AUSTIN, TEXAS—For his stewardship to the hospitality industry and his leadership with various hospitality technology projects over the past 20 years, Frank Wolfe, CAE, CEO of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), will be inducted into the International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame. The induction will take place at the 2011 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) keynote session on Tuesday, June 21 at 8:30 a.m.
Under Wolfe’s leadership, HITEC, produced by HFTP, has grown to become the largest hospitality technology conference in the world. “HITEC is one of the most essential events in our industry, and there is no question that Frank’s leadership has largely been responsible. For this alone, Frank deserves recognition,” said Douglas Rice, executive vice president and CEO of Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG).
HITEC is just one part of Wolfe’s legacy. In the mid-90s, he guided an association that was struggling to find an identity among hospitality professionals who were in need of more information related to technology, ultimately taking on the task of changing the association’s name from International Association of Hospitality Accountants (IAHA) to HFTP. Along with the Educational Institute (EI) of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), HFTP created a certification program strictly related to the hospitality industry, the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP). Since 1994, more than 340 professionals have earned the CHTP designation around the world.
“Frank Wolfe has consistently and tirelessly promoted the importance of technology and the professionals who manage it within our industry. He saw the importance of technology to the industry at a time when it was still primarily under the direction of accounting and finance, often to its detriment,” said Ron Hardin, CHTP, vice president of technology for Davidson Hotel Company. “Through his visionary association leadership, Frank still brings avid curiosity and a sense of wonder concerning new and interesting technology. He is an inspiration to those of us who consider hospitality technology our chosen profession and, through his efforts at the helm of HFTP, has provided so many of us a professional home.”
Innovative Prototype Guestroom
In 2006, he organized and launched GUESTROOM 2010 (now called GUESTROOM 20X), a model hotel room that illustrates the possibilities for the guestroom as it evolves with the growth of technology integration. The special exhibit has created international buzz and influenced technology that has been incorporated into guestrooms, including green technology. HFTP also expanded its hospitality technology education offerings with the European Hospitality Technology Education Conference (EHTEC) in 2007, Asia Hospitality Technology Education Conference (AHTEC) in 2008 and AHTEC@HOFEX in 2011.
“Being elected into the Hall of Fame is one of the most humbling, yet coveted honors, that I have ever been awarded,” said Wolfe. “I have been involved with many projects in hospitality technology that have had many teams, including staff and volunteers. It is really these individuals who make our industry a truly honorable and enjoyable one. I will accept this award on behalf of my phenomenal staff, my supportive officers and directors, and on behalf of the many HFTP members, friends and family that have supported me throughout my years in the industry.”
The International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame is HFTP’s highest level of recognition in the area of technology. Since its inception in 1989, 32 individuals have received this award as a reflection of their contributions to the hospitality industry. Hall of Fame members have been selected by their peers as representing the best in innovation and application and as leaders in their profession.
Technology Hall of Fame members include such industry pioneers as: Robert S. Bennett; David Berkus; Richard Brooks, CHA; John D. Burns, CHA; Dave Burroughs; John Cahill, CHTP, CHA; Thomas Castleberry; Larry Chervenak, CHAE; John Davis III; Cindy Estis Green; A.L. (Tom) Giannoupolos; Scott Heintzeman; Fraser Hickox; Robert Horgan; Ted Horner; Jon Inge, CHTP, ISHC; Michael Kasavana, Ph.D., CHTP; Carrol Lund; Richard Moore, CDP; Jack Morgan; Richard Nauman; William Oates; Eric Orkin; Nick Price; Raymond Schultz; Penelope Sellers; Jules Sieburgh, CHTP; Richard Siegel; Sal Spano, CHAE, CHA; John Springer-Miller; James Yoakum; and George Zugmier.
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