HITEC 2008 Brings Hot Hotel Tech To Texas
By Adam Kirby, Associate Editor -- Hotels, 6/1/2008
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The opening session and welcome reception have been moved this year to Monday, both at the Austin Convention Center. The opening session is from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the welcome reception immediately following. A general session remains on Tuesday morning, with the rest of the schedule similar to previous years.
There will be three HITEC general sessions this year. The first features Dell executive Paul Bell discussing challenges in the technology industry, followed by a presentation from trend-watcher Michael Tchong on how technology influences lifestyle. The second general session will be hosted by David Berkus, who will delve into the top 10 technology trends of 2008. Finally, a panel of representatives from well-known property rating organizations will debate hotel rating systems.
HITEC 2008 education will focus on how technology applications work within the hospitality industry. There will be more than 40 education sessions on topics like Web 2.0, guestroom technology, IT infrastructure and building a converged network. HITEC also includes four sessions bringing together suppliers and consumers in an educational environment. Additionally, the exhibition hall will offer 24 free half-hour education sessions from exhibitors in a non-sales environment.
The HITEC exhibition hall will feature more than 300 exhibitors. The online buyers guide at www.hitec.org offers an up-to-the-minute floor plan and the ability to search for exhibitors by product, location and special group.
Returning to the trade show is the HITEC Fave Awards, a program designed for attendees to vote for their favorite exhibitor booths and technologies. Award categories include Favorite Island Booth, Favorite In-line Booth and the top five favorite technologies or solutions exhibited at HITEC. During the show, attendees may cast votes electronically at voting stations around the exhibition hall. Winners will be announced at the closing session.
Guestroom 2010 debuts its latest version of the futuristic model hotel room at HITEC 2008. The room features technologies like electronics, textiles, energy-management devices and more.
Aptech Updates Execuvue
Aptech Computer Systems will debut its newest version of its Execuvue business intelligence tool, with expanded graphic dashboard capabilities based on the latest Cognos release. The product will enable hoteliers to quickly identify and analyze business trends to help make more intelligent business decisions based on accurate, current information.
Assa Abloy Brands Demo Security Products
Assa Abloy’s VingCard, Elsafe and TimeLox brands will be demonstrating their newest hotel locking technologies at HITEC. VingCard’s Signature RFID contactless electronic locks with near-field communication capability will be showcased in Guestroom 2010. Elsafe’s Sentinel II in-room safes offer a flexible technology platform for compatibility with RFID and RF-online. VingCard’s Visionline RF-online electronic locking system facilitates wireless two-way communication between standalone guestroom door locks and a hotel’s host security system. And TimeLox will show off its Optima product, a dual-card bezel reader paired with hoteliers’ choice of handle and finish for optimal design and flexibility.
Gold Key’s Concierge Assistant Gets Web Capability
Gold Key Solutions will roll out a new, Web-based guest service capability at HITEC. The Concierge Assistant system enables guests to request special services from the property’s Web site before arriving on property. Guests may book spa appointments, room service, dining reservations and other services at the click of a mouse. This is a secure, property-based software application that automates guest service activities and reporting, creating orderliness and accuracy throughout the concierge process. It improves the look of the concierge environment and provides reporting that strengthens management oversight.
LodgeNet Expands IPTV, HDTV Offerings
Expect to see new IPTV offerings from LodgeNet Interactive at HITEC. The company, which spent the past year integrating former rival OnCommand and Internet provider StayOnline into the corporate family, will also be unveiling a new portfolio of options to leverage its Professional Services division for a broader range of clients. Additionally, LodgeNet will be debuting new configurations in the video-on-demand space to appeal to mid-scale hotels, and new products will be demonstrated related to free-to-guest HDTV and expanded conference services technology.
HotSOS On Showcase By MTech
MTech will demonstrate its technology solutions for guest incident tracking and workflow automation. Its HotSOS integrates with property management systems, telephones and wireless devices to eliminate the communication errors that result in guest incidents. MTech also provides PMWorks, a preventive maintenance solutions for select service hotels.
Northwind Rolls Out New Booking Tools
Northwind-Maestro PMS will roll out ResWave, its newest suite of Internet booking tools. ResWave increases property revenue from all channels by enabling guest-driven online dynamic package customization, guest dining and event reservations and group management capabilities coupled with Maestro’s real-time yield management. Maestro’s scalable suite of 20 modules enables profitable multi-property operation while boosting staff productivity.
Newmarket Upgrades Delphi
Newmarket International will unveil its newest Delphi catering and event management system with international functionality. The new Delphi features multiple languages and enhanced currency conversion. Delphi also offers its ASP-based Delphi.net application for mid-scale operators.
Roomlinx Demonstrates Interactive TV
Roomlinx provides in-room access to media, entertainment, concierge services and office-suite tools through flat-panel television, proprietary media console and software. Roomlinx delivers customized hotel, local and travel information, unique HD on-demand content, music, Internet access and business tools via its Business, Media & Entertainment system. It provides a platform for revenue generation through ad partnerships, e-commerce and VOD options.
Saflok Showcases Messenger Zigbee
Saflok is touting its Messenger Zigbee product as “the next era of online communication” for hospitality security. The product merges Saflok’s Messenger wireless online security system with the internationally recognized and accepted Zigbee protocol. Messenger converts standalone battery-operated door looks into communications devices. Zigbee networks are self-organizing, self-healing and can operate for years on inexpensive batteries. Messenger Zigbee can customize guestrooms to guest preferences—lights adjust to desired levels the television turns on to the appropriate channel and volume, the powered blinds open or close, and the temperature adjusts.
Inncom Redesigns Energy Management System
Inncom International will unveil a new design-centric energy-management solution made of recyclable glass. The e4 Glass Series Smart Digital Thermostat and Switch provides a blank canvas for any image, graphic or identity desired to be etched onto, or colorized into, the system. It can control most fan coil units, heat pumps or packaged terminal air conditioners.
Ilco Introduces New Contactless Lock
Ilco’s contactless 790 electronic lock offers hoteliers the ability to read and write information to RFID-enabled keycards, wristbands or fobs. An audit trail is recorded on employee keycards, and locks can be interrogated using audit keycards and a mechanical key override. Electronics and batteries are located in the front lock housing, and software upgrades can be implemented on site. Additionally, the 790 lock reader is fully encased, protecting against vandalism.
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