Author: Jason Smith

(McLean, VA, January 22, 2020) More than 800 hospitality sales and marketing leaders gathered at the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) annual Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala at the New York Marriott Marquis to recognize excellence in travel advertising, digital marketing, and public relations. This year’s award winners are making the future of hospitality brighter and better with their thought leadership and creative approaches to marketing challenges. “The 2019 competition was fierce — entries had bold ideas and brilliant execution,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “The winning Adrian Award campaigns went above and beyond, leading the future of hospitality marketing with impactful and dynamic campaigns that achieved measurable success for their brands.” For 63 years the Adrian Awards have spotlighted excellence in hospitality advertising, digital marketing, and public relations. This year’s award winners were selected from more than 1,100 entries by senior industry and media experts for the following entry categories: advertising, digital marketing, public relations, and integrated marketing. Gold Award winners across each category were recognized during the Adrian Awards Dinner Reception, which was co-sponsored by HSMAI, Google, and TravelClick, an Amadeus Company. Platinum winners receive the highest honor among each category’s Gold Award winners. The highly anticipated Best of Show awards were chosen from the Platinum Award winners for three divisions: digital marketing, public relations, and advertising. The 2019 Best of Show winners are: Digital Marketing “Best of Show” – Super 8 by Wyndham; Citizen Relations, Questus, Mullenlowe Mediahub, for its Super 8 #JOURNEYSAFE campaign Public Relations “Best of Show” – The National WWII Museum and its agency, MMGY NJF, for The National WWII Museum | Owning an Entire News Cycle: D-Day with The National WWII Museum campaign Advertising “Best of Show” – Ritz-Carlton Marriott International for its Stellar Dining Series Advertising Platinum Winners: Company; Agency Best Western Hotels & Resorts; Ideas Collide; Initiative Discover Puerto Rico; Miles Partnership Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism; Target Ritz-Carlton Marriott International The Aruba Tourism Authority; Concept Farm, USIM Digital Marketing Platinum Winners: Company; Agency AccorHotels, Fairmont Hotel, and Resorts The British Virgin Islands Tourism Board & Film Commission; MMGY Myriad Marriott International; Facebook, The Lacek Group, M1M – Publicis, Virtue, 160Over90, Telescope Red Roof United Airlines; 360i Visit Seattle; PB& Super 8 by Wyndham; Citizen Relations, Questus, Mullenlowe Mediahub Public Relations Platinum Winners: Company; Agency Contiki; The Decker/Royal Agency Discover Dominica Authority; MMGY Myriad DoubleTree by Hilton; Edelman MCR and MORSE Development; BerlinRosen Travel Michigan; Weber Shandwick The James New York – NoMad; MMGY NJF The National WWII Museum; MMGY NJF Visit North Carolina & Discover South Carolina; Luquire George Andrews VisitScotland; Laura Davidson Public Relations Integrated Marketing Campaign Platinum Winners: Company; Agency Marriott International The Aruba Tourism Authority; Concept Farm HSMAI Foundation Talent & Leadership Award Winners: Company; Agency, Category SALT Hotels; MMGY NJF; Attracting new talent Marriott International; Mitchell Communication Group; Developing emerging talent Terranea Resort; Engaging existing talent “This year’s Adrian Awards winners showed remarkable ingenuity and truly embraced new techniques in their campaigns,” said Fran Brasseux, HSMAI’s executive vice president. A panel of senior industry executives selected the HSMAI Top 25: Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization for 2019. Each extraordinary mind was honored by HSMAI at a reception and celebrated onstage during the Adrians Gala. HSMAI also honored two industry leaders with HSMAI Lifetime Achievement awards. Bjorn Hanson, Ph.D., executive vice president, 795 Fifth Avenue Corporation, and director, Summit Hotel Properties, was recognized with the 2019 Winthrop W. Grice Award for Public Relations. “From my first day working a hotel to tonight, HSMAI has been among the most important influences in my career,” said Hanson. “Thank you for this wonderful moment and memory for my family and me.” Leland “Lee” Pillsbury, managing director, Thayer Ventures, was the recipient of the 2019 Albert E. Koehl Award for Hospitality Marketing. “We are in a service business, and that will never change”, said Pillsbury. “HSMAI has always stood for those values, and that is what makes this award so meaningful for me. I’m honored and humbled to receive this award and to join the extraordinary list of previous award winners.” The Facebook Mobile Video Award went to DoubleTree by Hilton for its Cookies in Space campaign. In addition, the Corporate Social Responsibility Award was presented to Rosen Hotels & Resorts for its Tangelo Park Program. HSMAI’s Adrian Awards Gala is featured in BizBash’s Top 100 Events in New York. Access this year’s event photos to view the excitement of the winners at the Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala. Please credit “Natural Expressions NY for HSMAI” when using event photos. For more information about the Adrian Awards, visit www.adrianawards.hsmai.org. To interview an HSMAI spokesperson about the event and the winners, please contact Nicole Quain at nquain@hsmai.org. About HSMAI The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as the Marketing Strategy Conference, Adrian Awards, Sales Leader Forum, and HSMAI ROC. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org, HSMAI Facebook, HSMAI Twitter, and HSMAI YouTube.

