Patrick ANDRES

Managing Director, SynXis Asia Pacific,

Patrick is a veteran of the Asian hospitality technology industry.  He is presently spearheading the Asia-Pacific expansion of SynXis, the Sabre Holdings business that provides hotel reservation management, distribution and technology services.  Andrès' well-rounded experience includes positions at the hotel level, in hospitality automation and electronic distribution. While based in Hong Kong, he oversaw the Asia region of Micros-Fidelio for much of the 1990's.  At the time he opened both the Hong Kong and Singapore offices for the growing PMS vendor.  Andrès recently served as Director of Business Development for Expedia Travel, focusing on building and implement the Direct-Connect interfaces between hotel reservation systems and the Expedia family of sites.  A graduate of one of Canada’s leading hotel schools, Andrès received his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa and has been a frequent spokesperson and panelist at industry events throughout the region.  SynXis, a Sabre Holdings company, provides distribution marketing services and technology for hotels around the world. SynXis connects hotels with their guests through increased exposure via all channels including GDS, third party travel sites and the hotel’s own website. The solution’s core is a web-based distribution management system that enables property managers to distribute inventory across all channels easily and efficiently.

Richard BARNES

Editor-in-Chief - Cleverdis

Member of HTNG European Advisory Team and In-Room Technology Workgroup - HTNG

Australian-born Richard Barnes has been working in media since 1979, and for the past nine years has been editor in chief for Cleverdis (www.cleverdis.com). Richard's journalism career began in radio in Australia, where he underwent a journalism cadetship at 2CC Canberra at which his very first job was to interview the then Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser. In following years, he worked as a reporter in radio stations in Sydney, the north coast of New South Wales and then Brisbane, winning the Pater award for news presentation in 1984 at 2LM Lismore, and again winning the award as breakfast desk editor at 4BC in 1985. Richard travelled to Europe in 1986, where he worked briefly in London at Capital Radio before moving to the south of France where he "changed hats", moving into the field of advertising at an English language radio station in Monaco for a number of years before branching into TV and print media again as a journalist and presenter. To this end, in the early 90's, he had a weekly magazine programme in English on Tele Monte Carlo, and went on to present programmes on NBC Superchannel, then "vignettes" on CNN and CNBC. In 2000, he teamed with Gerard Lefebvre at Cleverdis, one of Europe's pre-eminent B2B publishing organisations specialising originally in display technologies, then in the past five years branching into the vertical markets of Hotel Innovations and Technologies and Digital Signage, as well as creating the official daily magazine for IFA Berlin, the biggest Consumer Electronics trade show in the world. Through his work in past years with the now renowned "Hotel Innovations and Technology SMARTreport", Richard has acquired an extremely broad base of knowledge in the sector. To this end he is regularly invited as a host or guest speaker at hotel technology and management events, recently hosting "Equip'Hotel TV", a roundtable at EHL and presenting at the last EHMA AGM in Seville.
 

Emöke BITTER

Director, Data Security, Visa Worldwide

Emöke Bitter joined the Payment Systems Risk team in Visa Asia Pacific in 2006 and currently leads a regional team responsible for ensuring the secure handling of sensitive cardholder data in the Visa payment network across the region. Having served ten years with Visa, working with European, CEMEA and Asian markets, she has a wealth of experience in the payment card business. Prior to managing data security Emöke spent six years in Product Development and Marketing where she was responsible for identifying business opportunities for new payment applications and develop those into viable solutions. She has also worked with Emerging Technologies and Chip Products providing specialist product and vendor support to early chip adopters in European markets. In her current role Emöke works closely with Visa client institutions, third party payment service providers and merchants to prevent data theft and maintain the integrity of the electronic payment network.  Emöke is a founding member of the Australasian PCI Working Group that facilitates the roll-out of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards in Australia and New Zealand.

