HFTP Blog
July 20, 2018

Annual Convention 2018: A True HFTP Experience in the Land of the Kentucky Derby

Annual Convention Blog
Written by Briana Gilmore

On the bank of the Ohio River in the east south-central region of the United States looms Kentucky's largest city, Louisville — home to the famed Kentucky Derby horse race, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Louisville Slugger baseball bats....It will also be home to the 2018 HFTP Annual Convention, where more than 600 hospitality finance and technology professionals will gather for education, exhibits, networking and more at the Omni Louisville Hotel. This three-day event will take place later this year from October 24–26, 2018....Education, Exhibits and More...The program includes an impressive slate of 40+ education sessions addressing a variety of topics paramount to today's hospitality industry professionals, including:

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  • The foundations of success in leadership

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  • Recent and forecast industry trends in exceptional markets

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  • Emerging technologies and how to leverage them successfully

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  • How to protect your business against security attacks

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  • Imminent accounting issues and strategies

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  • Business ethics and risk management

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  • Identifying and exploring key performance metrics

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  • And more

In addition, this year's event features two inspiring keynote presentations from expert speakers designed to bring excellence to your career....
Curt Steinhorst presents Can I Have Your Attention? Focus Your Team in the Distracted Workplace. For the first time, in history, we live in a world with no barriers to connection or communication. Join Curt as he discusses the great challenges we face in a constantly connected world....
Colette Carlson presents The Connected Leader. Successful leaders understand the nuances in communication that make a big difference when it comes to aspiring action and cooperation. Attend this session to learn how to connect and communicate on a deeper level to drive productivity, engagement and collaboration....The schedule also features two days' access to table top exhibits and the opportunity to closely interact with approximately 30 vendors offering the industry's latest products and services....Click here for a complete schedule of events....HFTP Greater Louisville Chapter Hosts Special Event at the Kentucky Derby Museum...Experience a piece of Louisville history and contribute to HFTP Helps by attending a Thursday night social event hosted by one of HFTP's newest chapters based in the host city, the Greater Louisville chapter....The event takes place on October 25, 2018 from 6:00–10:00 p.m. at the Kentucky Derby Museum. It will include food and cocktails, a live DJ, tours of Churchill Downs Racetrack, and storytelling about Halloween haunts and tales of lore that will send a chill down your spine. Tickets will be available for a $50 donation per person, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the 2018 HFTP Helps fundraiser. (Registration available soon.)...As part of its ongoing charitable efforts, HFTP Helps at the 2018 Annual Convention will direct its fundraising towards the HFTP Scholarship fund in support of hospitality education. From its very beginning, HFTP and its chapters have actively provided for students working toward a career in hospitality and supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals....Traditionally, the HFTP Helps program has also supported a local charity located in the Annual Convention's host city. To follow  tradition, the money raised at this year's event for the HFTP Scholarship will be directed to area, hospitality-centered education programs overseen by NAF — a national network of education, business, and community leaders who work together to ensure high school students are college, career and future ready....In conjunction with the HFTP Friday night dinner gala, HFTP Helps will also host a silent auction in support of the HFTP Scholarship fund and local NAF chapters. HFTP is currently seeking item donations for the auction. Click here to donate and help make the auction a fun, successful event for attendees....Explore Louisville: Fun Things to do While You are in “Derby City”...Louisville is a city overflowing with interesting museums, landmarks, historical sites, restaurants and distilleries. Top recommendations for out-of-town visitors include: Guest Blogger Opportunity: Share Your Experience...Take advantage of complimentary registration to Annual Convention by becoming an official event guest blogger. Share your insights and experiences from this elite event with HFTP’s global audience on HFTP Connect. If you are interested, please send a brief description on why you would make a good guest blogger, along with any writing samples to Briana Gilmore, HFTP communications coordinator, at [email protected]....The deadline to apply to become a guest blogger for Annual Convention is Friday, September 7, 2018....Start Planning Your HFTP Experience in Louisville TodayRegistration is now open! Full conference registration includes access to all convention activities — the Welcome Reception and table top exhibits, HFTP's Annual Tribute to Success (formerly known as President's Evening), all education sessions and scheduled meal functions....Avoid the lines on-site and get the best price by registering early online today! (Registration fees increase after September 26, 2018.)...HFTP is also offering a New Member Conference Bundle. For $1,025 USD, receive a full conference registration to Annual Convention plus a one-year membership with HFTP. Click here for more information and a complete list of 2018 Annual Convention registration options....Make your reservations now for hotel and transportation. The hotel reservation deadline is September 29, 2018....We know that you need to justify everything you do in today’s economy — including spending time and money to attend Annual Convention. Click here for more information to help you demonstrate positive return on investment (ROI) for your organization to gain approval from your management to attend....Briana Gilmore 
is the HFTP communications coordinator. Briana can be reached at [email protected] or +1 (512) 220-4017.
2018 Annual Convention education exhibits HFTP Kentucky Louisville membership networking USA