Event to Bring Together Innovators and Investors; Mike Sung to Keynote Opening Session

AUSTIN, Feb 3, 2025 – Hospitality Upgrade, a part of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), has announced that registration is open for its 20th Annual Executive Vendor Summit (EVS) and will be held at the The Seelbach Hilton Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 26-28, 2025. The Executive Vendor Summit is a unique industry event that brings together senior technology executives from the hospitality industry for learning, thought leadership and networking in a premier no-sales environment.

In an industry built on both competition and collaboration, the Executive Vendor Summit provides a unique setting for hospitality technology executives to connect, share insights, and forge meaningful partnerships. “EVS has long been a cornerstone event for industry leaders to step away from the day-to-day grind and focus on the bigger picture,” said Frank Wolfe, CEO of HFTP. “With so many of the industry’s top executives in one room, the relationships built here have led to some of the most impactful innovations and collaborations in hospitality technology. Whether attendees are returning or joining us for the first time, EVS continues to be the place where strategic conversations turn into real-world progress.”

Kicking off the 2025 Executive Vendor Summit on Wednesday morning, HFTP is introducing the new Investment Program. This high-impact initiative expands upon the success of HITEC Technology IC, and focuses on hospitality technology executives, investors and M&A consultants as they discuss potential partnerships and influential trends. This addition is designed to spark conversation about the future of hospitality technology between industry innovators and investment communities. Participation in the Investment Program is included with EVS registration.

The need for targeted investment in hospitality technology has never been greater, as digital innovation continues to shape the future. David Chestler, President of ProVision Partners, underscores the significance of this initiative, highlighting why the Investment Program at EVS is a game-changer for the sector: “Investment in hospitality goes beyond real estate—funding the technology that powers the industry is just as vital. Innovation drives profitability, efficiency, and long-term growth. HFTP and Hospitality Upgrade are championing this movement, and the Investment Program at EVS is a pivotal step in that direction.”

To set the stage, the headlining keynote session for the Investment Program will be provided from Web3 travel accelerator, advisor, and investor Mike Sung, who will share his insights on the impacts of Web3 on travel and hospitality. Sung, co-founder and partner at Tectris.vc and formerly director of travel and hospitality at Plug and Play Tech Center, has been at the forefront of technological disruption in the travel space.

The remaining EVS agenda features sessions on AI, machine learning, and emerging technology considerations, designed to keep attendees ahead of industry trends. The popular CIO Panel will return to discuss key industry challenges. Additional speakers and full session details will be announced on the EVS Schedule of Events page.

This year’s pre-conference social experience will be a true immersion into the local culture with two unique Louisville experiences. Attendees will start the afternoon with a guided tour of the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Rich in its history of America’s favorite pastime, attendees will get an exclusive rare look inside the Bat Vault, where original bats of game legends are housed. The experience will continue with an interactive bourbon blending session, where attendees can create their own custom-blend bourbon using award-winning varieties.

Past attendees include many of the leading industry companies, such as Oracle, Agilysys, Aruba, DISH, Infor, Sabre, Jonas Hospitality and Amadeus, along with smaller companies early in their industry growth that can connect with these established companies. Those interested in attending this event can register online. Frequently asked questions can be found online at the EVS FAQ page.

HFTP extends its gratitude to current 2025 EVS sponsors, Visual Matrix and CallTek, and marketing partners, ProVision Partners, for their support. Limited sponsorships are available for the 2025 EVS. To take advantage of the sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kim Delaney at Kim.Delaney@hftp.org.

About HFTP

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with an office 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 hospitality-specific Pineapplesearch.com® and 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.

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