Stephen BURKE

Vice President, Product Development, Knowcross Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Chair, HTNG Architecture Workgroup

Stephen Burke heads product management and product development for Knowcross Solutions Pvt. Ltd, a New Delhi, India-based provider of software products, such as TRITON™ Guest Services System, that are aimed at enabling high-end hotels to deliver an exceptional overall guest experience.  Prior to Knowcross Solutions, Stephen was the Director of Systems Integration for Hotel Booking Solutions Incorporated, working with distribution and supply interfaces primarily based in OTA XML.  Stephen was also part of New Orleans-based Hotel Booking Solutions, LLC, where he focused on distribution channel and supply acquisition, as well as partner management. Stephen has served in technology management roles for Diamond Data Systems, Sprint E-Solutions and Tulane University.  He has consulted on technology issues with Fortune 1000 clients such as Entergy, McDermott International, SCP Pool/Zen-Noh Grain and Solvay, S.A.  He has previously presented at industry conferences including HEDNA and HITEC. He has been active in HTNG for the last four years, and was part of team that created the Property Distribution v1.0 specification, as well as presently working on the ODX team of Property Web Services workgroup.  Stephen is a graduate of Tulane University and a confirmed curry-aholic.

Senior Manager, LiDAC ASEAN & AP, Philips Lighting

Matthew Cobham is manager of the lighting application support teams in the SE Asian region consisting of 20 specialists. The team plays a key role in providing support to architects, designers, engineers and anyone who requires technical backup in their lighting project. He was appointed to this role in June 2007. Prior to this Matthew was based at the Philips technical competence centre in Miribel, France. He holds an Masters in light and lighting from The Bartlett School of Architecture, London and has been working in the lighting industry since 1994 with experience on most kinds of projects, particularly architectural and retail lighting. He comments, 'the lighting world is changing very rapidly and is quickly moving towards solutions as opposed to individual components. This makes working for Philips very interesting, particularly when we start to talk about LED technology, as it requires a full system approach'
 

Greg DAWES

Systems Engineer, Zhone Technologies

For nearly three decades Greg has provided practical and proven technical and engineering expertise in the data, voice, and video communication fields. Zhone, through its acquisition of Paradyne, is a founding member of HTNG, and provider of the hospitality and carrier community for data, voice and video hardware solutions. Since 2003 Mr. Dawes has provided technical guidance in various HTNG In-Room Technology Workgroup sub teams. Building on this extensive technical experience Greg has been a contributing author in three hospitality industry white papers on the communications infrastructure. He received his MBA from Nova Southeastern University and BS in Mathematics from University of Oklahoma.

Tom DUKE

Chief Technology Officer, iBAHN

Tom Duke serves as iBAHN's Chief Technology Officer, responsible for worldwide product development including IPTV, HSIA, Conference & Lobby PC offerings. Additionally, Tom has responsibility for the company's R&D function. Prior to iBAHN, Duke served as chief technology officer for four+ years at Memex Technology, where he was instrumental in developing and delivering real time data management tools. Additional experience includes serving as director of engineering at Sopheon (formerly Orbital), and several years in consultative roles at Andersen Consulting. Based at iBAHN's Centre of Excellence in Stirling, Scotland, Tom is focused on bringing technical innovation to iBAHN's products for the hospitality industry.

Mark FANCOURT

Vice President of Information Technology, Pan Pacific Hotels Group

Mark has over 20 years of combined business operations, technology and consulting experience. He is currently the Vice President of Information Technology for Pan Pacific Hotels Group, encompassing the brands Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts, Parkroyal Hotels & Resorts and the owned assets of the group. His responsibilities include the development of the groups’ long-term technology strategy, performance and key enterprise projects for the company’s business intelligence, distribution, customer relations and web presence. He began his career in hospitality with companies such as Hyatt, Sheraton, Southern Pacific Hotels and Qantas Resorts inclusive of property development and operations at senior management levels. Mark commenced his technology track with Micros Systems, concentrating on operational and enterprise level technologies. He oversaw Micros’ Asia Pacific enterprise systems division and worked with many of the leading Asia Pacific hotel brands on multi-million dollar implementations of enterprise level Customer Relationship Management and distribution systems. He then oversaw a software services company, and also provided consulting services surrounding technology. Joining Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts, he developed the company's technology strategy, environment and processes, including delivery of a fully integrated enterprise platform for the distribution, customer relations and business intelligence functions. Mark brings a strong business focus to the role of technology. His unique background in operations, business consulting across a broad spectrum, combined with his technical knowledge provides relevant insight into solving the business challenges of modern organisations, driving efficiency, productivity and ultimately customer satisfaction. He is Australian, is widely traveled and holds a Masters Degree in Management and an Associate Diploma of Business.

