Last week, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) hosted its signature education and membership event, the HFTP Annual Convention. The convention was held at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. from October 22–24, 2025 with 465 professionals in attendance. It offered an energizing and informative experience presenting education, industry insights, networking and celebration.
The Annual Convention is HFTP’s longest-running event, dating back to the association’s 1952 origin, and this year showed no signs of this tradition letting up. While it has changed to match modern trends, the Annual Convention at its core continues to offer essential professional education, serves as an annual meet-up for HFTP member connections, and highlights HFTP volunteer leaders and outstanding members. HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE
Each day of the convention was anchored by a Keynote or General session speaker. Starting Wednesday morning was Keynote Antonio Neves who used his own life lessons to instruct the audience on how to turn incremental progress into extraordinary success. Following the next morning, communications consultant LeAnne Lagasse, presented insights into emerging communication trends shaping future strategies for improved workplace retention and engagement. And closing the 2025 event was Kelly Smith, who spoke about techniques for cultivating a positive mindset that generates meaningful results.
The Annual Convention’s educational schedule was filled with sessions addressing the interests of hospitality financial and technology professionals. Session topics included: club technology, artificial intelligence, club accounting and financial strategies, practical sustainability, insurance cost management, fraud prevention, and USALI 12th Revised Edition. The program was designed by the HFTP Annual Convention Advisory Council who considered numerous presentation proposals and coordinated an agenda that best met the interests of attendees.
HFTP provides a comprehensive space for learning and growing in your chosen career, with access to experienced peers to support any path you are navigating
, said 2025 attendee Bill McEntyre, director of finance for OTH Hotels and Resorts.
Another significant feature to the HFTP Annual Convention are its table-top exhibits, which comprised 33 exhibiting companies. The offerings included HR management, accounting software, club management software, robotics, and consulting firms. Attendees visited with company representatives during designated hours on the first two days. HFTP would like to extend a special thank you to the 2025 sponsors.
Celebrating Industry Excellence
A highlight of Annual Convention is the opportunity to honor exceptional individuals and chapters who demonstrate outstanding leadership, dedication and service to the hospitality profession. Please join us in congratulating this year’s award recipients:
Association Awards
- 2025 Paragon Award: Christopher Garland
- 2025 President’s Award: Katerina Berezina, Ph.D., CHTP, CRME, CHIA
- 2025 CHAE of the Year: Rebecca Bennett, CHAE
Chapter of the Year Awards
- HFTP Nashville Chapter – Tier A (1–35 members)
- HFTP North Texas Chapter – Tier B (36–70 members)
- HFTP Gulf Coast Chapter – Tier C (71+ members)
- Student Chapter of the Year: HFTP Cougar Chapter — University of Houston
Also, at the HFTP Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, October 23, the 2025–2026 global leadership team was elected and installed. These new leaders will guide HFTP’s ongoing mission to advance the industry through innovation, education, and leadership.
A variety of media showcasing the event is available, including videos on the HFTP LinkedIn page and the official event photo album. The 2026 HFTP Annual Convention is already scheduled for September 22–24 at the Peppermill Resort, Spa & Casino in Reno, Nev.
About HFTP
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with an offices in the EU. HFTP is recognized as a group supporting the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world’s largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. In addition, it oversees the publication of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), Hotel Online and Hospitality Upgrade Magazine. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.
Linnet Baskett
Staff VP, Clubs
+1 512 220 4018
HFTP
