Written by: Claire Kenney — Official HITEC® Minneapolis 2019 Guest Blogger
It has been nearly a week since the hospitality community gathered in Minneapolis for HITEC 2019. The HITEC team presented a packed conference filled with versatile occasions to connect. Returning to my office in Chicago this week, I reflected on all the memories made throughout the course of last week in Minneapolis.
Upon arriving in Minneapolis on Monday to set up Evention’s booth, I was excited to attend another HITEC. In particular, I looked forward to working alongside HITEC’s media team to create blogs and contribute to their social media strategy. This collaboration was definitely a HITEC highlight for me.
Leading up to the conference, I wrote about my anticipations for the event. Turns out, all of the hype leading to HITEC Minneapolis did not disappoint! During the conference, I reflected on how I witnessed HITEC’s impact on hospitality, my career and my team firsthand. This impact includes the conference’s ability to facilitate opportunities for learning, networking and fun.
Each year, HITEC launches into the week with an opening party and corresponding concert. This year, Chris Daughtry was the featured artist. On Monday, after setting up the booth, I headed to the opening party at the Armory with my colleagues.
At the event, we quickly ran into colleagues and friends. Catching up over cocktails and appetizers, we talked about past HITEC highlights and happenings. Turns out, as an employee of a company that’s attended HITEC for 15 years, there is never a shortage of memories to share!
The first full day of HITEC activities always carries a certain level of excitement. This year, the conference was no different. When the exhibit floor opened at 10:00 a.m., hospitality enthusiasts flooded the space. From then on, the hall was filled with a constant conversational buzz.
That morning, I also had the opportunity to coordinate a Tech Talk. This acted as a gateway to meeting more industry colleagues.
Hospitality runs parallel with entertainment and experience. Throughout the week, I explored restaurants around the city of Minneapolis with clients and colleagues. At Rojo, we enjoyed mingling over a Mexican meal. This was all part of an event hosted by Telkonet and DataArt. So fun! (P.S. Thanks again for the invitation!) The following evening, my colleagues and I caught up with friends and clients in the lobby of Hilton Minneapolis. The hotel provided top-notch hospitality.
On Thursday, as I broke down our booth and headed to the airport, I found myself already looking forward to HITEC 2020 in San Antonio. The event will take me back to Texas, the state where I attended my very first HITEC. Let the planning begin!
Claire Kenney is the marketing communications manager at Evention LLC in Chicago, Illinois. She is an official event guest blogger for HITEC Minneapolis 2019, taking place June 17–20 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota USA. Check back on HFTP Connect for more of Claire’s experiences at HITEC this year.
