Emmy-Winning Tom Bergeron Of 'Hollywood Squares' And 'America's Funniest Home Videos' To Host HSMAI's Travel Industry Awards Dinner

On Jan. 29, 2002, marketing creativity and excellence will be in the spotlight as the industry pays tribute to the winners of HSMAI's 45th Adrian Advertising, 15th Golden Bell Public Relations, and for the second time, Golden Click Web International Awards.

"In the spirit of coming together, we are creating an informal, entertaining evening of celebration that pays tribute to our industry and those who exemplify success, passion and creativity," says Robert A. Gilbert, CHA, CHME, president and CEO of HSMAI.

"A common thread throughout Tom Bergeron's broadcast career has been his remarkable connection with 'mainstream America.' Given the mood and state of the industry and our nation, it is most fitting that we have Tom, with his quick wit and great humor, take us through what promises to be a light and lively night of great energy and enthusiasm."

Hosting a legendary series such as Hollywood Squares is the latest move in a career that includes critically acclaimed network television talk, award-winning local programming and top-rated radio.

A 20-year broadcast veteran, Bergeron, when he was 17, became the youngest DJ ever at WHAV Radio, the station in his Haverhill, Massachusetts hometown. Working his way up in radio, he soon found himself hosting his own show, The Tom Bergeron Show, a late night talk/comedy program that tripled ratings for the New Hampshire station on which it aired. In 1982, while still hosting the New Hampshire broadcast, Bergeron added television to his plate, as host of the Emmy Award-winning magazine series Super Kids at WBZ-TV Boston as well as other hosting duties at the station, including the daily broadcast 4 Today, and the Emmy Award-winning children's series Rap Around.

Then, in 1987, he was tapped to host People Are Talking, the station's popular morning series, where he remained for the next six years. While still on People Are Talking in 1990, Bergeron also began what would be the city's #1 morning radio show on WBZ-AM.

In 1993, Bergeron made the leap from local to national television as host of upstart cable network FX's Breakfast Time. His sardonic humor and anything-goes approach made him an instant hit with viewers. Two years later, the series moved over to the FOX broadcast network, reaching an even larger audience.

Following FOX, Bergeron served as a guest anchor of Good Morning America. Earlier in the year he returned to morning television by co-hosting CBS' The Early Show for a week, and jumped to primetime as this year's host of ABC's America's Funniest Home Videos.

Now in his fourth year as host of Hollywood Squares, Bergeron won the 2000 Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Game Show Host," and he was nominated again this year in the same category.

This year's HSMAI Travel Industry Awards contest attracted more than 1,500 entries from 46 countries and destinations around the world, with entries judged by teams of experts from all sectors of the industry. Those attending the awards dinner are a virtual "who's who" of the hospitality, travel and tourism industry, who come to receive their awards and be recognized by their peers for their accomplishments.

For the first time this year, a special "case study" magazine is being prepared of all the Platinum winners, which will be distributed at the event. Additionally, all Platinum award winners will be featured in a multi-media presentation, with special tribute paid to the three "Best in Show" - one in each of the three award categories.

Tickets for the dinner are available at $225 per person or $2,250 per table of 10. The event will take place at the New York Marriott Marquis, with a reception and The Gallery viewing beginning at 6pm, followed by dinner and the awards. As a departure from the previous black tie awards dinners, this year's dress will be business attire.

For additional information on the Awards Night Dinner and to purchase tickets or tables, contact Cass Folis-Bullock at (609) 628-2348, e-mail [email protected], or via fax at (609) 628-2819. You can also visit the HSMAI web site at www.hsmai.org.