Mike GOPAL

Managing Director, AMX India

With over a decade in hospitality management, Michael first worked for Accor, then the Four Seasons Group and finally Hyatt International, migrating from operations to technical services. Michael joined Hyatt Technical Services in Chicago in 2001 as part of the international projects team, he was posted to India where he was the project manager firstly for the Hyatt Regency Kolkata and then the Grand Hyatt Mumbai. Since joining AMX, Michael has led our Sales & R&D operations in India working with clients such as Marriott, Hyatt International, Le Meridian, The Four Seasons Group and Hilton International.

Fraser HICKOX

Managing Director, Hospitality Laboratory Limited

Executive Advisor and Former Board Member, HTNG

Until recently the General Manager of the Peninsula Group's research Lab in Hong Kong, Fraser in retirement remains a consultant to Peninsula and other companies around Asia and in the Middle East as well continues to develop specialised electronics for different companies. A keen advocate of HTNG and the participation of hotelliers within this organisation for a common good. Fraser was inducted into the HFTP Hall of Fame in 2008 and is the recipient in December 1993 of the Personnalite de Lannee Distinction International Hotellerie. He holds a number of degrees in Engineering and Sciences and has had a diverse career spanning broadcasting, civil aviation, banking and manufacturing.

Bryce HODGSON

Global Alliances, Intelligenz Solutions

Bryce has extensive experience in establishing new channels and major accounts for NASDAQ listed software companies in Asia Pacific and Latin America. He has lived in San Diego, CA, USA and on planes since 1988. He has an LL.B from the University of Canterbury, Christchurch. Intelligenz Solutions is the provider of a completely integrated solution for activity based bookings at resorts, including spas, fitness, golf, restaurants, tours, rides and any other leisure activity which is capable of being booked. Intelligenz has partnerships with major PMS providers and is the first company based in Asia Pacific to provide an HTNG certified Single Guest Itinerary. Intelligenz has sales, support and development locations in New Zealand, Australia and the US. The company’s market strategy is to provide solutions in multiple sectors, supported by a single product. intelliSpa, intelliRecreation, intelliLeisure, intelliFore and intelliFitness are brand positioned for different sectors
 

Ted HORNER

Managing Director, E. Horner & Associates

Executive Advisor, HTNG

After graduating with formal qualifications in Catering & Hotel Management from Victoria University in 1976, Ted was involved in the establishment of several companies specializing in supplying technology for the hospitality industry. In 1989, he launched a Consulting Practice specializing in Technology Consulting to the Hospitality Industry which is now recognized as the leader in the Australian market. Over the last few years his expertise has been sought internationally and in 2005 he was awarded his first consulting assignment in Dubai with Jumeirah. In 1995, he launched the first newsletter dedicated to technology in the Hospitality Industry, HTR this was then replaced in 2002 with the launch of Australia’s first hospitality technology portal site. For more than 15 years he has been a frequent keynote speaker at major conferences in Australia and Overseas, and in August 1996, he launched the first dedicated Australian Hospitality Technology Conference and Exhibition held in Sydney. In 2004 he was the first non US person to be elected to the HITEC Technology Hall of Fame for his contribution to the advancement of technology in the hospitality industry. In 2002 he was one of the founders of HTNG and is now an executive advisor.

Shane IZAKS

General Manager-Information Technology, The Peninsula Group

Board Member, HTNG

Shane Izaks has over the last 20 years gained IT and business experience with several major Hotel companies, Trust House Forte in Europe and Intercontinental Hotels (IHG) in Pacific Asia where he held a variety of roles in Australia, Japan and Hong Kong. Currently Shane assumes the role of General Manager, Information Technology for the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Limited and has full responsibility at group level for all operations including The Peninsula Hotels brand for formulating and implementing Information Technology strategy. He currently serves on several external advisory boards.

