HSMAI Greater New York Chapter Sees Huge Turnout For 2009 Summer Bash

Garth Peterson, Ideas , Brian Kotula, Open Hospitality and Consuela Hooblal, USA Today gather together at the Summer Bash.

Industry professionals bid on various prizes at the Silent Auction.

HSMAI Greater New York Chapter Sees Huge Turnout For 2009 Summer Bash

The Greater NY Chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) hosted their annual Summer Bash, a hospitality industry cocktail party, fundraiser and networking event. The Summer Bash, which took place on Aug. 11, 2009, welcomed over 400 members of related associations including ISES, MPI, NYSAE, NYCBTA, NYIAEE, PCMA, RSAA, SITE and NYC & Company.

The annual event, which brings together these diverse, yet related hospitality, travel and tourism associations, is one of the primary gatherings in the calendar year enabling extensive networking among industry colleagues.

The event was hosted at New York City's stylish rooftop lounge and event space, 230 Fifth. The amazing view of the Empire State Building, one of the city's biggest tourist attractions, from the roof deck of 230 Fifth provided an ideal setting for hospitality industry leaders to discuss the state of New York City's tourism industry and unwind before the hopefully busy upcoming travel season.

Companies and members donated great prizes for a silent auction including hotel rooms from many great New York hotels, attraction packages including dinners, boat rides, show tickets, and much more. The silent auction raised over $4,000 for The American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge, Jerome L. Green Family Center, the official charity of the HSMAI Greater NY Chapter. Hope Lodge offers free, temporary housing for cancer patients and their families who are undergoing treatment in our city. More than a place to stay, Hope Lodge is a home away from home, offering a comfortable and supportive environment for encouragement and healing.

The HSMAI Greater New York Chapter has over 500 members from all aspects of the Hospitality and Tourism Industries. The chapter holds informative educational luncheon meetings and professional networking events monthly throughout NYC. Membership with HSMAI offers access to industry articles, research and tools from leading global travel professionals.

For more information on HSMAI, contact Kathie Stapleton, Executive Director HSMAI Greater New York Chapter, at phone: 914-762-1456; fax: 914-944-9227; or e-mail: kstapleton@hsmainyc.org.