The competition (for the 2000 calendar year) included 30 entries in eight categories: Awards & Recognition, Communications, Education/Programming, Fundraising/Community Service, Marketplace Events, Membership Development, Website and S.U.P.E.R.B. (Some Unique Project Executed Really Beautifully).

Judging took place during an International Board Meeting held in conjunction with HSMAI�s Affordable Meetings® Mid-America in Chicago, IL, April 4-5, 2001.      Entries were evaluated independently by International Board members and were awarded a Gold, Silver or Bronze designation.  All winners received an engraved crystal pillar award as well as a cash prize.

�This program provides an ideal avenue to recognize HSMAI chapters that have displayed exemplary talent and achievement in various categories over the past year,� states Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI.  �Furthermore, it is a way for chapters to learn about what their peers are doing, and at the same time, challenges them to be even more creative and innovative in their programming and initiatives.�

Gold winning entries:

• Greater Phoenix Chapter --   Awards & Recognition, Education/Programming, Fundraising/Community Service & S.U.P.E.R.B.
• Georgia Chapter --    Membership Development
• Southern California Chapter --  Website
• Chapter Norway --     Marketplace Event
• Big Apple Chapter --    Communications

• Chapter Norway�Educational Programming, Membership Development,
• Website, Awards & Recognition
• Big Apple Chapter --    Fundraising/Community Service
• Magnolia Chapter (Biloxi) --  Marketplace Event
• Georgia Chapter --    S.U.P.E.R.B.
• Greater Phoenix Chapter --   Communications

• Space City Chapter (Houston) --  Educational Programming
• Georgia Chapter --    Fundraising/Community Service, Marketplace Event
• Chapter Norway --    Communications
• Dallas Ft. Worth Metroplex Chapter�Website
• Central Florida Chapter (Orlando) -- Awards & Recognition

Margo Engel, managing director of the Georgia  chapter, and Margie Sheffer, HSMAI�s director  of chapter relations

Julie Andrews, CHME, chair of the  chapter relations advisory committee  for chapter awards, and Richard  Kahn, immediate past-president  of the Big Apple chapter

The Gold winning entries were published in a �Best-of-the-Best� Manual for 2000 and presented to chapter leaders.  The �Best-of-the-Best� Manual is used to inspire and guide all HSMAI chapters to raise the bar of their chapter operation.  In addition, all 30 entries were on display during the HSMAI Annual Sales & Marketing Summit, which took place June 7 at the Marriott Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, immediately following the Leadership Forum.

HSMAI is the leading organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry.  With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry leader in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry while operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and sales and marketing management disciplines.  Members can access a wide variety of educational tools and enhance their skills and expertise to increase business and enrich their careers.  Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprised of over 5,000 members from 35 countries and 60 chapters worldwide.