WINS 2008 BEST CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD!
Fourteen Chapters took home 34 awards from the awards dinner presentation on Wednesday, April 14, 2009 at the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association’s annual Leadership Conference held this year in Washington, DC.
The South Florida Chapter was honored as “Chapter of the Year” in the Best of the Best Awards – the highest category awarded. The national organization currently has about 30 Chapters world-wide so competition was pretty stiff.
In addition to the top award, the South Florida Chapter also won four other awards. In the “large” Chapter division (this is based on number of members), we won awards for our Website, Membership Development, Communications, and for Partnerships. Stacie Faulds, 2009 Chapter President, and Julie Wernick, South Florida Chapter Managing Director, were on hand at the Conference to accept the awards on behalf of the Chapter.
Thank you to Stacie Faulds and to Gabriele Gannaway (current VP Communications) for their efforts in preparing the award winning entries. Most of all Fernando Harb (our 2008 President and our current Immediate Past President) deserves kudos for his outstanding efforts in guiding our association last year along with the members of the 2008 Board. And to you wonderful active members:thank you for enabling us to achieve this major accomplishment.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
“Table of Eight” –
HSMAI Meeting April 3, 2009 – Holiday Inn Ft. Myers Airport at the Town Center.
Or a “West Coast Thank You”
As you know by now, our “Table of Eight” column is an occasional recap of our monthly meetings. This month, I’m changing format by sharing with you our Chapter President’s recent email. This is what Stacie Faulds had to say about the event:
“A special thank you to Beth (Rice) for coordinating a very successful meeting planner panel in Ft Myers today. And thank you to Julie (Wernick) for attending and handling registration.
It was a great turnout (55+ attendees), with an interesting mix of hotel salespeople and CVBs. In fact, there were 5 CVBs represented, including Jack Wert, Exec Dir of the Naples/Marco Island CVB. The brand new Holiday Inn was fantastic and the panel and moderator (Sal Dickinson) were fab. Everyone was impressed that Bill Briscoe participated. Time flew quickly and Sal only got through half his questions...so a sequel is a definite. I think this could be an annual event easily. I think that Bill Briscoe and the CVBs (Lee County, Collier County, Charlotte County, Broward County and Palm Beach) gave the luncheon, and our HSMAI chapter, major credibility. There is strong potential for membership growth on the west coast.
Beth is tallying the survey results, so we will soon see how it was received by our attendees. Until then, hats off to her for all her hard work."
Or a “West Coast Thank You”
As you know by now, our “Table of Eight” column is an occasional recap of our monthly meetings. This month, I’m changing format by sharing with you our Chapter President’s recent email. This is what Stacie Faulds had to say about the event:
“A special thank you to Beth (Rice) for coordinating a very successful meeting planner panel in Ft Myers today. And thank you to Julie (Wernick) for attending and handling registration.
It was a great turnout (55+ attendees), with an interesting mix of hotel salespeople and CVBs. In fact, there were 5 CVBs represented, including Jack Wert, Exec Dir of the Naples/Marco Island CVB. The brand new Holiday Inn was fantastic and the panel and moderator (Sal Dickinson) were fab. Everyone was impressed that Bill Briscoe participated. Time flew quickly and Sal only got through half his questions...so a sequel is a definite. I think this could be an annual event easily. I think that Bill Briscoe and the CVBs (Lee County, Collier County, Charlotte County, Broward County and Palm Beach) gave the luncheon, and our HSMAI chapter, major credibility. There is strong potential for membership growth on the west coast.
Beth is tallying the survey results, so we will soon see how it was received by our attendees. Until then, hats off to her for all her hard work."
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
“Table of Eight” – HSMAI-South Florida - March 2009
"An Occasional Column about our Chapter’s Monthly Events"
Our HSMAI-South Florida monthly meeting was held on Wednesday, March 18th at the “new” and better than ever Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach. A record crowd braved rain and windy weather to hear Sal Dickinson speak on the very timely presentation: “Selling in an Uncertain Economy.” Thank you to our sponsor American Coach (Richard Gonzalez) for providing bus transportation from Broward.
The gorgeous resort is newly expanded and decorated. It seems you walk for miles from the parking areas to the meeting rooms. Do you remember the former lobby? The old black bow-tie patterned tiling will bring back memories of the glory that was Miami Beach. And how wonderful to hear that the hotel was completely occupied! We want to especially thank Scott Flexman in Marketing and Michelle Cannici in catering as well as Moe and the other banquet personnel for making our event so very special. Starting with our reception and cash bar through the dinner – with the added “surprise” of a free glass of wine – and to the spectacular chocolate desert, the service, ambiance and overall experience was luxury class all the way. (Speaking of “customer service” – did you notice that everyone on staff from the cleaning people to security all pleasantly greeted you?)
Sal’s presentation can be viewed on our website www.hsmaisouthflorida.org if you go to the resources section. I’m not going to recap the speech, but wanted to note that as Sal said, if you came away with just one or two ideas, he’d done his part. Well, I can say that most everyone came away with a lot more than that! Did you see everyone taking notes? The best was that there were immediately usable action items. Even long time members of our industry received helpful reminders of the some of the sales basics along with an introduction to some of the newer technologies available and valuable suggestions. Sal’s a great supporter of and believer in HSMAI. We’re hoping his exposure of national’s resources helps to drive membership to our Association. Thank you Sal!