(McLean, VA, January 9, 2019) The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is thrilled to announce the Gold Winners of the 2019 Adrian Awards. HSMAI’s Gold Winners have exemplified outstanding advertising, digital marketing, public relations, and integrated marketing in hospitality. Platinum and Best of Show winners will be revealed at the HSMAI Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala on January 21st at the New York Marriott Marquis. View the complete list of Gold Award winners on the Adrian Awards website.

This year, HSMAI received over 1,100 entries. The Gold Awards will be presented to a large group of multitalented winners including 99 awards in Public Relations, 16 in Integrated Marketing, 94 in Digital Marketing, and 29 in Advertising. The judges for this year’s awards are comprised of 200 leading hospitality and tourism experts in advertising, digital marketing, media, and public relations.

“It is inspiring to be a part of the Adrian Awards Gala evening,” said Fran Brasseux, executive vice president of HSMAI. “The award winners have pushed the boundaries in hospitality marketing, and it is a privilege to honor their achievements.”

During the Adrian Awards Dinner Reception, co-sponsored by HSMAI, Google, and TravelClick, an Amadeus company, Gold winners’ submissions will be on display. All Gold Adrian Award recipients are considered for Platinum Adrian Awards and the “Best of Show” Awards, which will be announced at the Adrian Awards Gala. Following this year’s gala, all winning work will be showcased in the Winners Gallery on www.adrianawards.hsmai.org.

New this year, the HSMAI Foundation Awards for Outstanding Efforts in Attracting, Developing & Engaging Hospitality Talent will be presented. Also, throughout the evening the future of hospitality marketing will be on display, including insights from forward-thinking industry leaders who will make appearances on a new “futures stage.”

The Adrian Awards also honor HSMAI’s 2019 class of Top 25 Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization, and lifetime achievements in hospitality marketing and public relations. Leland “Lee” Pillsbury will be recognized as the recipient of the Albert E. Koehl Award for Hospitality Marketing and Bjorn Hanson, Ph.D., will be honored with the Winthrop W. Grice Award for Public Relations. The winner of the second Facebook Award for Mobile Video will also be unveiled.

HSMAI’s Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala is a great opportunity to network and celebrate with nearly 1,000 hospitality and tourism colleagues. Tickets can be purchased at www.adrianawards.hsmai.org. HSMAI will also host the 2020 Marketing Strategy Conference at the New York Marriott Marquis, on Wednesday, January 22, focused on marketing in a digital world. To learn more, visit www.marketingstrategy.hsmai.org.

For more information and to inquire about a media pass to the HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala, please contact Nicole Quain at nquain@hsmai.org.

About HSMAI
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as HSMAI Digital Marketing Strategy Conference, Adrian Awards, and Revenue Optimization Conference. Founded in 1927 and celebrating 90 years in 2017, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org, HSMAI Facebook, HSMAI, Twitter, and HSMAI YouTube.

