Attendee safety concerns, global travel restrictions and uncertain guidance drive decision to transition from in-person to virtual event. The online event, which will offer education and vendor interaction, will become available on October 27, 2020 and run for one month.
AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA (July 13, 2020) — Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) announced today that October’s “Best of HFTP” in-person events will pivot to a virtual “Cyber HITEC.” The in-person event, which included HITEC San Antonio, HFTP Annual Convention, Entrepreneur 20X and Club Forum, was scheduled for October 26–29, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas, USA. In response to the continued health safety concerns and travel restrictions related to the current pandemic, the HFTP Global Board of Directors, has determined it is best to switch gears and concentrate efforts on a virtual program. It is making this decision well-ahead of time to allow participants, exhibitors, stakeholders, and co-located event organizers to plan accordingly.
“Health and safety have always been our top priority and continued uncertainty around the COVID 19 pandemic makes it prudent to forgo the in-person events ahead of critical deadlines for both attendees and exhibitors planning to participate,” said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE, FIH. “We arrived at this decision thoughtfully after hearing from many sources including our exhibitors and attendees who shared industry concerns.”
Cyber HITEC will run October 27 through November 25, 2020. In addition to world class education sessions addressing crucial topics, it will feature keynote presentations, a networking lounge, and a marketplace with hundreds of the world’s best technology providers. To provide the best possible options to the industry, the HFTP Annual Convention will also be held under the Cyber HITEC banner and attendees will have the opportunity to attend education sessions for both events.
“We are excited to leverage emerging hospitality technologies to bring a first-rate online HITEC event to the industry,” said Professor Justin Taillon, MBA, PhD, CHIA, CHTP, Chair of the HITEC San Antonio Advisory Council. “With Cyber HITEC, we will be able to do things we have not done in the past. It will prove to be an excellent experience for attendees!”
HFTP’s “Invitation Only” Club Forum will be held virtually on Monday, October 26. This event features topics presented by, and for, club finance professionals representing some of the finest clubs in the world.
Information about credits, registration for Cyber HITEC, and invitations for the Club Forum will be distributed as soon as possible but, no later than July 25, 2020. Please check www.hftp.org for the latest information.
