One glance at my inbox says it all… HITEC is just around the corner. It’s time to step back from the day-to-day and get immersed in what’s happening with technology in our industry.
From a career standpoint, this is what Dr. Stephen Covey (in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People) called “Sharpening the Saw.”
This will be my third conference. After my first HITEC in 2012, I kicked myself for not having been there all along. Even though it’s a bit of a hike from North Carolina, it has become a must-attend event for me.
We all share the feeling that keeping up with technology in our industry is an overwhelming task. None of us can know everything about hospitality technology (although some of my HFTP colleagues do amazingly well at it), but our constituents — whether we call them clients, coworkers, or something else — seem to think that we should.
In this continual drive to keep our knowledge current, there’s nothing better than HITEC. It’s a unique experience that allows you to develop that 30,000 ft., comprehensive view of what’s going on, while also allowing a deep dive into any area that interests you. I come back re-energized (after some catch-up sleep) and loaded with ideas for my clients and my own business. It enhances my ability to be of service to my clients, peers and my fellow members back home.
Typically I arrive with a to-do list from clients, to learn about technologies or systems they are considering. I’m sure that will be the case again this year and it will guide a lot of how I spend my time at the show. As a developer and consultant, I am personally most interested in what’s new and innovative in software. The System Selection Boot Camp (A Map To System Selection) is an annual favorite as well – although it has some strong competition this year.
Of course, an important part of the week is the opportunity to re-connect with HFTP and industry friends as well as make new ones. There are lots of people that I only see at HITEC and I’m looking forward to re-connecting with them again.
Lastly, HITEC is just plain fun. Last year’s opening party on Nicollet Island was great and this year at the Belasco Theater will be just as fun.
I’m excited about my guest blogger role and the opportunity to bring part of the conference to those who cannot attend. It means there will be more evenings spent blogging and fewer parties, but I expect the conference to be just as enjoyable and rewarding.
If you run into me or one of my fellow guest bloggers, I hope you will stop to say hello, and share what you are learning at the conference.
See you in L.A.!
Randy Craven, CHTP is co-principal of Stella Solutions Group, a hospitality software development and consulting firm based in Greensboro, NC. He has been an HFTP member for three years and currently serves as president of the HFTP Central Carolina Chapter, and also as a member of the HFTP Certification Advisory Council. He was the HFTP 2012 CHTP of the Year recipient.
The content published in this section was provided by HITEC Guest Bloggers. The information is the view/opinions of the Guest Bloggers and not of HFTP, nor of any person or organization affiliated or doing business with HFTP.
