MCLEAN, VA (Nov. 11, 2003) � Prominent journalist and NBC�s Today Show travel editor, Peter Greenberg; editor of USAToday.com Travel, Andrew Sherry; and author and vice president at Cyveillance, Brian Murray, have been announced as headliners at the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International�s (HSMAI) first-ever HSMAI Hotel Internet Marketing Strategy Conference in Miami, FL at the Hotel InterContinental on Dec. 12, 2003 from 8am to 2pm � the day following the HEDNA fall conference.

• Brian Murray, author and vice president of client services for Cyveillance will open the program with a keynote address on �Defending the Brand: Aggressive Strategies for Protecting Your Brand in the Online Arena.� 

• Andrew Sherry, editor of USA Today.com Travel, will then set the stage for the first panel on Keyword Bidding with a talk on �Trademark Protection: How it Relates to Consumer Perception.� 

• Peter Greenberg, travel writer, editor, broadcaster, producer and travel editor of NBC�s Today Show will then prepare for the second panel by presenting �A Consumers View on Pop Up and Pop Under Marketing.�

Additionally, there will be a Supplier Showcase as well as a networking lunch.

�The response to this strategy conference has been overwhelming, which just affirms Internet marketing�s huge impact, importance and concern as it relates to the sales and marketing process,� says Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI.

Earlier in the year, Internet marketing specialists from leading hotel companies united under the auspices of HSMAI to form a committee dedicated to the most pressing and topical issues facing the industry as it relates to Internet marketing.  Prior to the upcoming Strategy Conference, the committee held monthly phone forums to debate and address pertinent issues.

The committee�s Advisory Board members are Jens Thraenhart, director of Internet strategy, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts; Michael Davis, director of interactive strategy & development, Ian Schrager Hotels; Michael B. Wylie, vice president eCommerce, Wyndham International; Michael Hayward, director, marketing planning and automation, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts; Mark Koehler, vice president of interactive marketing, Starwood Hotels & Resorts; James Zito, manager, interactive marketing & development, Affinia Hospitality (formerly Manhattan East Suite Hotels); Gino Giovannelli, senior director, e-Business strategy, Carlson Hospitality Worldwide; and Bill Carroll, Ph.D., visiting assistant professor, School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University.

In 2004, HSMAI will step-up its interest in the strategic solutions business by holding five Strategy Conferences, each serving unique markets and industries within travel and hospitality.  They include: Airline-Hotel Contracting (February 19-21 in Miami), Hotel Internet Marketing (April 21 in New York and December � date and place TBD), Revenue Management (June 21 in Dallas in conjunction with HITEC), and Industry Outlook Strategy Conference in conjunction with NYU (September 23 in New York).

HSMAI is an organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality and travel 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.

Cost of attendance, prior to Dec. 5, 2003, is $175 for HSMAI or HEDNA members or $325 for non-HSMAI members, which includes a one-year membership.  The rates increase by $75 after Dec. 5; corporate partnerships are also available.