By: Mark Pate Sr., CHAE, CHTP, MBA, HFTP Global President
Are you looking for that next role to take your career upwards where you want it to go – or perhaps seeking to fill a crucial role at your company with the right person? Are you trying to solve a seemingly insurmountable problem at work – or just wondering if there are other people out there struggling with an industry challenge like you? The best answer often lies in building connections.
As the president of an association, I learned long ago the value of getting involved in a group of professionals in the same industry and field of work who can share in your trials, tribulations, successes and progress as you make your way through a decades-long career journey. Associations are a great foundation for creating these all-important relationships; they provide countless opportunities for networking and engagement.
Take HFTP, for example – I just joined more than 6,000 hospitality professionals and stakeholders at HITEC, the largest hospitality technology event in the world, where I spent several valuable days attending parties, dinners, education sessions and toured the exhibit hall with colleagues and friends, both new and old. I am also very engaged in my local HFTP chapter and attend the HFTP Florida Regional conference regularly, which allows me to connect with professionals in my direct area.
Then, there are all the online opportunities to engage, and with a robust, global membership, that means countless potential new supporters from all over the world – and this is where HFTP’s new online Community Groups come in very handy. These community groups allow you to engage in discussions and Q&A based on specific segments of the industry such as hotel and club and topics of professional interest such as technology and finance.
Join Your HFTP Online Community for Camaraderie, Feedback and Solutions in Three Easy Steps
Step 1: Make sure you have access on your computer and phone. To get to your HFTP community groups on online, you must be logged into your HFTP online account. Visit www.hftp.org to create your account or log in. I also encourage you to download the HFTP Membership & Events app to access the community groups right from your phone! Search for the app in the Google Play and Apple stores.
Once you have it installed on your phone, choose the HFTP Member App within the list of guides to connect with other members in the HFTP Community Groups, manage your membership, get the latest HFTP news, message within the app and more.
Step 2: Email publications@hftp.org to request admission to the HFTP community group(s) you want to join. Which industry-focused discussion do you want to be a part of? There are currently three groups set up for you to choose from: Club Professional Exchange, Lodging Finance and Lodging Technology.
If you are a member of a local HFTP chapter or association advisory council, you will be able to join those select, invitation-only community groups, as well.
Step 3: Get engaged! Once you become a member of your community group of choice, start connecting. Ask questions of your fellow hospitality professionals, or lend sage advice to someone else. This is your opportunity to get to know many of the professionals working towards similar goals in the great hospitality industry.
Hope to see you in the discussion soon!
Mark Pate Sr., CHAE, CHTP, MBA is the HFTP Global Board President and assistant controller & IT director for Highpointe Hotel Corporation.