Michael LINCK
Strategic Relationships-Hospitality, Lutron Electronics

Michael joined Lutron in 2004 and has been a key member of Lutron Hospitality team since. Using his strong technology, lighting and controls background, Michael spends most of his time helping to develop strategic solutions for Lutron's Hospitality customers. Michael is the Co-Chair of the HTNG In-Room Controls Integration Team and serves as a team member on the Property Web-Services Guest and Room Status Messaging team. Prior to joining Lutron, Michael worked for several other lighting and controls manufacturers. Michael holds a degree in Lighting Design from Lehigh University.

Brian MANNING
Managing Director, CMS Hospitality

Brian Manning set up the business that is now CMS Hospitality in Sydney back in the early 80’s, providing software development services. Those developments became focused on the hospitality industry, starting with products using multi-user DOS. They progressed through Unix and IBM Mid-range. Eight years ago the product set was redeveloped for the Windows platform, using Microsoft SQL Server as the database. The product suite is now called GuestCentrix, and it has been continuously extended to provide an extensive and integrated set of products. Brian, although a graduate in Zoology and Biochemistry, has had many years experience in IT, and was heavily involved in the detailed design and development of the current product suite, particularly database design. These days, with offices in four countries, Brian is primarily involved in the management of the business and market development, although he retains his involvement in the GuestCentrix suite as it evolves to meet market needs and opportunities.

Nick PRICE

CIO/CTO, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited

Former President and Current Executive Advisor, HTNG

Nick Price joined Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in January 2000 as CIO/CTO.  A newly created position, the appointment is in line with the Group’s objective of strengthening its corporate and specialist core competencies in areas most critical to success.  With more than 19 years experience in IT and emerging technologies, Nick brings to Mandarin Oriental, an in-depth understanding of current and emerging technology trends and their commercial application.  Nick reports directly to the Group’s Managing Director, Edouard Ettedgui. Nick joined Mandarin Oriental from Dairy Farm Group a leading Asian retailer headquartered Hong Kong, where, since 1996, he held the position of Group Technical Architect, responsible for technology planning and infrastructure strategy.  Prior to joining Dairy Farm in 1995, he worked throughout Europe as an IT consultant and from 1991 to 1993 as Technical Director, Europe for UNIX International.  Prior to 1991, Nick held technical positions with a number of large systems manufacturers developing UNIX-based systems, enterprise networks and systems software.  A British national, Nick holds an Honours degree in Computer Science from University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom. At Mandarin Oriental, Nick is responsible for a broad range of digital, or soon-to-be digital technologies and services, including traditional hotel IT, enterprise networks and infrastructure, Internet presence, PABX and telephony, hotel networks, in-room technologies , and audio visual systems. Nick has a keen interest in technology and believes the hotel industry is ready for change as its customers drive it towards an ever more customer-centric and hence technology-dependent future.

Silvio REALE
Chief Executive Officer, VDA Asia Pacific

Silvio Reale is the Chief Executive Officer for VDA Asia Pacific and joined VDA in 2008. VDA, with its headquarters in Pordenone Italy, is a multinational software and solutions provider with a proven hospitality end–to-end IP based platform for digital HD interactive TV, in room technology and digital signage. Silvio has over 20 years experience in the field of Automation and Control and IT related technology and has held Senior Management , Marketing and Product Management positions with Siemens and Honeywell Internationally. With a passion for innovation, this Australian national based in Bangkok Thailand, holds a degree in Automation & Control and a Master of Business & Technology from the University of NSW. Today he leads the VDA Asia Pacific team, a provider of hotel technology to over 1,600 hotels worldwide in >200,000 rooms serving hotels, hospitals, cruise ships and luxury living residential developments.

