It was 32 years ago when I started a 24-page newsletter on yellow paper. Today I own two small businesses – actually, I own three but the third will never make money, unless the 2-year-old guy in the picture to the left decides running fast is a good thing. Hey, the Kentucky Derby is only 10 months away!
Yes, it’s been 32 years in business. For 25 years we have been the official magazine of HITEC. Coming this September in Nashville will be our 22nd CIO Summit, an event that has grown dramatically in the last few years, with attendees coming from Australia, South America and quite a few from Europe joining our North American attendees.
Of all the things we have done at Hospitality Upgrade and Hotel Online over the years, the thing I am most proud of is on the cover of this issue. It was 19 years ago when we thought that for the good of the industry we should bring the leaders of the vendor community together. So many attendees shared with me that this was one of the most valuable events they have ever attended, and it really means a great deal when coming from a first-time attendee. It really was an amazing feeling for all of us.
A big thank you to Gregg Hopkins who did a nice job sharing the EVS experience with you (see page 61). A big thank you to Sage Hospitality Group for their part making EVS a big success, from having their president and CEO welcome everyone to the event, to all the Sage staff and personnel who made the experience unforgettable for all of us. If you ever are in Denver, you must try The Curtis Hotel. My best description of the hotel is quirky - and I like quirky!
Yes, it’s been 32 years and I have been doing a lot of reflecting. The magazine continues to flourish, with the readership worldwide expanding year after year. We thank HFTP for having their HITEC Dubai attendees register to receive the digital copies of Hospitality Upgrade Magazine along with our news updates we send throughout the year. So many years working with the hotel, travel and food and beverage industries, and the technology solutions providers that make hospitality operations easier and more profitable. But what makes this industry special isn’t the hotels or the technology, it’s the people that we interact with throughout the year. It’s easy to stay connected via social media, but nothing beats the face-to-face experiences and events, which is why I am so excited about the upcoming HITEC in Charlotte. Business is business, but nothing beats the people behind the business.
For those who will be in Charlotte and have heard about the ongoing drama with my right leg, no jokes or I will kick you with my left leg. I'm getting pretty good at that! I encourage you to take a look at the Table of Contents (page 8), Geneva’s letter (page 10) and the Contributors’ pages (page 12) to see the amazing content in this issue. Geneva does a great job with the magazine, but her greatest claim to fame should be putting up with me for 29 years. There should be some sort of award for that! A big thank you to Kim and Liz for working tirelessly to make sure the magazine comes out great and on time. We are only as good as the people around us, and I am surrounded by great people. Sometimes I have a difficult time thinking about how long I have been doing this and how many great friends I have made over the years that I know will be friends forever. What a great ride it has been!
