Belmond, HFTP, and Alliants join to promote data protection awareness

VENZA further cements its position as the industry’s go-to data protection awareness champion. How? They are hosting a global information security-focused quiz game-style competition. A first for the hospitality technology community, this series of matches has a whimsically fun atmosphere that makes the competition accessible even to those with a mere casual appreciation of the world of IT security. However, the InfoSec Invitational is serious business. It challenges competitors by testing their understanding of crucially important topics such as Email Hygiene, PCI DSS, GDPR, Social Engineering, and Network Vulnerabilities (just to name a few).  

Game play is done in matches consisting of rounds of questions. Correct answers win points for the players. The top three highest scorers ascend from the Group Stage to the Regional Finals. The top performer from each region (North America and Europe) meets their rival in a head-to-head match for the title of World Champion.

Daniel Johnson, Partner/Co-Founder of VENZA had this to say about the competition, “The ultimate goal is to raise the appreciation for data protection in our industry. I see no better way than to simultaneously spotlight the great work of hospitality IT’s best and brightest. This rousing competition with an extra helping of fun & laughter is just the dish to fill this need in hospitality technology.”   

And this serious game comes with serious prizes; the winners of the Regional Finals enjoy a 2-night stay at a selected Belmond property. VP of IT for Belmond, Bryan Hammer, says, “we’re committed to data protection within our organization and are thrilled to be able to contribute to the betterment of the entire industry by partnering with VENZA.”

Travel is also provided for the victors. Alliants, a contactless guest experience provider is the event’s Travel Sponsor. “Given the sensitive nature of guest data passing through the Alliants contactless guest experience platform, we have worked very hard to achieve best in class status for security practices. Naturally, therefore, we applaud any initiative that highlights the critical role of IT and data security in a hotel and are delighted to sponsor VENZA’s event. We wish all of the participants the very best of luck!” said Alan O’Riordan, VP of Sales EMEA.

And never missing an opportunity to contribute to the improvement of the industry, the team at HFTP is providing a full conference registration plus two room nights for the World Champion to attend HITEC Dallas 2021. “I am truly honored to be a part of this,” says HFTP President, Mark Pate. “This fun, informative, innovative initiative is just what the industry needs.”

Register now to see The World Championship Competition.

About HFTP

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) established in 1952, is an international, nonprofit association, headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA, with offices in the 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. For more information about HFTP, email membership@hftp.org or download the HFTP/HITEC media kit via the HFTP website. Read industry updates on the suite of HFTP hospitality news sites: HITEC Bytes, Club Bytes, Finance Bytes and HFTP News.

About Alliants

POWERING 46 COUNTRIES GLOBALLY
Deep hospitality industry knowledge and expertise
At Alliants, we are passionate to develop the guest experience platform of the future.
We know how to deploy that technology quickly, train your staff effectively, and work with you to ensure adoption and a swift ROI. A property can be up and running in less than 2 days and all training and installation can be done remotely.
We have an extensive global experience in luxury hospitality and understand how the right technology can supercharge operations.

About Belmond

It all began in 1976, when we received the keys to the legendary Cipriani, a Belmond hotel in Venice. A year later we began collecting the carriages for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which launched in 1982 to whisk intrepid travellers to La Serenissima in style.

Belmond joined LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton in April 2019, reinforcing our place among the international leaders in luxury. For over 40 years we have followed our pioneering spirit and passion for authenticity to create and uncover some of the world’s greatest travel adventures. Today, our collection includes one-of-a-kind hotels, trains, river cruises and safari lodges in stunning destinations across the globe. Each has an incredible story to tell.