To spearhead that initiative, Christine Toguchi has been appointed by HSMAI Global as managing director, based in Singapore, to facilitate and drive the development of HSMAI membership and establish a chapter in the Asia Pacific region. 

�Developing an Asia chapter for HSMAI was inevitable for our strategic planning,� states Bruce J. Himelstein, CHME, global chair of HSMAI and senior vice-president, sales and marketing for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., LLC.  �As global markets continue to value the increasing focus on Asia, we will participate in the vision and look forward in expanding our reach.� 

The value that chapters bring to a region are wide-reaching, ranging from educational and informational benefits to networking opportunities and overall unification of an industry for those engaged in the sales and marketing for hospitality, travel and tourism.  Plans are underway to develop a chapter that will include:

• Creation of a board of directors;
• Organization of educational programs;
• Development of special interest groups in Revenue Management, Internet Marketing and Resort Marketing;
• Creating networking opportunities;
• Establishing strategic relationships with other leading industry associations, organizations, or schools that will enhance and accelerate the position of the chapter in the market;
• Seeking opportunities to expand with additional chapters throughout the region.
• Recognizing the huge potential of the burgeoning region, HSMAI is also taking its very successful strategy conferences on the road to Asia with the debut of Asia Connect, its inaugural conference for the Asia Pacific Region, on Oct. 19, 2005 at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore.

Delegates will also have an opportunity to participate in special interest workshops and discussion groups on Revenue Management, Resort Management and Internet Distribution Marketing.  The program will address key topics of greatest interest to both the property and corporate level hospitality professionals.

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, and bringing together customers and members.  Founded in 1927, HSMAI Global has regions in Europe and the Americas, which represent over 7,000 members and 47 chapters worldwide.  More information on HSMAI can be found at www.hsmai.org. 

HSMAI�s Asia Pacific Chapter
Christine Toguchi
[email protected]
phone (65) 6278 2401
www.hsmaiasiaconnect.com