Second place winners received an engraved crystal pillar award. 
        
�This program provides an ideal avenue to recognize HSMAI chapters that have displayed exemplary talent and achievement in various categories of chapter operation 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.� 
 

Winning entries are published in a �Best-of-the-Best� Manual for 2001 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 50 entries were on display at the Leadership Conference. 
        
HSMAI is an international 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 comprising more than 8,000 members from 35 countries and 60 chapters worldwide.