Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) established in 1952, is an international, nonprofit association, headquartered in Austin, Texas USA, with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with members and stakeholders spanning across the globe. HFTP uniquely understands the industry’s pressing issues and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. It does this via its expert networks, research, certification programs, information resources and conferences/events such as HITEC. HFTP also owns the world’s only hospitality-specific search engine, PineappleSearch.com® Florida is home to seven HFTP chapters, representing the largest membership group in our international association. The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter is dedicated to enriching the hospitality industry in Florida by providing its members with educational meetings, events and networking opportunities which help establish and progress themselves as industry leaders. Each meeting starts with time for attendees to network and share industry news and ideas. The Chapter also sponsors an annual charity event. Visitors and non-members are always welcome and are encouraged to come see what we are all about. The HFTP Florida Gulf Coast Chapter was established in 1996 and has grown to exceed 150 members. Our enthusiastic Chapter has achieved the following awards: 1997 – Membership Growth Award, Member Retention Award 1999 – Chapter Choice Award 2000 – Chapter Choice Award 2001 – Chapter of the Year Award 2004 – Chapter of the Year Award 2012 – Chapter Choice Award