Written by: Linnet Baskett
The 2016 HFTP Annual Convention will be held October 19-21, 2016 at Caesar’s Palace Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The planning process has already begun and this year there will be some noticeable changes to enhance the structure of the event. Here are some of the highlights.
First off, I would like to note the date pattern has changed and the annual convention will run for three full days from Wednesday through Friday. The overall education program will offer a variety of sessions from 20-minute short sessions to three hour workshops.
Wednesday will kick off with a day filled with workshops offering a deep dive into cybersecurity, business intelligence, collaboration/teamwork and going beyond budgeting. The opening session on “Cybersecurity Risks & Data Breach Response Tips” will be held on Wednesday evening followed by a fun-filled opening party.
After much consideration and reviewing many suggestions for change, the tradeshow has been re-purposed. A variety of new vendor networking and sponsorship opportunities will be available to enhance the vendor and attendee experience. New this year on Thursday will be a vendor “speed dating” lunch, which will provide vendors the opportunity to talk briefly about their products and services to a number of attendees. On Friday, attendees can enjoy a buffet lunch and listen to a variety of short vendor sessions.
In addition to education sessions, the Thursday agenda will include a leadership and volunteer breakfast, keynote sessions, a certification reception as well as meet-up opportunities for young professionals, chapter leaders and more. Thursday evening will be a free evening for attendees to get out and explore the bright lights on the Las Vegas strip, take in a show or enjoy a great meal at a celebrity chef restaurant.
Friday morning we are planning a captivating general session presented by Neil Hoyne, head of Customer Analytics at Google. A short annual business meeting will follow the general session to conduct the necessary association business. Many of the award presentations and recognition will be incorporated throughout the week. Keeping with tradition, the president’s evening event will be held of Friday evening and will be a black-tie optional event. To complement the evening, the HFTP Helps silent auction will be open on Friday, beginning at 6:30 p.m., and is open to all convention attendees to participate in the bidding wars. Proceeds will benefit a local charity which will be selected by our own HFTP Las Vegas Chapter.
Keep an eye out as we announce more details of the event. We are expecting a great attendance this year and I invite you to consider joining us for three days of education, networking and fun! I look forward to a successful event and hope to see you in Las Vegas.
Linnet Baskett is the HFTP Meetings & Events Manager. Contact Linnet at linnet.baskett@hftp.org or +1 (512) 220-4018.
As a hotel finance/tech person, I am looking forward to this new format. I go to the convention for education and networking with my colleagues and I think this will provide more of both, without sacrificing the fun I always enjoy!!
Thank you for changing it up.
The new format has some exciting changes! I am looking forward to seeing how it all pans out, and am hoping it will be the best conference ever!
I love the changes you have made this year on the structure of the conference! I also think that the free evening on the town is a great idea since there are so many options for entertainment on the Vegas strip. I so look forward to the event.
I love the changes! Looking forward to a very positive experience this October.