Next month, our regular meeting moves to Ft. Myers. We are at the Holiday Inn-Airport for a luncheon and meeting planners panel. Industry veterans will be participating, so if you’re on the southwest coast of Florida please plan to be there. More information, as usual, on our website. See you there. And in May, we’re at the newly re-branded Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina – formerly the Ft. Lauderdale Grande Resort. Best, Julie
Our HSMAI-South Florida monthly meeting was held on Wednesday, March 18th at the “new” and better than ever Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach. A record crowd braved rain and windy weather to hear Sal Dickinson speak on the very timely presentation: “Selling in an Uncertain Economy.” Thank you to our sponsor American Coach (Richard Gonzalez) for providing bus transportation from Broward.
The gorgeous resort is newly expanded and decorated. It seems you walk for miles from the parking areas to the meeting rooms. Do you remember the former lobby? The old black bow-tie patterned tiling will bring back memories of the glory that was Miami Beach. And how wonderful to hear that the hotel was completely occupied! We want to especially thank Scott Flexman in Marketing and Michelle Cannici in catering as well as Moe and the other banquet personnel for making our event so very special. Starting with our reception and cash bar through the dinner – with the added “surprise” of a free glass of wine – and to the spectacular chocolate desert, the service, ambiance and overall experience was luxury class all the way. (Speaking of “customer service” – did you notice that everyone on staff from the cleaning people to security all pleasantly greeted you?)
Sal’s presentation can be viewed on our website www.hsmaisouthflorida.org if you go to the resources section. I’m not going to recap the speech, but wanted to note that as Sal said, if you came away with just one or two ideas, he’d done his part. Well, I can say that most everyone came away with a lot more than that! Did you see everyone taking notes? The best was that there were immediately usable action items. Even long time members of our industry received helpful reminders of the some of the sales basics along with an introduction to some of the newer technologies available and valuable suggestions. Sal’s a great supporter of and believer in HSMAI. We’re hoping his exposure of national’s resources helps to drive membership to our Association. Thank you Sal!
Next month, our regular meeting moves to Ft. Myers. We are at the Holiday Inn-Airport for a luncheon and meeting planners panel. Industry veterans will be participating, so if you’re on the southwest coast of Florida please plan to be there. More information, as usual, on our website. See you there. And in May, we’re at the newly re-branded Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina – formerly the Ft. Lauderdale Grande Resort. Best, Julie
HSMAI Foundation Scholarship Applications Open
The HSMAI Foundation, which has been providing scholarships to students pursuing a career in hospitality sales and marketing since 1983, awards merit scholarships to full-time students in the Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Candidate category, as well as to part-time students pursuing Associate, Baccalaureate, or Graduate Degrees.
The HSMAI Foundation scholarship program is currently accepting applications for the 2009-2010 academic year. And new this year, Graduate students will also be considered for the new HSMAI Foundation Mike Dimond Scholarship, which has been established to carry on the legacy of this hospitality sales and marketing giant who passed away in 2008.
The deadline is June 15, 2009. Recipients will be notified by July 15, 2009. The funds awarded will be forwarded to the colleges of the scholarship recipients to be applied directly to their tuition for the following semester.
Eligibility -- Students must: Be enrolled in a hospitality management or related curriculum and pursuing a degree; Have had hospitality work experience; Possess an interest in a career in hospitality sales and marketing; Be in good academic standing. Requirements -- Completed application form; Transcript from current college or university; Two recommendation forms; Current resume; Three personal essays. Judging Criteria --Grade point average; Essays; Industry-related work experience ; Recommendations; Extracurricular involvement; and Involvement in HSMAI
To Apply: Click here for more information and to download an application. Please call or email Kathy Tindell at 703-506-2010, ktindell@hsmai.org if you have any questions.
The HSMAI Foundation scholarship program is currently accepting applications for the 2009-2010 academic year. And new this year, Graduate students will also be considered for the new HSMAI Foundation Mike Dimond Scholarship, which has been established to carry on the legacy of this hospitality sales and marketing giant who passed away in 2008.
The deadline is June 15, 2009. Recipients will be notified by July 15, 2009. The funds awarded will be forwarded to the colleges of the scholarship recipients to be applied directly to their tuition for the following semester.
Eligibility -- Students must: Be enrolled in a hospitality management or related curriculum and pursuing a degree; Have had hospitality work experience; Possess an interest in a career in hospitality sales and marketing; Be in good academic standing. Requirements -- Completed application form; Transcript from current college or university; Two recommendation forms; Current resume; Three personal essays. Judging Criteria --Grade point average; Essays; Industry-related work experience ; Recommendations; Extracurricular involvement; and Involvement in HSMAI
To Apply: Click here for more information and to download an application. Please call or email Kathy Tindell at 703-506-2010, ktindell@hsmai.org if you have any questions.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
HSMAI RESORT MARKETER OF THE YEAR AWARD
HSMAI, along with presenting sponsor Fareed Zapala Koepke, has created a new award to honor individual leadership and achievement in the field of resort marketing. Eligible nominees must be employed within a hospitality organization, with current responsibilities focused on the branding, marketing and/or communications aspects of a resort.