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association (HSMAI) is thrilled to recognize the brightest minds in the hospitality industry with the 2019 HSMAI Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization. These professionals have been selected by a panel of senior industry executives and will be celebrated at the Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala and at a private reception on January 22, 2020, at the New York Marriott Marquis.

HSMAI’s Top 25 Extraordinary Minds have shared innovative ideas and achieved exceptional results in the preceding 18 months. Each of these individuals has exemplified leadership and brilliance in their respective roles. Collectively they are contributing to the bright future of the hospitality industry.

“These 25 leaders are an inspiration to the entire hospitality and tourism industry. Their out-of-the-box thinking and creativity are setting our industry up for success,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “The future of hospitality is optimistic when we have professionals like HSMAI’s Top 25 who are actively driving advancement, growth, and creativity across sales, marketing, and revenue optimization.”

The HSMAI Americas Top 25 Extraordinary Minds are as follows:

• Tammie Carlisle, Head of Hospitality, Milestone Inc.
• Leah Chandler, Chief Marketing Officer, Discover Puerto Rico
• Alex Ferdinand, Senior Director, Worldwide Sales, Best Western Hotels & Resorts
• Christen Garb, Vice President, Revenue Management-Americas, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
• Thomas Garzilli, Chief Marketing Officer, Brand USA
• Valerie Gavin, Vice President, Hotel Sales & Marketing, North & Central America, Accor
• Lisa Giamo, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, OTO Development
• Kristie Goshow, Chief Marketing Officer, Preferred Hotels & Resorts
• Lauren Grech, CEO & Co-Founder of LLG Agency & LLG Events, and Adjunct Professor at New York University
• Linda Gulrajani, Vice President, Revenue Strategy & Distribution, Marcus Hotels & Resorts
• Patrick Harrison, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Tampa Bay
• Matt Jones, Head of Analytics, Travel, Google
• Jonathan Kaplan, Vice President, Global Sales Strategy, IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Nancy Kern, Vice President of Marketing, Coral Tree Hospitality
• Jayna Leach, Vice President of Marketing, Visit Panama City Beach
• Caroline MacDonald, Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing, Rosewood Hotel Group
• Rene Mack, President, Percepture
• Starla Middlebrooks, Director, eCommerce Services, Marriott International
• Frank Passanante, Senior Vice President, Hilton Worldwide Sales Americas, Hilton Worldwide
• Derek Price, Director of Business Development, North America, Expedia Group Media Solutions
• Karin Salinas, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Baha Mar
• Monica Salter, Vice President of Corporate Communications, Outrigger Hospitality Group
• Phil Yi, Vice President, Marketing, Omni Hotels & Resorts
• Tony Yousfi, Vice President, Sales, MGM Resorts International
• Lou Zameryka, Director, Global Chains, Booking.com

Tables and tickets for the HSMAI Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala are still available for purchase. For additional information on the HSMAI Adrian Awards and the HSMAI Lifetime Achievement Awards, visit http://www.adrianawards.com.

Co-located with the Adrian Awards, HSMAI’s Marketing Strategy Conference, on January 22, at the New York Marriot Marquis, is designed to provide practical information, insights, and strategies to drive revenue and engage guests before, during, and after their stays. For registration and more information, visit http://www.marketingstrategy.hsmai.org.

About HSMAI
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as the Marketing Strategy Conference, Adrian Awards, and HSMAI ROC. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org, HSMAI Facebook, HSMAI Twitter, and HSMAI YouTube.

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association (HSMAI) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2019 HSMAI Lifetime Achievement Awards in marketing and public relations. Bjorn Hanson, Ph.D., will be honored with the Winthrop W. Grice Award for Public Relations. Leland “Lee” Pillsbury, managing director of Thayer Ventures, will be recognized as the recipient of the Albert E. Koehl Award for Hospitality Marketing. HSMAI will celebrate Bjorn and Lee at the Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala on January 21, 2020, at the New York Marriott Marquis.

The HSMAI Lifetime Achievement Awards recognize individuals who have spent a major portion of their careers in the hospitality and travel profession and have contributed to the betterment of the industry in a significant and lasting way, over an extended period of time.