Douglas RICE

Executive Vice President & CEO, Hotel Technology Next Generation

Douglas Rice is a founder of Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG), and became its first permanent Executive Director in September 2004, and assumed his current position in January 2007.  He reports to HTNG's board of directors.  His prior experience includes ten years as President of Stratus Management Group, Inc., a leading consulting firm focusing on hotel technology, marketing, and operational issues; eight years as managing consultant and Vice President at The Graycon Group, Inc. (predecessor company to TravelCLICK); four years in various market management positions at United Airlines; and six years as senior economist and consultant at Data Resources, Inc., and Wharton Econometrics (both now part of GlobalInsight).  Douglas earned his Bachelors degree with highest distinction in Economics and distinction in Mathematics at Dartmouth College.  He earned his Masters in Business Administration at Harvard Business School, where he was awarded top honors as a George F. Baker Scholar. 

Terence RONSON

Managing Director, Pertlink Limited, Hong Kong

Terence Ronson launched his diversified hospitality career as a Chef, from where he held various general management positions with prominent hotels in the UK and Asia. In the mid 80’s he developed his penchant for technology, and in 2000 started Pertlink, from where he became the Technology Editor for HOTELS Asia Pacific and authored numerous industry related articles. CNN's eBizasia program featured him in 2001 for his innovative work at Rosedale Hong Kong, and helped Langham Place Hong Kong win many accolades for its technology deployment. Terence has spoken at several key industry events and currently sits on the Advisory Boards for HOFEX and HITEC 2010, as well as holding a Visiting Lecturer position at HKPOLY U. Terence moderates an online discussion group for in-room technology at: www.wiwih.com and also runs a Hotel Technology Blog. Terence is currently involved in several exciting China based projects to include TANGULA the luxury train that will run from Beijing to Lhasa, Thistle/Guoman Hotels projects located in Malaysia and China, and Zendai Himalayas Hotels (Shanghai) scheduled to open in 2010.

Roger SESHADRI

VP & CIO, Melco Crown Entertainment

Roger Seshadri-VP, Chief Information Officer of Melco Crown Entertainment (MPEL), recently opened (June 2009) the "City of Dreams," a multi-billion dollar integrated resort and casino in Macau. Roger has over 28 years of industrial experience in Management Consulting and Information Technology. Prior to joining MPEL, he held several leadership positions in Hospitality and Gaming for over 18 years, including Corporate Vice President of Information Technology for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (2000-2005), Director of Technology for Bally Gaming - managing their offshore gaming software development and developing new Electronic games (2006-2007). Between 1992-2000, he was the IT director for Caesars Entertainment/ITT Sheraton Gaming and served as a member of the Pioneering Executive Team responsible for obtaining the first gaming license to operate a casino resort in United States. He was instrumental in opening and managing IT operations for several casino resorts in various parts of the world in the leadership capacity. Seshadri holds a Bachelor's degree in commerce and certifications from various professional organizations namely, PMP, CNE & AICPA (International Associate Member). He has also attended various leadership & technology programs at Harvard Business School & Carnegie Mellon University.

Harbans SINGH

Managing Director, UBIQ Global Solutions Sdn Bhd

Harbans has been involved in the hospitality business since 1985 during his days as a field engineer in NCR. He subsequently moved into hospitality software installation and support and then sales. In 1988, he set up the regional operations for Computerized Lodging Systems (CLS), Inc. USA in Asia, this being the first commercially successful hotel management system which ran on the Unix platform. During this time, he also managed to grow CLS into a leading supplier of hospitality technology in Asia with over 300 installations.  Since 1988, Harbans has seen CLS evolve into many forms, including a management buyout of the operations in 1995 by him and his partners and the setting up of Hospitality Solutions International (HSI). In 2002, he merged his company with Hotel Information Systems (HIS), Inc. USA and became President of HIS Asia. In 2006, this operations was acquired by Sofbrands, Inc. USA and he continued as President Asia Pacific, Middle East, until his departure in December 2008. At the time of leaving, HIS/Softbrands had over 800 customers in Asia Pacific.  Over the years, Harbans has been very actively involved in industry developments and also is a constant speaker in hospitality conferences across Asia-Pacific and Middle East. His main passion is centered on the use of technology to improve guest services and he constantly advocated the dawn of a new era of hospitality solutions.

