HFTP Convention highlights industry innovation and leadership recognition in hospitality finance and technology
Last week, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) convened its hallmark event, the HFTP Annual Convention, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Running from October 22 to 24, 2025, the convention drew 465 industry professionals, offering a dynamic blend of education, networking, and recognition aimed at advancing hospitality finance and technology sectors.
HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE, underscored the event’s long-standing heritage, tracing its roots back to the association's inception in 1952. He highlighted how, despite evolving with modern trends, the Annual Convention remains a vital touchpoint for professional education, member engagement, and the celebration of volunteer leadership within the industry.
The convention’s programme featured keynote addresses that set an inspiring tone each day. Antonio Neves opened the event by sharing life lessons on transforming incremental progress into remarkable achievement. Communications consultant LeAnne Lagasse provided forward-looking insights into emerging communication trends crucial for workplace retention and engagement strategies. The final keynote was delivered by Kelly Smith, who offered practical techniques for fostering a positive mindset to drive meaningful outcomes.
Educational sessions covered a broad spectrum of topics tailored to hospitality financial and technology professionals. These included discussions on club technology advancements, the growing impact of artificial intelligence in the sector, financial and accounting strategies specific to clubs, sustainability practices, insurance cost management, fraud prevention, and updates on the 12th Revised Edition of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI). The curated agenda was developed by the HFTP Annual Convention Advisory Council, ensuring it resonated with the diverse interests of attendees.
Participants praised the event for its comprehensive learning environment and peer support network. Bill McEntyre, director of finance for OTH Hotels and Resorts, noted that HFTP facilitates career growth by connecting professionals with experienced peers across various career paths.
The convention also showcased an exhibition hall featuring 33 companies offering innovative solutions in HR management, accounting and club management software, robotics, and consulting. Among the prominent exhibitors, Fairmas demonstrated its hotel-specific financial planning and reporting software designed to enhance profitability and operational control, while PKF O'Connor Davies provided valuable banking insights titled “See Your Club’s Financial Statements Through the Eyes of Your Banker.”
A pivotal aspect of the HFTP Annual Convention is its recognition of leadership and excellence within the industry. The 2025 Paragon Award was bestowed on Christopher Garland, celebrated for his significant role in refining financial reporting standards for hotel companies and his involvement with the Global Finance Committee responsible for the USALI 12th Edition revision. Other notable honours included the President’s Award to Katerina Berezina, Ph.D., CHTP, CRME, CHIA, and the CHAE of the Year accolade to Rebecca Bennett, CHAE.
Local chapters were also acknowledged for their contributions, with the Nashville Chapter receiving the Tier A award, North Texas awarded Tier B, and Gulf Coast recognised in Tier C. The University of Houston's HFTP Cougar Chapter earned the Student Chapter of the Year award, highlighting the association’s commitment to cultivating future industry leaders.
During the Annual Business Meeting held on October 23, members reflected on the association’s accomplishments and welcomed the newly installed 2025–2026 global leadership team, tasked with steering HFTP’s mission forward through innovation and education.
Multimedia coverage of the event, including videos and photo albums, is available through HFTP’s LinkedIn page and official channels. Looking ahead, HFTP has scheduled its 2026 Annual Convention for September 22–24 at the Peppermill Resort, Spa & Casino in Reno, Nevada, promising another opportunity for professional development and member engagement.
This event continues to exemplify HFTP’s role as a pivotal resource for hospitality finance and technology professionals worldwide, fostering an environment where education, networking, and industry excellence converge.