“Bjorn and Lee both have illustrious careers, and HSMAI is proud to recognize their contributions to the growth, development, and success of the hospitality and tourism industry,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “We are honored to presenting Bjorn with the Winthrop W. Grice Award for Public Relations for his many years of leveraging publicity to advocate for the hospitality industry and its place in the economy and fabric of the United States. We honor Lee with the Albert E. Koehl Award for Hospitality Marketing in recognition of his many contributions as an innovator in hospitality marketing, distribution, and technology.”

Bjorn Hanson is the executive vice president of the entity that owns The Pierre hotel in New York and is a director of Summit Hotel Properties. He is the recipient of numerous notable awards, including, One of the 33 Most Influential People in the Travel Industry by Travel Weekly, One of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry by Meeting News, One of the Lodging Industry’s Innovators by Lodging, and more.

In addition to these accolades, Bjorn founded the Hospitality & Leisure practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he served as Global Industry Leader of Hospitality & Leisure. He was responsible for hospitality & leisure audit, tax, and advisory services, globally. Bjorn then retired from PwC in 2008 and joined the full-time faculty of New York University (NYU). In 2010 he was appointed dean of the New York University Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism, and Sports Management. Bjorn was also appointed co-interim dean of one of New York University’s 18 schools and colleges. After 10 years he retired from New York University.

Today, Bjorn is a member of the Editorial Board of the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly and is a Reviewer for The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, and serves an active researcher and consultant specializing in expert witness testimony for major hospitality industry matters.

Leland “Lee” Pillsbury is a managing director of Thayer Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in technology companies targeting the travel and hospitality industry. Lee was also a founder and chairman of Thayer Lodging Group and was CEO from its founding in 1991 until its sale to Brookfield Properties in 2014. In addition, he is also was the founder of TenX Healthcare, a corporation focused on transforming the patient journey through surgery. He began his career at Marriott, where he rose to become executive vice president and head of the strategy for lodging.

Lee has been involved in the purchase and sale of over 70 companies and played a major role in the launch of over 20 new companies. He now serves on the Boards of Directors and Advisory Boards of several companies Thayer Ventures has investments in.

In recent years, Lee was named Hospitality Executive of the year by Penn State University and Entrepreneur of the Year by Cornell University in 2016. He is a member of Cornell’s Board of Trustees and serves on its Executive Committee, Investment Committee, and chairs its Buildings and Properties Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University and an MBA from JL Kellogg Graduate School at Northwestern.

Tables and tickets for the HSMAI Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala are still available for purchase. For additional information on the HSMAI Adrian Awards and the HSMAI Lifetime Achievement Awards, visit www.adrianawards.org.

Co-located with the Adrian Awards, HSMAI’s Marketing Strategy Conference, on January 22, at the New York Marriot Marquis, is designed to provide practical information, insights, and strategies to drive revenue and engage guests before, during, and after their stays. For registration and more information, visit www.marketingstrategy.hsmai.org.

About HSMAI

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as the Marketing Strategy Conference, Adrian Awards, and HSMAI ROC. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org, HSMAI Facebook, HSMAI Twitter, and HSMAI YouTube.

(McLean, VA, July 17, 2019) Nominations are officially open for the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas Lifetime Achievement and Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization awards. Honorees will be recognized during the HSMAI Adrian Awards Dinner Reception & Gala on January 21, 2020, at the New York Marriott Marquis.

HSMAI’s Albert E. Koehl Award for Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Marketing, Winthrop W. Grice Award for Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Public Relations, and Lifetime Achievement Award in Hospitality Sales recognize hospitality professionals who have dedicated their careers to the hospitality and travel industry. These leaders continually strive for betterment and

Nominations for these awards can be made by visiting HSMAI’s Adrian Awards. The HSMAI Lifetime Awards Committee, which comprises previous recipients, will review all nominations and select this year’s winners.

In 2018, Harris Rosen, president and CEO, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, was honored with the Albert E. Koehl Award. Steve Bartolin, chairman, The Broadmoor, received the Winthrop W. Grice Award. In addition, Stephen Powell, retired senior vice president of worldwide sales, InterContinental Hotels Group, received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in Hospitality Sales.

