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The HSMAI Americas Hotel Sales Professional of the Year Awards recognize and promote excellence in the field of sales in hotels. Honorees exemplify strong sales performance producing measurable results, and are honored annually at HSMAI’s Sales Leader Forum.
Plan to celebrate the 2023 honorees at HSMAI’s Sales Leader Forum in Long Beach, California on November 8, 2023.
Nominations are Open: NEW PROCESS FOR 2023!
In 2023, there is a 2-step process that will make the nomination process simpler and more collaborative, and ensure the resulting nominations more clearly detail why a nominee deserves the award.
STEP 1: Nominate someone who you think has made their mark in sales. You’ll share their contact information and why you think they should be a Sales Professional of the Year.
STEP 2: Your nominee will complete an application form so that the Awards Committee can gather insights into their achievements — and we encourage you to work with them on this step. Questions on the application include:
- What does your role entail?
- How are you advancing the sales discipline and/or hospitality industry?
- How do you demonstrate “grit” and resilience? (For example, how do you keep your eye on the big picture even during challenging times? How do you adapt and function in the face of adversity?)
- Describe how you navigate customer relationships.
- In what ways are you creative and innovative?
- Provide evidence of your success including any KPIs or metrics which demonstrate excellence.
- Is there any additional information that is relevant to your application?
To qualify for the On-Property award, a nominee must:
- Currently serve in an on-property or regional sales role for a brand, management company, ownership group, or independent property.
- Demonstrate excellence in all of the following areas: Grit & Resilience, Customer Relationships, Creativity & Initiative, and Advancement of the Discipline.
To qualify for the Off-Property award, a nominee must:
- Currently serve in an off-property regional, national, or global sales role for a hotel brand, management company, or ownership group.
- Demonstrate excellence in all of the following areas: Grit & Resilience, Customer Relationships, Creativity & Initiative, and Advancement of the Discipline.
Past Honorees*
- Paul Papadopulos, Corporate Director, National Sales, Atrium Hospitality (Off-Property, 2022)
- Alex Biondi, Area Director of Sales, Aimbridge Hospitality (On-Property, 2022)
- Cory Hagopian, Vice President, Entertainment & Executive Travel, Accor (Off-Property, 2021)
- Kim Lowe, Complex Director of Sales, The Woodland Resort and Hotels (On-Property, 2021)
- Kristi Griffith, Corporate Director of Sales Support, Prism Hotels & Resorts (Off-Property, 2019)
- Valerie Gold Rios, Director of Sales, IHG – Staybridge Suites Lake Buena Vista (On-Property, 2019)
- Laura Dinu, Director, Groups & Meetings, Global Sales Americas, IHG (Off-property, 2018)
- Amy Champagne, Director of Sales & Catering at the Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs, CO (On-property, 2018)
- Jane Pearsall, Senior Manager of Worldwide Sales, Global Business Travel, Best Western Hotels & Resorts (Off-property, 2017)
- Adreana Bailey, National Sales Manager, Hilton DFW Lakes (On-property, 2017)
*Titles and employers are as of the time of the award presentation.
Partnership opportunities are available for this awards program. For information, contact Elise Rhinehart.
