What to Expect at HITEC Houston 2018: Elite Education, Exhibits, E20X and More

HOUSTON: A booming cosmopolitan city that is home to more than 2 million Texans, NASA's famous Johnson Space Center, and — in just two short months — the world's largest hospitality exhibition HITEC®....In late June, scores of hospitality technology and finance professionals will travel to Texas' most populous city for first-rate industry education, networking, and an unparalleled expo showcasing the latest in products and services from around the globe. This stellar event hosted by HFTP will take place June 18-21, 2018 at the George R. Brown Convention Center....There are so many opportunities for unparalleled professional developments being offered at HITEC Houston that you will not want to miss....Mike Walsh Unveiled as HITEC Houston Opening Keynote Speaker Mike Walsh is the CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing companies for the 21st century. He advises leaders on how to thrive in the current era of disruptive technological change. He is  celebrated as a 21st century business designer, futurist, global nomad and author....Rather than focusing on the distant future, Mike takes an anthropological approach — scanning the near horizon for emerging technologies and disruptive shifts in human behavior, and then translating these into pragmatic plans for digital transformation....A true global nomad, Mike travels over 300 days a year worldwide, researching trends, collecting innovation case studies and presenting on the future of business. Introducing Theresa Payton: Former White House CIO and HITEC Houston Closing Keynote Speaker ...The first female to serve as White House chief information officer, and named #4 on IFSEC Global’s list of the world’s Top 50 cybersecurity influencers in security & fire 2017, Theresa Payton is one of America’s most respected authorities on Internet security, data breaches and fraud mitigation. With real-world strategies and solutions, she helps public and private sector organizations protect their most valuable resources....Drawing from her experience as a veteran cybercrime fighter and entrepreneur of her successful and rapidly-growing cybersecurity firm, Fortalice, Theresa masterfully blends memorable anecdotes with cutting-edge insights to heighten awareness of the perils of our uber-connected world. As she delves into the cyber-underworld and the new kinds of threats that can lead to tomorrow's breaches and insider risks, she offers a proven blueprint for audiences to stay a step ahead with practical steps for thinking like the adversary, while managing cybersecurity risk....Theresa’s distinct approachability, combined with her visionary perspective and easy-to-implement strategies, effectively prepare audiences for success in the ongoing battle against cybercrime....The House of Blues Sets the Stage for the HITEC Houston Opening Party presented by Samsung...Connect with colleagues during the HITEC Houston Opening Party presented by Samsung. This exciting night out will take place on Monday, June 18, 2018 from 6:30–9:00 p.m. at the iconic House of Blues — a beautiful music hall full of soul and sporting a classic “rock & blues” theme. Enjoy delicious snacks and drinks as you socialize and prepare for the busy week ahead....Elevate through Education:  It's all about the Digital Journey...HITEC Houston presents a packed itinerary of educational sessions designed to take your professional development to the next level. Topics to certainly look forward to include:

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• Emerging technologies

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• Internet of Things — The Connected World of Visibility and Big Data

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• Millennials Reshaping the Industry

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• Check-in Utopia: The Perfect Arrival Experience

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• Technology for Improving Guest Experience and Hotel Dining

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• The Digital Journey

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• Monolithic Versus Best in Class

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• Four Ways AI is Reimagining the Future of Hospitality

... and more! Click here for a complete schedule of events and locate details on each individual session....A World-Class Technology Exhibition: Select Industry Products and Services From Around the Globe  For three days, the exhibit hall at HITEC will showcase the latest hospitality technology products and services from more than 300 exhibiting companies....Click here for the floor plan to see all of the companies exhibiting at HITEC Houston.... E20X: Rewarding the Industry's Innovative Startups and Breakthrough Technologies...HITEC attendees will not want to miss this opportunity to watch some of the most innovative startups the hospitality technology industry has to offer compete to bring their dreams to life.... Reinvigorating the hospitality technology industry, HFTP’s expanding Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) program features ambitious entrepreneurs presenting breakthrough business concepts to a room full of HITEC attendees as well as a panel of expert judges. The participating startups will compete for the Judge's Award (the grand prize) and the People's Choice Award (the "crowd favorite")....If you are a startup who would like to participate in E20X, click here to apply. Applications will be accepted until May 4, 2018....Explore Houston: Fun Things to do While You are in "Space City"Space Center Houston is a leading science and space learning center, the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center, and a Smithsonian Affiliate museum. Explore more than 400 space artifacts, touch a real moon rock, take a glimpse at life on the International Space Station, meet an astronaut, and so much more. Be inspired by the wonders of space exploration and visit Space Center Houston while you are in town....The Major League Baseball (MLB) team Houston Astros will be playing the Kansas City Royals on June 22, 2018 at 7:10 p.m. at Minute Maid Park. Just last year, the Houston Astros won their first World Series Championship against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Play ball!...The Galleria is an international shopping destination that hosts more than 24 million visitors annually and holds 375 stores, 30 restaurants, and a full-sized ice skating rink. Enjoy luxury designer brands, budget-friendly options, fine dining and more....For more exciting things to do in Houston, go to their official visitor website....Plan Your Transformative Journey to HITEC Houston Today ...Registration is now open! An all-access pass to HITEC Houston includes four days of education, three days of the exhibit hall, and the HITEC Opening Party....Avoid the lines on-site and get the best price by registering online today. (Registration fees increase after May 11, 2018.)...HFTP is also offering a New Member Conference Bundle. For $900 USD, receive a full conference registration to HITEC Houston, plus a one-year membership with HFTP. Click here for more information and a complete list of HITEC Houston registration options....Make your reservations now for hotel and transportation. The hotel reservation deadline is May 18, 2018....We know that you need to justify everything you do in today's economy — including spending time and money to attend HITEC. Click here for more information to help you demonstrate positive return on investment (ROI) for your organization to gain approval from your management to attend....Take advantage of complimentary registration to HITEC Houston by becoming an official event guest blogger. Share your insights and experiences from this elite event with HFTP’s global audience on HFTP Connect. If you are interested, please send a brief description on why you would make a good guest blogger, along with any writing samples to Briana Gilmore, HFTP communications coordinator, at [email protected]. The deadline to apply to become a guest blogger is Friday, May 18, 2018....Briana Gilmore 

is the HFTP communications coordinator. Briana can be reached at [email protected] or +1 (512) 220-4017.