MCLEAN, VA | Creating strategic marketing plans on a limited budget and reeling in new business opportunities in a rocky economic climate are two issues top of mind for hospitality sales and marketing professionals. The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International’s HSMAI University will address these topics during two webinar programs scheduled in May.

“Our webinar programs are aligned with HSMAI’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to offer specialized content to support business needs,” said Fran Brasseux, Executive Vice President, HSMAI. “We offer programs with timely and relevant subject matter appropriate to individuals with responsibilities ranging from entry-level to advanced.”

Each webinar incorporates a 60-minute presentation conducted live via the internet with audio conference linkage. The May webinar sessions include:

• The Importance of Marketing Strategy in Challenging Times
  May 21, 2009 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
  Speaker: Karen McSteen, President, brandMatters LLC
  In this webinar, attendees will learn the key elements for creating a marketing strategy that will help increase competitive advantage and focus limited resources. It will assist sales and marketing professionals answer questions such as: Are you making these decisions within in a strategic framework or are you reacting to what’s in front of you? Is there a better way to make decisions to ensure that you are creating a strong foundation for the future success of your hotel?
• Prospecting in a Down Economy
  May 28, 2009 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
  Speaker: Cindy Novotny, Managing Partner, Master Connection Associates
  Since 2001 the market and business has gone up rapidly and without a lot of outbound sales effort. All that has changed and to remain competitive in this marketplace everyone needs to become a great prospector. This session focuses on these key issues and helps each individual identify how to and where to go to seek business.

If registrants cannot attend the scheduled live presentation, they are invited to watch a free recording of the program in the 30 days following the webinar at their leisure, or share it with colleagues. Registrants may also join an online chat with the presenter after the webinar and ask questions of the speaker and/or fellow attendees. All HSMAI University Webinars are also recorded and archived and can be purchased for viewing at any time.

Launched in 1996, HSMAI University is the organization’s most comprehensive and ambitious initiative in the realm of education for sales and marketers of hospitality and travel to-date, entailing a wide-ranging schedule of course offerings and learning experiences in public venue, private label and online formats. Other upcoming programs include “Managing Business Results” and “Managing Review” simulation programs this September at Johnson & Wales University in Denver.

Visit for details, webinar registration and information on webinar archives. For general inquiries regarding registration and program development ideas, please contact Kathleen Tindell, CHSC, Program Manager, HSMAI/HSMAI University, at [email protected] or 703-506-2010.

About HSMAI | HSMAI is the hospitality industry source for knowledge, community, and recognition for leaders committed to professional development, sales growth, revenue optimization, marketing, and branding. 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 at annual events, including HSMAI's Affordable Meetings®. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprising more than 7,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. For more information on HSMAI, contact the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, Va. 22102; (703) 506-3280; fax (703) 506-3266, or visit the website at .

Rachel Rosenberg
+1 404-832-7711
HSMAI