
HFTP Announces 2025 Inductees to the Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame: Bruce Bensetler and Luis Segredo
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is pleased to announce two champions of hospitality technology, Bruce Bensetler and Luis Segredo, as the 2025 HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame inductees, both recognized for driving the development of game-changing technology solutions that have improved hospitality operations and strategy. Bensetler is the founder and CEO of Data Plus, Inc., a platform built for hotels which unites accounting procurement and payment data into a single, unified system. Segredo is a serial entrepreneur and recently in 2016, he co-founded Hapi (Data Travel, LLC), hospitality's connectivity partner, dedicated to simplifying the complex hospitality technology landscape by connecting hoteliers and solution providers at scale. The 2025 inductees will be honored at the upcoming Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 17, 2025.
The International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame is HFTP's highest level of recognition in technology. Since 1989, 57 individuals have received this award as a reflection of their contributions to the hospitality industry.
Each year, as I entered the HITEC venue, I have studied the list of prior inductees to the HFTP Hall of Fame and thought about their long careers and contributions, said Bensetler. I never thought my work would be considered of significance as it has always been more about the fun in working with so many clever and talented hospitality professionals.
Bruce is characterized as an entrepreneurial and creative developer passionate about understanding the accounting and operational needs of the hospitality industry. He started Data Plus, Inc. in 1973, which came to offer one of the first ERP solutions for the hospitality industry in 1986. The platform included a general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, inventory, bank reconciliation and capital budgeting. In its 50+ years, the company has developed eight generations of ERP-level software solutions. Data Plus is currently used by approximately 1,200 properties and is servicing management companies and independent hotels in 15 countries.
I am so honored to be inducted into the HFTP Hall of Fame, said Segredo. Having watched people I really admire be inducted over the years, I am humbled that my peers are now recognizing my efforts. I share this distinction with all of my team members, partners and customers that have made it possible.
Segredo's evolving career has been motivated by his vision to help the hospitality industry leverage technology through innovation; his ideas to transform hotel data have shaped the industry for years. He is the co-founder of Hapi (Data Travel, LLC), where he has held the position of CEO for the past eight years and has 14K properties. He has over 32 years of experience in hospitality, specializing in technology solutions at both property and corporate levels.
Before founding Hapi, Segredo co-founded MTech in 1993, the developers of HotSOS and REX (now HotSOS Housekeeping) which are used globally by thousands of properties, management companies, and brands to help automate operations, maintenance, and housekeeping activities. After selling MTech to Newmarket International, he held leadership roles at both Newmarket and Amadeus Hospitality before founding Hapi. Segredo currently serves as chair of the AHLA Global Technology 100.
HITEC 2025 will take place on June 16–19 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana 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 2025 event is expecting 5,500+ attendees and 370+ exhibiting companies. Registration for HITEC 2025 is available.
About HFTP
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with an offices in the EU. HFTP is recognized as a group supporting the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. In addition, it oversees the hospitality-specific Pineapplesearch.com® and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), Hotel-Online and Hospitality Upgrade Magazine. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.
Eliza Selig
Chief Marketing Officer
+1 512 220 4026
HFTP
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