HFTP Unveils Newest Addition to the HITEC 2007 Exhibit Hall, the Club Technology Pavilion

(SUMMARY)
The 2007 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®), produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), will showcase specialty technology such as member relationship and golf course management software in the Club Technology Pavilion, the newest addition to the exhibit hall, June 26 - 28 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

The Club Technology Pavilion will be a special area in the exhibit hall with hands-on displays of the latest in emerging club technology. There will be approximately 15 different club-related exhibitors at the pavilion, including Jonas Software, ClubSoft, TAI Club Management Systems, Gatekeeper Business Solutions, Northstar Technologies and more. The pavilion will feature club-specific software and products like club management, membership management, inventory control, food and beverage management, recipe/menu management, golf course management, salon and spa management, guest/member history and more.

Other club technology opportunities at HITEC 2007 include Club Technology Boot Camp and the Club and Hotel Controllers Conference. Club Technology Boot Camp, June 25, will allow newcomers the opportunity to learn about the technology used in the club industry and for veterans to get an update on industry trends. The Club and Hotel Controllers Conference, June 26 – 27, will feature general information sessions, as well as four club specific sessions focusing on financial trends, identity theft, fraud and being a business partner.

(COMMENTS)

I was very excited to see that not only would there be products available for Club managers, but there is going to be an entired pavillion devoted to Club management technology! Historically, Clubs are not always at the forefront of technology innovations, due to their conservative and traditional nature. But it is plain to see now that there are many opportunities for Clubs to break into the 21st century without sacrificing their image and legacy. I went to the National Restaurant Association's trade show last year in Chicago, which is the largest of its kind for the Restaurant Industry, and so I know the magnitude of an industry wide trade show and exhibition, such as the HITEC conference. For a trade show of this comparable size to have an entire pavillion dedicated to Club's is a huge step towards uniting the private club industry with the hotel industry, by means of technology. Technology is a great way to improve club services and manage member data, and I hope to see many clubs in the future embrace the available products.