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HSMAI honored the 2022 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization — recognizing leaders from hospitality, travel, and tourism organizations for their accomplishments. Michael Curran, CHDM Vice President of eCommerce Strategy at Aimbridge Hospitality is one of these honorees.
Michael Curran has a background in the hospitality industry that spans over 28 years from property level to corporate leadership at Wyndham, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, and Aimbridge, as well as work for national marketing agencies. The majority of his time has been focused on Internet marketing and advertising.
As the VP of eCommerce Strategy for Aimbridge, Michael oversees a team dedicated to the support of independent and soft-branded hotels and resorts across North America. His work has earned his clients 7 HSMAI Adrian Awards. Michael has been a CHDM since the first year of the program, along with GAIQ (Google Analytics Certification), Google Ads Search certification, and Google Ads Display certification.
Key accomplishment: Curran is constantly looking to the future of marketing and what can drive qualified stays and improved costs. Curran oversaw a significant expansion in Aimbridge’s relationship with HotelPlanner.com. During the peak of covid issues, he reorganized and lead new general content strategies, promotional strategies, and property-level execution for just over 1000 properties on the service. As the effects of covid caused marketing funds to be reduced, Curran led another initiative to source low-cost but highly qualified guest reach through OTT campaigns.
What inspired this nomination? “Michael is the most knowledgeable and hardest-working digital marketer I have ever known. When I started working on Hilton.com in 1996 he was at the Hilton Chicago and the first on-property person who actually understood the possibilities of the internet at the time. We partnered to be innovative and drive advanced tactics. In addition to all of his knowledge, Curran has a heart of gold and cares deeply for his coworkers, friends, and family.”
HSMAI: What keeps you inspired?
Michael: That fact that it is impossible to know everything there is to know about our industry. Doesn’t matter how long you’ve been around or how much you do with your time, there is ALWAYS something new you can learn and always some piece of knowledge just waiting to be plucked.
HSMAI: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Michael: Getting the experience you need to help advance yourself and your company is as simple as just showing up, and keep showing up, to as many things as you can. The best experience comes from interactions with others who already have the experience you want. Consistently showing up, even if you don’t actually do anything most of the time, builds confidence in others who will in turn have confidence in you, and in turn will give you the experience you want.
Nominations will open for the 2023 HSMAI Top 25 July 17.