Nick Price joined Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in January 2000 as Director of Technology. 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 Central London University. 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.

Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels and resorts. In total, the Group operates 18 luxury hotels in key business and leisure destinations, with five additional hotels under development in New York (opening late 2003), Washington D.C. (opening 2004), Hong Kong (opening 2005) as well as Tokyo and Boston (opening 2006). Mandarin Oriental now operates some 7,000 rooms in eleven countries with nine hotels in Asia, six in The Americas and three in Europe. Mandarin Oriental's hotels include their original flagship properties, the acclaimed Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and The Oriental, Bangkok. The Group's other deluxe hotels are located in key destinations worldwide, including London and New York, San Francisco and Singapore. Mandarin Oriental's aim is to be recognised as one of the top global luxury hotel groups, providing exceptional customer satisfaction in each of its hotels. This will be effected through a strategy of investing in facilities and people while maximising profitability and long-term shareholder value.

HITEC, produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), is the most comprehensive meeting of its kind in the hospitality industry. It addresses the use of technology in the industry and brings together buyers and sellers of technology under one roof. About 4,500 hospitality executives and exhibitors from around the world are expected to attend this four-day conference and three-day exposition. In addition to hearing the industry's leading speakers, attendees receive practical information at Monday's "What to Look for" training sessions. The exposition includes companies providing technology equipment, services and products in the hospitality industry. HITEC 2006 will be held June 19-22 in Minneapolis MN. Additional information available at www.hitec.org

Based in Austin, Texas, HFTP is the professional association for financial and technology personnel working in hotels, resorts, clubs, casinos, restaurants and other hospitality-related businesses. The association provides continuing education and networking opportunities to more than 4,300 members around the world, and produces the premiere hospitality technology shows HITEC and ONHTEC. HFTP also administers the examination and awards the certification for the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designations. HFTP was founded in 1952 as the National Association of Hotel Accountants.

HFTP® , HITEC® and ONHTEC® are registered service marks of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals.

Kevin Heilbronner is the US Editor for wiredhotelier.com and hospitalitynet.org, providing streaming multimedia-content for these websites. Based outside of Washington DC, Heilbronner has worked with Hsyndicate to conduct interviews at several hospitality trade shows in the US and Europe over the last couple of years. His column and content are featured in the Hospitality Net weekly newsletter. A familiar voice in Washington, DC, Heilbronner is the stadium announcer for the NBA's Washington Wizards, WNBA's Washington Mystics and WUSA's Washington Freedom. He resides in Centreville, VA and can be reached via email: Kevin@hsyndicate.com.