Jeffrey SOONG

CEO, Broadband Network Systems Ltd

Jeffrey Soong is the CEO of BNS Ltd, a leading provider of IPTV-based content and technology solutions for the hospitality and telecommunications industries. Mr. Soong has over 20 years of experience in the fields of entertainment, technology, and international finance, and is a recognized expert on the subject of entertainment and technology convergence. Prior to co-founding BNS, he was CEO of Vodexa Networks, a U.S. technology company with major Hollywood studio clients. Over the course of his career, he has also held senior management positions with SVP International, a TV program production and distribution company, and CSSV Media Ventures and World Entertainment Network. Mr Soong holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and undertook Ph.D. scholarship studies in Computer Science at Caltech.

Jason TIRADO

Director International Sales, Crestron

Mr. Tirado started his career in the systems integration industry in June, 1994. Jason was working for IBM when he was recruited by Steve Alexander at the Alexander Marketing Group as an independent manufacturer's representative. Mr. Tirado took sales responsibility for the US states of California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii.  In 1996, Jason was promoted to Vice President of Alexander Marketing Group. In 1998, Jason purchased Alexander Marketing Group along with a business partner, Linda Pennington. During his tenure at Alexander Marketing Group the firm won the Representative of the Year award from 5 different manufacturers.  In 2002, Mr. Tirado joined AMX as the Director of Residential Sales for the United States. He served as representative to the CEDIA Manufacturer's Council and was the AMX President's Award winner in 2004.  In the summer of 2006, he joined Crestron Electronics Inc. as Director of International Sales, based in London, England. Jason currently serves on the Advisory Board for Integrated Systems Europe.  He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Texas at Austin. 

Joseph WONG

Managing Director of IT, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

As the Managing Director of IT for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Joseph heads up IT for the fast growing Asia Pacific Division. Joseph is responsible for the business and strategic alignment of IT, and driving business innovation through technology. Other scope of responsibilities include business application development and support, infrastructure engineering, enterprise voice and data networks, strategic data centers, IT security, sales and CRM systems for more than 140 Starwood hotels, resorts and offices across 20 countries. Joseph has worked for Starwood since 2000 and was recently Assistant Vice President of Technology Deployment, focusing on IT project management and service delivery for hotels and resorts, including existing and new hotels opening across Asia Pacific. Joseph earned his Bachelor's Degree with Honors in Mechanical Engineering from the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
 

Tony YEOH

Vice President, Global Technology-Asia Pacific, InterContinental Hotels Group

Tony started with IHG in 2006 as the Asia Pacific head of IT based in Singapore. His previous roles were as head of Consulting and Systems Integration practice with Hewlett Packard China and 4 other HP offices in Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Prior to that he was with CSC New Zealand. Tony now helps to drive the transformation agenda of global technology through developing innovations in property technology, supporting hotel openings and improving IT infrastructure and services in the hotel and corporate offices. He supports over 250 hotels in Asia Pacific and 5 corporate offices in IHG. Tony holds a Bachelor of Science from Monash University, Australia and a Masters in Business Administration from University of Auckland, New Zealand.

Patrick ANDRES

Managing Director, SynXis Asia Pacific,

Patrick is a veteran of the Asian hospitality technology industry.  He is presently spearheading the Asia-Pacific expansion of SynXis, the Sabre Holdings business that provides hotel reservation management, distribution and technology services.  Andrès' well-rounded experience includes positions at the hotel level, in hospitality automation and electronic distribution. While based in Hong Kong, he oversaw the Asia region of Micros-Fidelio for much of the 1990's.  At the time he opened both the Hong Kong and Singapore offices for the growing PMS vendor.  Andrès recently served as Director of Business Development for Expedia Travel, focusing on building and implement the Direct-Connect interfaces between hotel reservation systems and the Expedia family of sites.  A graduate of one of Canada’s leading hotel schools, Andrès received his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa and has been a frequent spokesperson and panelist at industry events throughout the region.  SynXis, a Sabre Holdings company, provides distribution marketing services and technology for hotels around the world. SynXis connects hotels with their guests through increased exposure via all channels including GDS, third party travel sites and the hotel’s own website. The solution’s core is a web-based distribution management system that enables property managers to distribute inventory across all channels easily and efficiently.