“Much of our success is owed to the seasoned hospitality leaders who continually navigate an increasingly complicated and ever-changing industry with grace and wisdom,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “On behalf of the HSMAI Lifetime Awards Committee, I encourage hospitality professionals from all areas to nominate experienced tourism professionals who have positively impacted the field.”

HSMAI is now accepting nominations for the Lifetime Achievement in Sales Award recognizing significant accomplishments in hospitality sales over a notable length of time. This award will be recognized at the HSMAI Sales Leader Forum, November 5-6, at the Westin Stonebriar Hotel and Golf Club in Frisco, Texas. Submit your nominations today by visiting HSMAI Americas 2019 Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sales nomination form.

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement awards, HSMAI is seeking nominations for its Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization program, which honors exceptional sales and marketing and revenue optimization leaders of hospitality, travel, and tourism organizations for their achievements in the preceding 18 months.

Nominations can be made at HSMAI’s Adrian Awards Top 25 until August 22, 2019.

Top 25 recipients will be selected by a wide panel of experienced industry executives based on the creativity and innovation of their cutting-edge sales, marketing or revenue optimization campaigns, and their ability to overcome challenging situations, resulting in successful sales gains.

“It is an honor to celebrate top-performing hospitality leaders who have out-of-the-box ideas and continually achieve impressive results,” Gilbert said. “HSMAI’s Top 25 award recipients are an inspiration to professionals across the hospitality industry.”

HSMAI will honor the Top 25 in conjunction with the Adrian Awards Dinner Reception & Gala on January 21, 2020, and in a private ceremony.

The following comprise the 2018 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds:

• Jennifer Andre, senior director, North America & Latin America, Expedia Group Media Solutions
• Dustin Bomar, head of industry, travel, Google, Inc.
• Ronald Castro, chief strategist, Roca Marketing
• Chris Crenshaw, CRME, vice president of digital data solutions, STR
• Fred Dixon, president, CEO, NYC & Company
• David Downing, president of brand, United Landmark Associates
• Erica Doyne, vice president of marketing, AMResorts
• Gino Engels, co-founder, chief commercial officer, OTA Insight
• George Galinsky, senior vice president of marketing communications, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE)
• Darren Green, senior vice president of sales, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
• Chad Hallert, vice president of performance marketing, Nobel Studios
• Allison Handy, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Prism Hotels & Resorts
• Adam Hayashi, vice president of revenue management and business intelligence, AccorHotels North & Central America
• Carolyn Hosna, vice president of marketing, White Lodging
• Jay Hubbs, senior vice president of eCommerce and digital marketing, Remington Hotels
• Jodi Kern, senior director of digital merchandising, Marriott International
• Gil Langley, president, CEO, Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
• David Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
• Sarah Murov, vice president of public relations and commercial communications, Loews Hotels & Company
• Leticia Proctor, senior vice president of sales, marketing, and revenue management, Donohoe Hospitality Services
• Julie Scott, president, Colwen Hotels
• Jim Struna, CRME, regional director of revenue management – eastern U.S. and Caribbean, Rosewood Hotel Group
• Matt Teixeira, director of sales, Best Western Hotels & Resorts
• Theresa Van Greunen, senior director of corporate communications, Aqua-Aston Hospitality
• Cherilyn Williams, director of global portfolio marketing, Marriott International

To learn more about last year’s Top 25 winners, visit Behind the HSMAI Top 25 2018.

The celebration of Adrian Award recipients, Lifetime Achievement winners, and Top 25 honorees will take place at the HSMAI Adrian Awards Dinner Reception & Gala, January 21, 2020, at the New York Marriott Marquis.

We appreciate the support of our generous sponsors. This year’s Adrian Awards Benefactor Partner is Facebook. Our 2019 Broadway Partners are Google, Hemsworth Communications, Ideas Collide, and Travel Click. Interested in becoming an Adrian Awards partner? Contact Elise Rhinehart at erhinehart@hsmai.org.

