The Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) have announced the formation of the 2025 HITEC North America Advisory Council. This council is composed of a distinguished group of industry leaders who will design and coordinate the educational program for HITEC’s North American event. Scheduled to take place from June 16–19, 2025, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, HITEC is recognized as the world’s largest and longest-running nonprofit event of its kind. The event attracts thousands of professionals dedicated to exploring the latest trends, innovations, best practices, and solutions within the hospitality industry.
The Role of the Advisory Council
Shaping the Educational Program
The primary responsibility of the HITEC Advisory Council is to develop an innovative and solution-driven educational program. Starting in January 2025, the council will embark on program planning, identifying central themes and focus areas, and subsequently refining session content to ensure a comprehensive and relevant agenda. This structured approach guarantees that the educational program is well-rounded and pertinent, providing attendees with timely insights and practical applications to help them navigate the ever-evolving hospitality landscape.
In its role, the council aims to deliver a program that not only reflects the latest trends and developments in the hospitality technology sector but also addresses the complex issues and challenges the industry faces. Through a combination of expert-led sessions, workshops, and panel discussions, the advisory council ensures that attendees gain actionable knowledge and strategies. By fostering an environment of collaboration and learning, the council helps equip hospitality professionals with the tools they need to improve their operations and enhance guest experiences.
Diverse Expertise and Fresh Perspectives
HFTP leadership assembles the HITEC Advisory Council annually to introduce fresh perspectives and diverse viewpoints, which are crucial for keeping HITEC’s educational programming contemporary and forward-looking. The 2025 Advisory Council members bring a wealth of experience and expertise from various sectors of the hospitality industry, ensuring that the program addresses both current and emerging challenges. By integrating insights from multiple disciplines within the industry, the council can create a multidimensional educational experience that resonates with a wide range of professionals.
With such a diverse group of leaders at the helm, the advisory council is particularly well-positioned to anticipate and respond to industry shifts. This diversity enables the council to present a balanced and inclusive agenda that reflects the myriad facets of the hospitality industry. By continuously updating the educational programming, the council ensures that HITEC remains a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and the integration of technology in hospitality.
Key Leaders on the 2025 HITEC Advisory Council
Katie Lee, Chair
Katie Lee, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at AKA Hotels + Hotel Residences, serves as the Chair of the 2025 HITEC Advisory Council. With her extensive background in hospitality technology, Lee is well-equipped to lead the council in developing a comprehensive and impactful educational program. Her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that the program addresses the latest trends and innovations in the industry, offering attendees valuable insights and solutions they can implement within their organizations.
Lee’s tenure and expertise provide a solid foundation for the council, helping to drive forward-thinking initiatives that align with the evolving needs of the hospitality sector. Under her guidance, the council will focus on fostering a collaborative atmosphere where industry professionals can network, share knowledge, and explore new technologies that promise to reshape the future of hospitality. Her proactive approach aims to bridge the gap between current practices and future innovations, ensuring the relevance of the educational content.
Lyle Worthington, Vice Chair
Lyle Worthington, the CEO of Worthington Tech and a Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP), serves as the Vice Chair of the council. Worthington’s expertise in technology and his extensive experience in the hospitality industry make him an invaluable asset to the council. His role will involve supporting the chair and contributing significantly to the development of the educational program. Worthington’s contributions will help ensure that the program is both visionary and practical, addressing real-world challenges that industry professionals face.
Worthington’s comprehensive understanding of hospitality technology trends allows him to identify key areas of focus for the educational sessions. His foresight in recognizing emerging technologies and their potential impact on the industry will help shape a future-ready program. By injecting his knowledge and experience into the planning process, Worthington will assist in curating content that not only educates but also inspires innovation and adoption of new technology practices among attendees.
Barry Thomas, Executive Committee Liaison
Barry Thomas, the Vice President of Technology at Orient Express, Raffles, & Fairmont, serves as the Executive Committee Liaison. Thomas’s extensive experience in hospitality technology and his role in leading technology initiatives at major hotel brands will provide valuable insights to the council. His contributions will help ensure that the educational program is relevant and impactful, offering attendees practical strategies to enhance their operations through innovative technology solutions.
Thomas’s knowledge spans across various facets of hospitality technology, from back-end systems to guest-facing applications. This breadth of expertise allows him to offer a holistic view of technology’s role in the hospitality industry. His involvement will help bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and their practical applications, ensuring that the content delivered at HITEC 2025 is both informative and actionable. Thomas’s ability to anticipate industry trends will be critical in shaping a forward-looking educational agenda.
Additional Notable Members
Shannon McCallum, Board of Directors Liaison
Shannon McCallum, the Vice President of Hotel Operations at Resort World Las Vegas, serves as the Board of Directors Liaison. McCallum’s experience in hotel operations and her leadership in one of Las Vegas’s premier resorts will bring a unique perspective to the council. Her insights will be crucial in developing sessions that address operational challenges and best practices, providing attendees with actionable strategies to enhance their hotel management practices.
