The International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show (IH/M&RS) will offer an expanded technology sector in 2006, adding new appeal for hoteliers and restaurateurs seeking the latest innovations.  Taking place November 11-14, 2006, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the 91st edition will feature nearly 200 companies within the technology sector, representing a growth of 15 percent over the 2005 show.  In addition, educational seminars for tech-savvy attendees will provide insight on new hospitality technology and its benefit to the industry.

Attendees shopping the technology aisles will discover companies offering business center services, check-in kiosks, high-definition televisions, reservation systems, security systems, software, telecommunications and wireless solutions.  Companies new to the IH/M&RS in 2006 include Allied Security (safes & vaults), GATT Communications (radio communications) and Hotel Solutions (integrated solutions).  Returning to the Show are Applied Media Technologies (telephone systems), iBahn (internet solutions), Inncom International (energy management systems), LG Electronics (televisions, flat screen televisions), Micros Systems (point-of-sale systems), nStreams Technologies (digital entertainment), Onity (locking systems), Philips Consumer Electronics (audiovisual equipment), ResortSuite (software), Shuttlepoint (automated kiosks) and Teledex (internet solutions).

“Being informed of advances in technology is essential in this marketplace,” said Christian Falkenberg, show manager.  “The IH/M&RS delivers a broad spectrum of technology resources for the hospitality industry, and promises to present ideas that will help attendees stay current and on top of the competition.”

In addition to resources on the show floor, educational seminars focused on technology will round out the market experience.  Tech-focused seminars include:

? “How eProcurement Has Finally Come of Age”

Saturday, November 11, 2:30 - 3:30pm

Doug Sanborn, President & CEO, Birch Street Systems Technology

? “What to Look for When Purchasing ‘Guest Experience’ Systems”

Saturday, November 11, 3:45 - 4:45pm

Presented by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals,
International Technology Hall of Fame Members

? “HDTV-IPTV: What General Managers Need to Know”

Sunday, November 12, 1:00 - 2:30pm

Presented by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals

? “High Speed Connections Becoming the Number One Amenity in Hotels” 

Sunday, November 12, 3:00 - 4:30pm

Ken Fitzpatrick, Senior Vice President, Commercial Services, Time Warner Cable

? “Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Has Arrived!”

Monday, November 13, 3:00 - 4:30pm

Presented by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals

As attendees stay current with advances in technology, the IH/M&RS will follow suit.  Complementing the enhanced technology presence on the show floor is a new online matching system that will connect IH/M&RS exhibitors and attendees.  Being introduced at the IH/M&RS for the first time this year, IH/M&RS Connect is an online networking program that will link exhibitors and attendees based on matching profile data.  This program creates an interactive community by allowing participants to initiate pre-Show conversations and schedule appointments during the IH/M&RS.  The program will be accessible through www.ihmrs.com, beginning August 7, 2006.
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