Latest news with #HFTP
Hospitality Net
6 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
One Startup. One Shot. $50K on the Line: Techne Infinite Ventures and GAIN Launch the Nextwave Seed Investment Challenge at HITEC ‘25
Indianapolis, USA - Techne Infinite Ventures and Growth Advisors International Network – GAIN, are proud to announce the Nextwave Seed Investment Challenge @ HITEC '25, a bold new initiative giving one hospitality tech startup, attending or exhibiting at HITEC '25 in Indy, the chance to secure a $50,000 investment and game-changing strategic commercial support. One Startup. One Shot. $50K on the Line. This is more than a pitch - it's a high-stakes opportunity for founders to fast-track their growth, skip the noise, and connect directly with Silicon Valley investors and commercial advisors at the hospitality tech industry's premier event. And this year, we want YOUR help nominating the most deserving startup. Nominate a game-changing hospitality tech startup, who is confirmed to be attending or exhibiting at HITEC '25, for a shot at $50K from Techne Infiniti Ventures and GAIN. Nomination applications are open from June 2 – 10, 2025. Out of the overall nominations received, eight short listed startups will have the unique opportunity to meet 1-on-1 with Techne and GAIN, during the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) HITEC conference. One final standout will be selected and announced on Thursday June 19th during the final day of HITEC '25, to advance to Techne's due diligence process for a potential $50,000 investment through Techne's Scaler Program, along with 20 hours of high-impact professional commercial advisory support from GAIN. Hospitality innovation needs activation platforms like the Nextwave Seed Investment Challenge @ HITEC'25, that are bold, founder-first, and focused on real outcomes. At GAIN, we're proud to stand beside Techne in launching this initiative at HITEC '25, that delivers true impact and streamlines direct engagement with some the top founders in our industry. Michael Cohen, Managing Partner of Growth Advisors International Network - GAIN To qualify, startups must be registered as HITEC attendees or exhibitors. This ensures only active, engaged start-up companies attending the conference get a shot at the prize, and that every conversation at HITEC is real, relevant, and growth-focused. Techne is a hospitality focused fund investing in transformative technologies. Our Scaler Program is designed to help high potential startups get from traction to scale with a custom engagement for each company focused on go-to-market and ecosystem led growth. Our world class advisors come from Silicon Valley tech, top hospitality and travel industry leadership, and the venture investment community. With this proven model, we expect our portfolio companies to create outsized value and drive disruption to the industry. At HITEC '25, we are proud to be partnering with GAIN and we're raising the stakes. Anjali Arora, Founding Partner at Techne Infiniti Ventures Ready to Nominate? Email [email protected] with the startup company name, website, LinkedIn page and contact info of the founders, to nominate a deserving startup who is also confirmed to be attending or exhibiting at HITEC '25. Let's shape the future of hospitality tech — one startup at a time. Founders, self-nominations are welcome! About Techne Infiniti Ventures Techne is a Silicon Valley venture capital firm investing in next-generation AI-driven hospitality & travel technologies. With deep industry, technology and investment expertise, and an extensive global network of experts in hospitality and travel, Techne operates a venture studio, a scaler program, and makes direct investments. About Growth Advisors International Network (GAIN) GAIN, the leading global travel & hospitality advisory firm for growth & innovation, is a specialized network of travel and hospitality industry veterans, innovators, and strategists. Through strategic industry access, networking and VIP events activations, and highly focused product, go to market and AI-enhanced advisory services, GAIN enables startups, scaleups and enterprise entities, to accelerate innovation and efficiently scale, in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. Zoe Koumbouzi GAIN - Growth Advisors International Network
Hospitality Net
29-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
HITEC 2025: A Preview of Innovations and Insights Shaping Hospitality's Future
This June, I'll be heading to Indianapolis for the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®). For me, HITEC has always been less about the hype and more about the conversations and insights that stick with you long after the event. Produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), HITEC isn't just about showcasing the latest tools or systems—it's about exchanging ideas and asking the big questions: How can we use AI to create more personalized experiences? How do we really leverage data to drive smarter decisions? What's next for sustainability in our industry? These are the discussions that matter most as we work to future-proof hospitality in an ever-evolving world. This year's HITEC schedule is packed with incredible sessions, but I've handpicked a few that are absolute must-attends for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve! Maximize Impact Unlocking Data's Hidden Potential Wednesday, June 18 | 10 30 AM 11 AM I will be hosting a session that stands out for its focus on practical application. While many properties gather extensive data, they often struggle to translate it into actionable insights that boost revenue or improve guest experiences. This session is a must-attend for those looking for invaluable insights for turning raw data into actionable strategic value. Women in Hospitality Technology Meet Up Wednesday, June 18 | 4 30 PM 5 15 PM Celebrate and connect with the leaders shaping the future of hospitality technology. This