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Bruce Himelstein and Ingunn Hofseth Will Lead HSMAI's Global Board; Not an Option, but an Obligation for HSMAI to Intensify Worldwide Efforts |
| WASHINGTON, DC (April 30, 2002) � The Hospitality
Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is entering an
era of dynamic expansion as it embarks on its new �Going Global� initiative.
A new governance change was announced last week at the association�s international
board of directors meeting in Orlando, which will set the stage for global
growth, while at the same time, pave the way for even greater relevance
for individual members and chapters, and enhance the HSMAI brand in the
worldwide marketplace.
One of the most significant changes is the newly-formed global board of directors, who will provide direction for the international organization. HSMAI Nominating Committee Chair Bill Weld, CHME, announced that the committee has appointed two individuals to lead the new global board. The new board chair will be Bruce J. Himelstein, CHME, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Marriott International; vice chair is Ingunn Hofseth, president of HSMAI Chapter Norway. Additional global board seats will be elected by the existing regional boards for Europe and the Americas. This governance change gives regional boards autonomy in directing their chapters so that they may customize their membership model to reflect their region�s individual needs. This in turn will provide greater relevance and value to chapters and members. The first two regional boards to be established are: the Americas board under the leadership of Sal Dickinson, CHME, chief executive of Dickinson & Associates, serving as its chair; and a European board, directed by Ingunn Hofseth, president of HSMAI Chapter Norway. Both will serve two-year terms. At the same time, the global board will focus on membership benefits that truly are global. In the initial stage, that will encompass broadening the scope and the worldwide distribution of HSMAI�s Marketing Review magazine. Equally of value is the further development of HSMAI�s website � a wealth of information and education on sales and marketing in hospitality and travel. For the first time, the entire worldwide membership will be listed and accessible through the members-only section. This creates a tremendous networking opportunity and sharing of information for members around the world. �This is the ideal approach to best govern what has become a truly global enterprise,� says Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI. �In this fast moving age of information, where our business and industry are truly without borders, this new direction will above all provide the greatest value to our constituency � the HSMAI chapters and members.� Chair of the new global board, Bruce, J. Himelstein, CHME, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Marriott International, says: �Going global is no longer an option, but an obligation HSMAI has to the industry. The events of the past year have put us center stage, but it is a world stage and we must stay focused on our opportunities.� This initiative is in keeping with HSMAI�s significant growth in Europe in the past years under the guidance and support of Ingunn Hofseth, president of HSMAI Chapter Norway. According to Hofseth: �Sales and marketing professionals in Europe look forward to the accelerated growth of the association, and the opportunity to expand their ability to exchange best practices and ideas with colleagues from all over the world.� Among the benefits of creating a global enterprise are:
communicating trends in the hospitality industry, while operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and sales and marketing management disciplines. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprising nearly 7,000 members from 35 countries and 60 chapters worldwide. |
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Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International 1300 L Street, NW, Suite 1020 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 789-0089 www.hsmai.org |