Carmen Ackerman, HSMAI South Florida president, presents Hospitality Legend Award to Mike Hampton, Dean of the School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University — Photo by HSMAI South Florida Chapter
Heiko Dobrikow, General Manager of The Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, recognized as General Manager of the Year — Photo by HSMAI South Florida Chapter
L to R: Haydee Casanova, Carmen Ackerman, Linda Sue Marsh and Stacie Faulds, who received a Lifetime Achievement award for her role on the HSMAI South Florida board — Photo by HSMAI South Florida Chapter

At its 28th annual gala, the South Florida chapter of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) honored Heiko Dobrikow of the historic Riverside Hotel, as General Manager of the Year for his outstanding leadership skills in revenue generation, commitment to and support of his staff, creative marketing strategies, and contributions to the HSMAI.

HSMAI is the hospitality industry’s source for knowledge, community, and recognition for leaders committed to professional development, sales growth, revenue optimization, marketing, and branding.

An industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in hospitality, Dobrikow joined the prestigious Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard in 2010 as General Manager. With extensive and international expertise in all areas of the hospitality industry, his role with the hotel includes creating unique marketing and sales techniques to developing a successful management team that ensures revenue optimization, service excellence and employee satisfaction. His leadership has earned him a track record in achieving most improved guest satisfaction scores and significant sales results through innovative strategies.

“I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the Riverside Hotel and look forward to continually providing innovative marketing strategies that help to position the hotel as a market leader for years to come,” said Dobrikow of his recognition.

Dobrikow’s record for success is reflected by his positions with a number of other prestigious hotels and resorts including Fisher Island Hotel & Resort, Hilton Palm Beach Oceanfront Resort, Marriott’s Casa Marina Resort, Radisson Deauville Oceanfront Resort, Mayfair Hotel and Spa, and the Moscow Grand Marriott Hotel among others.

Denease Butt from the Riverside Hotel was also recognized by HSMAI during the event, as Revenue Manager of the Year, for her ability to increase and generate revenue by using innovative thinking to develop and implement strategies, as well as motivate corporate executives and chain managers to implement rates and strategy recommendations. The award recognizes and promotes excellence in the field of Revenue Management in the Hospitality industry.

Currently celebrating its 75th anniversary, the historic Riverside Hotel in Downtown Fort Lauderdale is a beacon of old world civility in a thriving, modern and beautiful destination. As the only hotel situated on the city’s most famous thoroughfare, Las Olas Boulevard, the property offers a distinctly unique destination surrounded by elegant boutiques, art galleries, renowned restaurants, charming cafes and more.

For more information or to make a reservation at the Riverside Hotel, please contact 1-800-325-3280 or visit .

About the Riverside Hotel: The historic Riverside Hotel, currently celebrating its 75th anniversary, is located in the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale, as the only hotel on the city’s prestigious Las Olas Boulevard. Opened in 1936 by the Wells family, who also developed the Boulevard, the Riverside Hotel is both luxurious and laidback, mixing Caribbean style with old Florida charm. The 12-story property features 214 guestrooms inclusive of 6 suites accentuated by Tommy Bahama®-styled design elements, vintage décor, as well as the most discriminating detail - sweeping views overlooking the city skyline, Atlantic Ocean and New River. Amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool; a fitness room; complimentary wireless internet; a marina with boat dockage space, accommodating vessels up to 150 ft.; more than 11,000 sq. ft. of indoor banquet/meeting facilities; and outdoor catering venues ranging from 800 sq. ft. – 20,600 sq. ft. The hotel also houses several dining options including Preston’s Wine & Martini Lounge located in the main lobby, the Golden Lyon Vintage Pub, and Indigo, a neighborhood restaurant where patrons can choose to sit within its comfortable dining room or dine al fresco along Las Olas Boulevard. Guests of the Riverside Hotel can now earn Stash Hotel Rewards points. It is also a pet friendly hotel. The Riverside Hotel is located at 620 East Las Olas Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, just minutes from the Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Broward County Convention Center, Port Everglades and the sandy white beaches of Fort Lauderdale. For additional information and booking please visit .

About HSMAI

The Hospitality Sales & 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. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as the Marketing Strategy Conference, Adrian Awards, Sales Leader Forum, and HSMAI ROC. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org.