."

Convergence: How to Build a Converged Network
New to HITEC, this interactive session explores all facets of building a complete converged network. Pool expertise with others to build an active converged network end to end from the initial phase to the completed project. This hands-on session is designed for participants with an advanced level of knowledge of hospitality technology who wish to review best practices.

This lab session challenges a Professor from the Zhejiang University of Beijing with the assistance of various network equipment suppliers to setup a fully operational converged network from design to an implementation that could be used in any hotel. The presentation offers LIVE configuration, testing and best practices review. Follow the interactive lab live on large screens, and with questions fielded in short blocks between configuration sessions.  

Participation is limited in this advanced-level session. HFTP will verify eligibility of each participant.

10:15 AM - 12:15 PM Concurrent Sessions

Selecting a Point-of-Sale System
Since many of the POS systems today are not PCI compliant, there are an unusually high number of customers looking for POS systems in 2008. Examine the pros and cons of upgrading or replacing your current system in this session. Also, review POS functionality desired to run your food and beverage business. This session also explores the benefits of hand-helds, KDU's, RFID, scanners, and other optional devices.

IT Infrastructure Part I: The Development Process
Part I of this session addresses the “process” of developing a hotel and familiarizes attendees with the various construction phases as well as components necessary to interact from a Low Voltage systems and IT standpoint. From architects to designers, analyze how IT professionals and other Low Voltage consultants and personnel are required to engage and interact with the design and construction team.

Traditional vs. IP Telephone Systems
With opportunities such as convergence and integration and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), there is more to think about when selecting a successful telephone system. Designed for all experience levels, this session teaches you what to consider when purchasing a telephone system that best meets your property’s unique requirements.

Negotiation Skills
Walk through a successful negotiation process while discussing the importance of leverage and how to use it effectively. How can you ensure the contract represents your company’s interests and that the vendor guarantees are enshrined in writing? Also, learn the importance of Service Level Assurance Agreements and Key Performance Indicators. Finally explore financial penalties in the event that a supplier fails to deliver what was agreed.

 12:30 - 4:30 PM

 CHAE and CHTP Exams

1:00 - 4:00 PM

IT Infrastructure Part II: Infrastructure Design
Part II of the IT Infrastructure session addresses many of the system deployment challenges that affect many Hotels being built today. These include infrastructure requirements to accommodate convergence, low-voltage infrastructure design, distribution frame design, and many other requirements. The information covered is targeted towards Developers and IT Personnel who are interested (and challenged) with the prospect of having to build or renovate a hotel.

2:00 - 4:00 PM Concurrent Sessions

How to Select a PMS
From establishing the initial budget to implementation, this session explores the detailed process when installing an effective property management system. Designed for all experience levels, learn how to purchase a system that best meets a property’s unique requirements.

Successful Web Strategies
Explore key questions surrounding marketing a hotel on the Internet. What are the alternative strategies to making your hotel available for sale on-line? Should your property have its own web site? What are the costs and features that you should include on the web site to encourage bookings? Determine whether your property should work with on-line intermediaries. How can your property appear favorably positioned on search engines, and what strategies can you implement to drive business to your web site?  What effect will the developing Web 2.0 phenomenon have on my business?  These, and many other related questions, are on this in-depth tour of hotel Internet distribution.

Information Security 101
Discover information on identity theft, data security breaches, viruses, hacking tools, email and web threats. Also, learn how to arm yourself to defend not only your company but also your guests and employees.

3:00 - 4:00 PM

HITEC User's Guide
First-time attendees don’t miss this special session. Make the most of your Conference Experience. Not sure which sessions to attend or how to plan your day? We’ve got you covered. Learn what makes HITEC different from other industry events and how to plan your day. Hear insider perspectives, find out about new products, services and interaction with the supplier/vendor on the exhibit floor. Discover the abundant activities and learning opportunities available at HITEC 2008. Get the scoop on hot tips and top picks from long-time Conference goers and connect with other attendees.

4:30 - 6:30 PM OPENING SESSION

HITEC kicks off with two technology experts discussing current challenges and trends in the technology industry.

The session starts with Paul Bell, president of Dell Inc.’s Americas region. Consumers and businesses alike are finding themselves in a rapidly evolving “Connected Era.” This has technology decision-makers dealing with new challenges, from exploding data storage requirements to figuring out how to “Go Green.” Bell gives insight into this exciting new era and discusses how Dell is simplifying IT by removing cost and complexity through leading-edge, energy-efficient products and solutions and customizable services.

Following-up is trendwatcher Michael Tchong. In today’s consumer lifestyle, the spoken word is increasingly replaced by symbols that are typed, texted or twittered. As society rapidly progresses forward, humans are responding in extraordinary ways to this changing dialog. Follow Tchong as he takes you on an exhilarating roller-coaster ride through the dazzling landscape of now.

Tchong has spent more than 20 years living at the bleeding edge of consumer technology trends. He’s developed successful media and technology companies, including founding MacWEEK, Atelier Systems (personal communications), CyberAtlas (Internet market research), and Ubercool, a media and entertainment company.

6:30 - 8:00 PM Welcome Reception