HFTP Announces Inaugural Technology Investment Conference: HITEC-IC, Co-located with HITEC 2024

The inaugural conference is scheduled for June 27–28 in Charlotte, N.C.; connecting the investment community with hospitality technology company executives.

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP(R)) announced the HITEC Investment Conference (HITEC-IC), a new event designed to connect hospitality technology company executives with the investment community. Scheduled for June 27Ð28, the conference will be co-located with the 2024 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC(R)) where 325+ companies, from start-ups to established global brands, will present the latest innovative technology solutions to the hospitality industry. As the singular location for global hospitality technology and longest-running show of its kind, HITEC is considered imperative to the participating companies. It is the largest gathering of hospitality technology companies and is attended by representatives of a majority of the top 40 hotel brands in the world. Pairing HITEC-IC with this key industry event presents a unique opportunity to activate hospitality technology investments returning massive rewards for the entire industry.

“HFTP continually strives to move the industry forward and aims to do so efficiently and effectively with our industry partners,” said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE. “With HITEC already the established global event to attend in the segment, the prospect to build on an event like this is way overdue. HITEC-IC will offer an experience which creates synergies between investors and technology companies to network, learn and establish years-long relationships that present potential partnerships. These groups will represent the best of the best of the best in their respective segments Ñ all under one roof.”

HITEC-IC will commence on the final day of HITEC with an orientation and overview of hospitality technology for the attending investors presented by Floor Bleeker, group chief technology officer for ACCOR. The investors will then be led on escorted tours of the HITEC exhibit hall by some of the world's most renowned hospitality technology experts. Upon the close of the exhibit hall, exhibiting company CEOs will be invited to join the investors for additional education, a networking event and dinner. The second day program will feature education programs and one-to-one introductory meetings.

Wolfe added, "There are some really good investment conferences being produced for the industry like The Hunter Hotel Investment Conference, The Lodging Conference and ALIS which we strongly support. HITEC-IC is a very niche investment conference due to the uniqueness of hospitality technology. And with it co-located at HITEC, this is an opportunity for the investment community to observe leading hospitality technology by participating in the program's aggregated tours of the exhibit hall."

“This event is long overdue,” said Dave Berkus, manager of four investment funds and an inductee to the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame. “Having been involved with HFTP since 1978, but for the last 30 years focused upon private company investments, there has been no dedicated event exposing investors to this important growth segment over the years. Travel-hospitality makes up one of the largest segments of the economy. Investor focus upon this dynamic and growing cohort is long overdue.”

The event is widely-supported by industry organizations through sponsorships at varying levels. Starting with Platinum sponsors are HSMAI, AAHOA and Hospitality Upgrade; BLLA and ICHRIE as Bronze sponsors; and Hospitality Net is the Digital Media sponsor.

“The future success of the hospitality commercial functions of sales, marketing, and revenue all will require enhanced data and technology capabilities,” said Bob Gilbert, HSMAI president and CEO. “The development, integration and enhancement of technology platforms are vital to our ability to optimize revenues and profits for hotels.”

"We are thrilled and honored to participate as a Bronze Sponsor in the inaugural investment conference hosted by HFTP, a global leader in hospitality technology,” said Frances Kiradjian, founder and CEO of BLLA. “As a close, mutual partner in the hospitality industry, BLLA takes great pride in supporting the efforts of this esteemed organization. Together, we are shaping the future of hospitality, driving innovation, and fostering collaboration for the benefit of our industry and all those we serve. The new HITEC Investment Conference will catalyze the connection of investors looking to enter or add to their tech portfolios. As BLLA is already a connector for many investors, this further activity will enhance their opportunities."

HITEC-IC is an invitation-only event and has limited attendance. Individuals interested in the event can register their interest. For questions, please send an email to hitec-ic@hftp.org.

HITEC North America will take place on June 24Ð27 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C. USA. Produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, HITEC is the world's largest and longest-running hospitality technology exposition and conference. It offers a unique combination of top-notch hospitality technology education, led by industry peers and experts, and an unparalleled trade show showcasing the latest hospitality technology products and services. The 2024 event is expecting 5,000+ attendees and 300+ exhibiting companies. Registration for HITEC in Charlotte is now open.