The Hotel Industry Technology Education Conference (HITEC) brought hotel technology leaders to Orlando in July for its annual gathering and discussion on the everchanging state of technology in the hospitality industry. The conference attracted 5,736 attendees, 300 exhibiting companies, and 40 educational sessions. The theme of the show: “We are striving to become a paperless organization.”

Jonathan Tisch, chairman/CEO of Loews Hotels, kicked off the opening session by sharing his personal experiences in guest services, featured in his book, Chocolates on the Pillow Aren’t Enough. He says technology is bringing people back together and re-establishing a personal feel to customer service through customer- focused technology.

Attendees honored recipients of the Award of Merit, presented every five years. Joyce Christmas, William Duncan, Ed Hollinshead, Joseph Marko, and William Sullivan were recognized for contributing a significant innovation or breakthrough that established a path for others in the hospitality industry. John Springer-Miller was inducted into the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his influence on the industry by creating SMS_Host, a property management system that integrates guest services.

A Sampling of HITEC F&B Technology

• FOOD-TRAK®, a food and beverage management and inventory system that increases purchasing and accounting efficiencies, reduces costs, and increases asset security. CONTACT: System Concepts, Inc./FOODTRAK, greggs@foodtrak.com, 480-951-8011


• Menu Tablets from AVT Communiqué look great, boost sales, and save servers trips to the table. CONTACT: Bob Tomko, btomko@avt.com, 847-221-3710


• BuyEfficient consolidates purchasing and lets food and beverage facilities generate significant savings in time and volume purchasing. By Sunstone. CONTACT: Bill Hirsch, 949-369-4323


• AccuBar provides electronic pouring control in a simple and straightforward system. CONTACT: Dave Grimm, dave@accubar.com, 800-806-9322 x7101


• Agilysis brings together departmental functions into a comprehensive program, including food and beverage management, inventory control, purchasing, POS, and sales and catering menu management. CONTACT: Dan Wasser, dan.wasser@agilysys.com, 301-698-9868 x311


• Minibar Systems revolutionizes minibar accounting and management and increases efficiency of the stocking process. CONTACT: Walt Strasser, walt.strasser@minibarNA.com


• JANUS Digital Displays’ multi-unit system takes the drudgery out of operating an electronic display system for the meeting or catering department. CONTACT: Ryan Patrick Doyle, rdoyle@janusdisplays.com, 727-532-4000


• Avero Slingshot® gives hotel, casino, and restaurant operators critical intelligence that lets them increase revenue and decrease costs through tighter control of food, beverage, labor, server productivity, and promotion costs. CONTACT: Jonathan Morse, jmorse@averoinc.com, 646- 421-6234


• iBAHN™ provides secure wireless and wired broadband services in lodging, club, and conference venues. CONTACT: Joe Rook, jrook@ibahn.com, 801-563-2129