�These key issues, many of which are the subject of HSMAI Chapter seminars and luncheons throughout the world, have increased the value and importance of HSMAI membership for hospitality industry employees, managers and senior executives as we all find the need to communicate in the new business arena that has evolved today,� said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI. 

HSMAI polled its 7,000 members on key issues facing the industry along with opinions on activities within the organization.  According to the survey, the top 10 issues facing the travel industry and sales and marketing professionals include: 

1. Terrorism fear and safety concerns 
2. Human resource issues such as turnover, training, compensation and availability of labor 
3. Technology and distribution 
4. Sales and marketing skill competencies 
5. Competition 
6. Budgets 
7. Creativity, moral and balance of personal and work life 
8. Changing customer profile 
9. Rate and price integrity 
10. Speed required to do business today 

There is no one thing that is singularly important to all members, the survey showed, however, the importance ranking of all programs went up in the past year and quality rankings improved as well. 

Significantly, web site utilization increased, and the percentage of members who have their companies pay for the membership dropped from 90% to 86%. 

Turnover of employees is always a concern of both employers and employees, and the HSMAI survey showed that nearly half of the members have remained in their jobs for more than two years and 63% are with the same employer. 

A total of 47% of the survey respondents were with the same employer in the same job for the past two years versus 35% in last year�s survey.  Additionally, 39% feel they will be with the same employer in a more advanced position two years from now versus 43% who felt that way last year. 

Of the eight percent of the membership that are not likely to renew their membership in HSMAI, most said that the lack of time was the most significant factor. 

The HSMAI Chapters remain the most important reason for people joining HSMAI with a total of 60 Chapters throughout the world.  A total of 58% of the members regularly attend Chapter functions, an increase of five percentage points over 2001. 

The HSMAI Marketing Review magazine, published quarterly and distributed to members, as well as available by subscription to non-members for an annual cost of $65, was ranked second in importance, and the HSMAI web site and Update publications produced by HSMAI to keep members informed were next in importance. 

More than 70% of the members said HSMAI Affordable Meetings and the Annual Chapter Leadership Summit Conference were important programs. 

The Chapter Leadership Summit Conference, followed by the HSMAI Marketing Review, were ranked as the highest quality programs from HSMAI.  Other events and HSMAI Affordable Meetings were ranked next in line for quality. 

The preferred methods of program delivery remains overwhelming �face-to-face� with 79% of the membership placing this at the top of their preference list. 

The leading benefits continue to be �networking� and �enhancement of the sales and marketing professions,� and the most important aspect of networking is considered to be �motivation and inspiration� followed by building business alliances and partnerships. 

HSMAI is an organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry.  With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and 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 comprised of nearly 7,000 members from 35 countries and 60 chapters worldwide.