Tools for Success at HITEC 2021: Tips from a HITEC Blogger

We are back! Getting together and talking tech with friends. What could be better? Maybe add a comfortable hotel room, a favorite dish and a drink near the pool on a delightful night. Is that asking too much?

Now, back to reality. We have work to do. We need to restore our businesses, reinvigorate trust amongst each other, protect each other and innovate. While we may look forward to getting back to normal, we aren't there yet as an industry. However, we are seeing solid pockets of performance. Occupancies are climbing along with ADRs in many markets. We have created a new definition for resilience, more with less, a camaraderie with disinfecting and a completely different understanding of minimum viable product.

We have saved money by controlling costs, conducting economically ensued layoffs and adjusting business processes. Now it's time to start or continue reviewing costs and priorities in the context of technology. Where better for this to occur than at HITEC? The following paragraphs introduce you to the tools HFTP, its sponsors and vendors have created for you to enjoy the conference and get as much value from it as possible.

Check Out Your Online HITEC Planning Tools

First, review the detailed HITEC Schedule of Events. It contains everything you need to navigate the conference efficiently. Second, be sure to visit the HFTP Member Neighborhood (Booth #3622 in the HITEC Exhibit Hall). This HFTP sponsored booth will provide you more insights about the association and its wealth of value in the form of network, resources and certifications. Introductions to HFTP's professional certifications will be covered in more detail at the HFTP Certifications Meetup from 10-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, just as the Exhibit Hall opens. The Exhibit Hall will be accessible from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Finally, the education sessions are packed with timely and useful information for all attendees. And that is just the beginning.

This year's conference brings together an industry seeking more face-to-face contact. Attendees have the opportunity to meet with numerous vendors in one location, simplifying their ability to make the connections that will make their businesses more efficient, effective and competitive.

You can find and browse a complete list of HITEC exhibitors online here. You can also create a list of your favorite exhibitors by clicking on the "star" icon next to a company's name. This list of favorited exhibiting companies can be accessed by clicking on the " ☆ My Exhibitors " tab.

If you want to optimize your time while at the conference, I suggest creating a schedule in advance of the show to ensure you have allocated time with the most relevant potential vendors. The HFTP Events Mobile App (available for iOS and Android download) provides an excellent opportunity to search for vendors by name or category and view the people at the vendor company. You are also able to send messages to exhibitors and attendees through the app. This is a must-have app for your phone.

I look forward to seeing friends and meeting new people at the conference in addition to enjoying the city of Dallas and its local establishments.

Tim Henthorn is CEO of Capsolve, a product innovator and strategic leader in marketing, software, technology and analytics. He is also an official event guest blogger for HITEC Dallas 2021, taking place in-person September 27-30 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas USA. Continue checking HFTP Connect for more of Tim's experiences at HITEC this year.