McLean, Va. (September 19, 2012) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), today announces a staff appointment in Dubai to develop programs and the HSMAI brand in the U.A.E. and Middle East.

Erin O’Neill has been named managing director of the HSMAI U.A.E. O’Neill is the founder of Hot Hoteliers, a hotelier networking organization with more than 4,500 members across Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, and partner and Chief Imagination Officer of Serindipity Event Solutions , which builds brands through special events, public relations and marketing initiatives. Additionally, O’Neill has experience working in sales and marketing for Movenpick and Starwood Hotels and Resorts in both Europe and the Middle East.

Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI, appointed O’Neill to her new role.

"I was very pleased Bob named Erin O’Neill to lead the development of the HSMAI brand in the U.A.E.,” said Jeff Senior, HSMAI global chair and executive vice president of marketing and sales at Fairmont Raffles Hotels International. “As we further develop our presence in the Middle East, it is imperative we are led by a seasoned professional who knows the industry in this region, and O’Neill is the perfect person for the job.”

O’Neill’s responsibilities will include developing HSMAI programs and growing the membership base in the U.A.E. She will also work with a steering committee made up of HSMAI members in the region.

O’Neill and Gilbert will be meeting with the Steering Committee this fall to discuss initiatives for 2013. The Steering Committee to date includes: Terry Kane, director of digital strategy at Jumeirah Group; Mona Faraj, managing partner at Insights Management Consultancy; Stuart McColl, regional director of revenue management at Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, and Jeff Strachan, vice president of sales and marketing at Marriott International.

“The Steering Committee looks forward to meeting with O’Neill to plan the next steps for HSMAI in the U.A.E. for 2013,” Strachan said. “It is an exciting time for this market, and HSMAI can develop educational programs and resources for sales, marketing, and revenue management professionals that will help the hotel industry in the U.A.E. and the wider Middle East region.”

Companies interested in being charter partners of HSMAI in the U.A.E. should contact Gilbert at [email protected] or O’Neill at [email protected].

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners, and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. HSMAI is a global organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry and is committed to helping hotels and their partners grow their revenue through sales, marketing and revenue optimization. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry as well as connecting its members with customers. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprised of nearly 7,000 members from 35 countries and chapters worldwide. HSMAI's Americas Region, headquartered in McLean, VA, consists of 40 chapters in three countries. HSMAI's European Region, headquartered in London, consists of national chapters in Europe. HSMAI Asia Pacific, headquartered in Singapore, includes chapters in Australia, Southeast Asia, and Greater China. Visit www.hsmai.org for more information.