networking event brings together top female executives like Silvia Camarota from Expedia Group, Katie Lee from AKA Hotels Hotel Residences, and Mercedes Blanco from The Hotels Network. Gain inspiration and insights from their vast experiences. Monday, June 16 | 2 45 PM 3 45 PM Unpack the challenges surrounding AI in hospitality. Carl Winston of Payne School at SDSU will discuss critical issues like guest privacy, algorithmic biases, and ethical dilemmas that arise when deploying AI for personalization. Monday, June 16 | 10 45 AM 12 00 PM Hospitality isn't just about rooms anymore, it's about creating ecosystems of experience. Greg Poirier and John Picard will share insights on designing sustainable, guest focused spaces while driving operational efficiency. Expect to walk away with a vision for turning your hotel into an environmentally conscious, dynamic destination. Monday, June 16 | 9 00 AM 10 15 AM Michael Goldrich and Matt Schwartz will provide a comprehensive guide for executives looking to strategically integrate AI into their operational frameworks. From predictive analytics to CRM optimization, this session will help leaders balance innovation with practicality. Why HITEC Matters More Than Ever What I value most about gatherings like HITEC is the opportunity to step back from day-to-day operations and consider the bigger picture. The hospitality industry faces significant challenges—from labor shortages to increasing guest expectations—that technology can help address. The innovations showcased at the conference will undoubtedly be impressive. However, I believe the most successful organizations will be those who view technology not as a solution, but as an enabler of human connection. The best systems enhance rather than replace the human touch that makes hospitality special. If you're planning to attend HITEC, stop by the Infor Booth #2400 book a meeting here. For those not attending, follow me on LinkedIn, where I will share photos, videos and some highlights from the event. About Infor Infor is a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry. We develop complete solutions for our focus industries. Infor's mission-critical enterprise applications and services are designed to deliver sustainable operational advantages with security and faster time to value. Over 60,000 organizations in more than 175 countries rely on Infor's 17,000 employees to help achieve their business goals. As a Koch company, our financial strength, ownership structure, and long-term view empower us to foster enduring, mutually beneficial relationships with our customers. Visit Alan Young VP, Hospitality Strategy, Infor Infor
Hospitality Net
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Hospitality Upgrade Named Official Publication of Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association's 14th Annual Hotel Owners Conference, September 29-30 in Westlake Village, CA
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is pleased to announce that Hospitality Upgrade has been named the official publication of the Boutique Hotel Owners Conference powered by BLLA, which will be held September 29-30, 2025, in Westlake Village, CA, USA. The partnership will bring exclusive coverage and insights to the independent boutique and luxury hospitality industry. We are thrilled to be partnering with BLLA for their Owners Conference. Hospitality Upgrade is dedicated to providing valuable technology information and resources to industry professionals, and we look forward to highlighting the innovation and creativity that defines the boutique and luxury hospitality sector. Frank Wolfe, CAE, CEO of HFTP As part of the collaboration, the upcoming issue of Hospitality Upgrade's HITEC edition will feature a special section showcasing technology trends, challenges, and success stories within the independent boutique hotel industry. Frances Kiradjian, BLLA's Founder and CEO, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, We are excited to be working with Hospitality Upgrade to shine a spotlight on BLLA's expansive boutique community. This collaboration will provide valuable insights and inspiration for our conference attendees and industry colleagues. Stay tuned for exclusive coverage of the BLLA Owners Conference in the upcoming HITEC issue of Hospitality Upgrade. The print publication will be available for all conference attendees, and available online at For more information about Hospitality Upgrade and HFTP or receive a copy of this special issue, visit and To learn more about BLLA and the Owners Conference, visit and About BLLA Established in 2009, the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA) is the world's most innovative and influential association for independent boutique hotels, brands, and suppliers. Dedicated to championing the unique essence of boutique hospitality, BLLA offers unparalleled networking opportunities, industry insights, and advocacy initiatives to its global membership base. With a mission to elevate and empower independent hotel owners and operators, BLLA continues to shape the future of hospitality through innovation, collaboration, and excellence. The organization is a pioneer in forecasting the boutique movement. The corporate manifesto showcases BLLA as a catalyst for trends and the future of the boutique lifestyle, focusing mainly on hospitality. Experience the intention video behind BLLA Events. 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 and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), Hotel-Online and Hospitality Upgrade Magazine. For more information about HFTP, visit Geneva Rinehart SVP, Media Division HFTP
Hospitality Net
15-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
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 and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), Hotel-Online and Hospitality Upgrade Magazine. For more information about HFTP, visit Eliza Selig Chief Marketing Officer +1 512 220 4026 HFTP