Stephen BURKE

Vice President, Product Development, Knowcross Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Chair, HTNG Architecture Workgroup

Stephen Burke heads product management and product development for Knowcross Solutions Pvt. Ltd, a New Delhi, India-based provider of software products, such as TRITON™ Guest Services System, that are aimed at enabling high-end hotels to deliver an exceptional overall guest experience.  Prior to Knowcross Solutions, Stephen was the Director of Systems Integration for Hotel Booking Solutions Incorporated, working with distribution and supply interfaces primarily based in OTA XML.  Stephen was also part of New Orleans-based Hotel Booking Solutions, LLC, where he focused on distribution channel and supply acquisition, as well as partner management. Stephen has served in technology management roles for Diamond Data Systems, Sprint E-Solutions and Tulane University.  He has consulted on technology issues with Fortune 1000 clients such as Entergy, McDermott International, SCP Pool/Zen-Noh Grain and Solvay, S.A.  He has previously presented at industry conferences including HEDNA and HITEC. He has been active in HTNG for the last four years, and was part of team that created the Property Distribution v1.0 specification, as well as presently working on the ODX team of Property Web Services workgroup.  Stephen is a graduate of Tulane University and a confirmed curry-aholic.

Greg DAWES

Systems Engineer, Zhone Technologies

Team Chair, In-Room Technology

For nearly three decades Greg has provided practical and proven technical and engineering expertise in the data, voice, and video communication fields. Zhone, through its acquisition of Paradyne, is a founding member of HTNG, and provider of the hospitality and carrier community for data, voice and video hardware solutions. Since 2003 Mr. Dawes has provided technical guidance in various HTNG In-Room Technology Workgroup sub teams. Building on this extensive technical experience Greg has been a contributing author in three hospitality industry white papers on the communications infrastructure. He received his MBA from Nova Southeastern University and BS in Mathematics from University of Oklahoma.

Alan LUBITZ

Chief Information Officer, Planet Payment Inc.

Chair, HTNG Payment Systems and Data Security Workgroup

Alan Lubitz is the Chief Information Officer for Planet Payment, Inc.  Planet Payment provides multi-currency credit card processing services for banks and processors in Europe, the United States and Asia Pacific (including greater China).  Mr. Lubitz has more than 20 years of payment industry experience starting at Chase Manhattan Bank and including 11 years as CTO at a couple of large credit card ISO’s.  He has been responsible for developing mainframe, UNIX and Windows based credit card and check transaction processing systems.  In 1987 he was responsible for one of the first UNIX based in-store processors (for retail department stores) marketed in the US.  At Planet Payment he is responsible for a multi-currency Windows based authorization system with Web Services interface support and a “currency agnostic” Solaris based Merchant Accounting System with Web Services interface support.  Mr. Lubitz has a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA.  He has published several papers in the areas of telecommunications and data networking.  More recently, he has presented at a NACHA Payments Conference on the subject of Electronic Check Representment.

Victor ROBISON

CTO, VFM Leonardo

Co-Chair, HTNG Distribution Content Management Workgroup

Victor Robison joined VFM Interactive in January 2005 and oversees the development of VFM's new interactive content technologies and client service offerings. Victor also brings a wealth of experience in the network processing and security technology fields. As the former site manager for Intel of Canada's Network Processor Software Infrastructure Team, Victor has overseen the development of highly scalable multi-gigabit network processing firmware. Victor was a pioneer in the field of Virtual Private Networks (VPN's) and was co-designer of the first commercial VPN in partnership with Cisco Systems. Victor is also the inventor of the SST network encryption protocol, the world's largest proprietary VPN encryption system deployed to date, and has co-authored patents pending in the field of network management. Victor holds a B.S. in Computer Science from San Jose State University (1988). Victor is the Chair of HTNG's (Hotel Technology Next Generation) Distribution Content Management Working Group and is an active contributor to HEDNA (Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association) and OTA (Open Travel Alliance).