McLean, VA – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) announced the recipients of the Frank W. Berkman “Best of the Best” Awards on January 29, 2025, at the HSMAI Mike Leven Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL. Named the Best of the Best in chapter leadership and operations, the chapter’s programs and accomplishments serve as best practices for all chapters as they continue to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue for HSMAI members on the local level.
HSMAI chapter leaders in the Americas Region gathered at the Mike Leven Leadership Conference on Jan. 29 and 30, to celebrate excellence in communication, membership, partnership, special events, and education. Through a mix of keynote speakers, collaborative working sessions, and roundtable discussions, chapter leaders had the opportunity to learn and discuss best practices within the hospitality industry. This year’s expert and motivational speakers include Lee Cockerell, a former executive vice president of operations for the Walt Disney World® Resort, Lovell Casiero, senior vice president of commercial strategy at PM Hotel Group, and Summer Jelinek, professional keynote speaker and leadership expert.
The HSMAI Chapter Award Program is named after Frank W. Berkman, who was appointed HSMAI’s executive director in the 1960s and served until his retirement in 1981. Each year HSMAI recognizes the best of the best in honor of Frank W. Berkman.
The 2024 Frank W. Berkman Best of the Best winners are
Communication:
Small Chapter: Puerto Rico
Medium Chapter: Arizona
Large Chapter: Greater New York
Membership:
Small Chapter: Ontario
Medium Chapter: Central Florida; Greater Denver
Large Chapter: South Florida; Washington D.C.
Partnership:
Small Chapter: British Columbia
Medium Chapter: Arizona
Large Chapter: Greater New York
Special Events:
Small Chapter: Mid-South; Austin
Medium Chapter: Hawaii; Central Florida
Large Chapter: Greater New York
Education:
Small Chapter: Ontario
Medium Chapter: Central Florida
Large Chapter: Las Vegas; Greater New York
The conference was renamed the HSMAI Mike Leven Leadership Conference following a generous donation from the Mike and Andrea Leven Foundation in 2013. This year’s conference was made possible by Hotel Landy and HHM Hotels.
For additional information on the HSMAI Mike Leven Leadership Conference and the HSMAI Frank W. Berkman Best of the Best Awards, visit americas.hsmai.org/hsmai-mike-leven-leadership-conference.
About HSMAI
The Hospitality Sales & 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.