Nomination forms are available at www.resortconference.com and are due by April 17, 2009. The winner will be announced on May 4 at the 9th Annual Resort Conference in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, May 3-5.
The Resort Conference draws high-level executives including general managers, directors of sales and other department heads, such as those in revenue management, human resources and online marketing, and includes valuable networking opportunities for attendees. This year's resort conference focuses on ways to maximize ROI in resort operations and marketing by connecting to the customer. For more information about the 2009 Conference, or a recap of previous events, visit www.resortconference.com.
Nomination forms are available at www.resortconference.com and are due by April 17, 2009. The winner will be announced on May 4 at the 9th Annual Resort Conference in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, May 3-5.
The Resort Conference draws high-level executives including general managers, directors of sales and other department heads, such as those in revenue management, human resources and online marketing, and includes valuable networking opportunities for attendees. This year's resort conference focuses on ways to maximize ROI in resort operations and marketing by connecting to the customer. For more information about the 2009 Conference, or a recap of previous events, visit www.resortconference.com.
HSMAI – Monthly Benefit for February 2009
In case you missed the email last month -- As an HSMAI member, you now have access to the "best of the best" practices in travel marketing via the new online HSMAI Adrian Awards Winners' Gallery. HSMAI's annual Adrian Awards honor excellence in travel and hospitality marketing in the categories of advertising, public relations and web marketing. (www.hsmai.org)
As part of HSMAI's on going efforts to provide best practices for the hospitality sales and marketing industry, the HSMAI Adrian Awards Winners' Gallery allows members to view what's behind the winning work. HSMA members have the exclusive ability to search for and view best of show, platinum, gold, silver and bronze winning entries from the 2007 and 2008 competitions. Members can narrow the search using particular terms, categories, or winning status, as well.
This is the first time in the 52 year history of the Adrian Awards competition that all of the work has been available for viewing by all members. You can see the award winning work of the following: Amtrak; Desires Hotels; Cunard Line; Emirates; Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation; Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau; Holiday Inn Express; Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts; Louisiana Office of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; Marriott and Renaissance Hotels of New Orleans; Nevada Commission of Tourism; Norwegian Cruise Line; Singapore Airlines; The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company; and Tourism New Zealand.
Perhaps you can get some ideas for your own travel marketing efforts…
As part of HSMAI's on going efforts to provide best practices for the hospitality sales and marketing industry, the HSMAI Adrian Awards Winners' Gallery allows members to view what's behind the winning work. HSMA members have the exclusive ability to search for and view best of show, platinum, gold, silver and bronze winning entries from the 2007 and 2008 competitions. Members can narrow the search using particular terms, categories, or winning status, as well.
This is the first time in the 52 year history of the Adrian Awards competition that all of the work has been available for viewing by all members. You can see the award winning work of the following: Amtrak; Desires Hotels; Cunard Line; Emirates; Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation; Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau; Holiday Inn Express; Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts; Louisiana Office of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; Marriott and Renaissance Hotels of New Orleans; Nevada Commission of Tourism; Norwegian Cruise Line; Singapore Airlines; The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company; and Tourism New Zealand.
Perhaps you can get some ideas for your own travel marketing efforts…
Monday, March 23, 2009
New HSMAI-South Florida Chapter Members To Date
Please join me in warmly welcoming our New Members (January to date):
Carmen Ackerman, Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District
Joel Bartimmo, Florida International University
Sharon Cowie, Ritz-Carlton
Christopher Crenshaw, Loews Hotels
Francine Dryja, Tecton Hospitality/Desires Hotels
Ashley Elliott, Planet Hollywood
Catherine Garcia, Morgans Hotel Group
Patrick Goddard, Ocean Blue Hospitality
Samer Hassan, Johnson & Wales University North Miami
Alejandra Lopez, LAN Airlines
Castillo Mayra, Florida International University
Donna McCarthy, Jungle Queen Riverboat
Saul Sarmiento, Morgans Hotel Group
Brian Schachter, Florida International University
Christina Soverns-Schwartzman, Sawgrass Recreation Park
Carmen Ackerman, Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District
Joel Bartimmo, Florida International University
Sharon Cowie, Ritz-Carlton
Christopher Crenshaw, Loews Hotels
Francine Dryja, Tecton Hospitality/Desires Hotels
Ashley Elliott, Planet Hollywood
Catherine Garcia, Morgans Hotel Group
Patrick Goddard, Ocean Blue Hospitality
Samer Hassan, Johnson & Wales University North Miami
Alejandra Lopez, LAN Airlines
Castillo Mayra, Florida International University
Donna McCarthy, Jungle Queen Riverboat
Saul Sarmiento, Morgans Hotel Group
Brian Schachter, Florida International University
Christina Soverns-Schwartzman, Sawgrass Recreation Park
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