McCallum’s role in a high-profile resort positions her at the forefront of luxury hospitality operations, where efficiency and guest satisfaction are paramount. Her practical insights into overcoming operational hurdles will inform the development of content that resonates with hotel operators and managers. By sharing tried-and-true methods for streamlining operations and improving guest experiences, McCallum will help ensure the educational program offers valuable takeaways that attendees can implement directly in their own properties.
Scot Campbell, Past President Liaison
Scot Campbell, a Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) and Principal Advisory at Integrated Resort Advisors, serves as the Past President Liaison. Campbell’s extensive experience in hospitality technology and his previous leadership roles within HFTP will provide valuable historical context and continuity to the council’s efforts. His deep understanding of the evolution of hospitality technology will help ensure that the educational program remains rooted in a strong foundation while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Campbell’s experience as a past president brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to the council, allowing for a seamless integration of past successful strategies with new, innovative approaches. His familiarity with the challenges and opportunities within the hospitality technology space equips him to guide the development of sessions that address both historical trends and future directions. By leveraging his extensive background, Campbell will help create a program that not only acknowledges the industry’s past achievements but also sets the stage for future advancements.
Ajay Aluri, Ph.D.
Ajay Aluri, the Founding Director of WVU HIT Lab and Associate Professor at West Virginia University, brings an academic perspective to the council. Aluri’s research and expertise in hospitality technology will help ensure that the educational program is grounded in the latest academic findings and industry trends. His involvement will be instrumental in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing attendees with a well-rounded and evidence-based educational experience.
Aluri’s role in academia allows him to stay abreast of cutting-edge research and emerging technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the hospitality industry. By integrating these insights into the educational program, he will help ensure that attendees are exposed to the latest advancements and their practical implications. His academic rigor and commitment to excellence will contribute to the development of sessions that are both informative and inspiring, encouraging attendees to embrace new ideas and approaches.
Industry Leaders and Innovators
Cameron Hammond, Senior VP of Global Field Technology Services at Hyatt
Cameron Hammond’s role at Hyatt involves overseeing global technology services, making him a key player in the council. His experience in managing technology at a global hospitality brand will provide valuable insights into the challenges and solutions relevant to large-scale operations. Hammond’s expertise will be instrumental in shaping the educational program to address the complexities of international hotel management and the integration of technology across diverse geographical regions.
Hammond’s extensive background in deploying and managing technology solutions on a global scale equips him with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by multinational hospitality brands. His insights into effective strategies for implementing technology across various markets will be invaluable to the council’s efforts in developing a comprehensive educational program. By sharing his experiences and best practices, Hammond will help ensure that the sessions offer practical solutions that attendees can adapt to their own contexts, whether they operate locally or internationally.
Danica Posey, Head of Hotels at Legoland California Resort
Danica Posey brings a unique perspective from the entertainment and hospitality sector. Her role at Legoland California Resort involves managing hotel operations within a theme park environment, offering insights into the integration of hospitality and entertainment. Posey’s experience in this niche market will provide the council with valuable ideas on how to enhance the guest experience through innovative approaches that combine hospitality and entertainment elements, ensuring a memorable and seamless stay for visitors.
Posey’s expertise in managing hotel operations within a dynamic and fast-paced theme park environment positions her as a vital contributor to the council. Her insights into the unique challenges and opportunities associated with integrating hospitality services within an entertainment context will help shape the educational program to address these specific needs. By sharing her knowledge and experience, Posey will contribute to the development of sessions that explore creative solutions for enhancing guest satisfaction and operational efficiency in hybrid environments.
Denise Walker, CIO at SH Hotels and Resorts
Denise Walker’s role as CIO at SH Hotels and Resorts involves overseeing technology initiatives across multiple properties. Her experience in managing technology for a diverse portfolio of hotels will be invaluable to the council’s efforts in developing a comprehensive educational program. Walker’s insights into the strategic implementation of technology solutions will help ensure that the program addresses the needs of various types of hospitality properties, from luxury resorts to boutique hotels.
Walker’s background in leading technology initiatives across a wide range of hotel types provides her with a deep understanding of the different technological needs and challenges faced by various hospitality properties. Her strategic vision and practical experience will inform the development of sessions that offer tailored solutions for different market segments. By leveraging her expertise, Walker will help create a program that provides actionable insights and best practices for technology implementation, ensuring that attendees leave with practical knowledge to enhance their own operations.
Media and Marketing Experts
Geneva Rinehart, SVP, Media Division at HFTP/Hospitality Upgrade
The Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) have formed the 2025 HITEC North America Advisory Council. This esteemed group of industry leaders is tasked with designing and coordinating the educational program for HITEC North America’s event. Scheduled for June 16–19, 2025, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, HITEC stands as the world’s largest and longest-running nonprofit event in its field. It is a significant gathering spot that attracts thousands of professionals who are passionate about discovering the latest trends, innovations, best practices, and technological solutions within the hospitality industry. The event provides a unique opportunity for networking, learning, and sharing insights among peers and experts, ensuring attendees stay ahead of industry advancements. HITEC’s recognition as a premier event underscores its importance for the growth and betterment of hospitality and technological integration within the sector.