To receive more information on the Top 25, contact Stacy Gleason at sgleason@hsmai.org. For more information on the Adrian Awards competition, please contact Ellen Wilson at ewilson@hsmai.org or visit the Adrian Awards online. To receive instant updates, follow the Adrian Awards’ Twitter and Instagram accounts.

About HSMAI
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as HSMAI Digital Marketing Strategy Conference, Adrian Awards, and Revenue Optimization Conference. Founded in 1927 and celebrating 90 years in 2017, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org, HSMAI Facebook, HSMAI Twitter, and HSMAI YouTube.

(McLean, VA, July 10, 2019) Attention all bold, imaginative, and future-focused hospitality marketers: The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is accepting entries for its 2019 Adrian Awards. For the 63rd year, HSMAI will proudly recognize exceptional agencies, brands, and individuals for their creativity and innovation in hospitality advertising, digital marketing, and public relations.

“Year after year, the Adrian Awards bring out the best in hospitality marketing. Our winners set the bar for marketers seeking to go above and beyond the ordinary by truly achieving the extraordinary” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “The Adrians not only challenge old ways of thinking but bring light to new ideas and technologies that will lead the future of travel marketing in 2019 and beyond.”

The Adrian Awards encompass three divisions: advertising, digital marketing, and public relations. Travel industry professionals and agencies compete for gold, silver, and bronze awards in each category. The most extraordinary entrants are recognized as platinum winners, with one entrant in each of the three categories receiving the “Best in Show” distinction.

“The 2019 Adrian Awards theme is ‘Fast Forward to the Future,’” said Fran Brasseux, CHSE, CHBA, executive vice president, HSMAI. “As technology rapidly evolves, it is more crucial than ever for marketers to be on top of their game. With travel becoming more personal and tech-savvy, we look to honor the marketers who are bringing innovation, design creativity, new trends, and measurable results to the industry.”

In 2018, HSMAI introduced two new awards. The Facebook Mobile Video Award evaluates campaigns based on how their creative assets capture attention on mobile and how measurement solutions translate into real business results. In addition, the Corporate Social Responsibility Award showcases entrants’ efforts in areas such as environmental impact, employee relations, community support, volunteering, and philanthropy.

New this year, the HSMAI Foundation Talent & Leadership Development Award recognizes outstanding efforts to attract, develop, and engage industry professionals in sales, marketing, and revenue optimization — including hiring campaigns, training, mentorship, and leadership development programs. As of 2018, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there are 1,139,000 job openings across the leisure and hospitality sector. It is crucial the right people are put in place now to optimize the results of sales, marketing, and revenue management, so they can successfully navigate the industry cycle and softer market conditions. The HSMAI Foundation is proud to recognize the efforts made to bridge the hospitality industry talent gap.

The Adrian Awards early-entry deadline is July 22, 2019, and the final deadline is August 22, 2019.
Please note all entries for the Adrian Awards must be submitted online.

HSMAI is also accepting nominations for the 2019 HSMAI Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization 2019 and the 2019 Lifetime Achievement honors. For submission guidelines and award information, visit HSMAI’s Top 25/Lifetime Awards.

Adrian Awards entries will be judged by a panel of advertising, digital marketing, and public relations experts and leading members of the hospitality and travel industry. Professionals interested in being a judge must have at least eight years of hospitality, travel or tourism marketing, or specific media experience. For more information or to apply, please visit HSMAI’s Adrian Awards Judging.

We appreciate the support of our generous sponsors. This year’s Adrian Awards Benefactor Partner is Facebook. Our 2019 Broadway Partners are Google, Hemsworth Communications, Ideas Collide, and Travel Click. Interested in becoming an Adrian Awards partner? Contact Elise Rhinehart at erhinehart@hsmai.org.

For more information on the Adrian Awards competition, please contact Ellen Wilson at ewilson@hsmai.org or visit the Adrian Awards online. To receive instant updates, follow the Adrian Awards’ Twitter and Instagram accounts.

About HSMAI
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as HSMAI Digital Marketing Strategy Conference, Adrian Awards, and Revenue Optimization Conference. Founded in 1927 and celebrating 90 years in 2017, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org, HSMAI Facebook, HSMAI Twitter, and HSMAI Youtube.