The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) recently announced a new certification. In a presentation at the HSMAI Digital Marketing Strategy Conference in New York on February 28, 2012, HSMAI Digital Marketing Council members Holly Zoba of Signature Worldwide, and Loren Gray of Ocean Properties, unveiled the new certification, which is scheduled to be available summer 2012. A copy of the presentation is available here.

The digital marketing certification program designed specifically for the hospitality industry identifies candidates who are able to leverage their knowledge of the internet marketing channel to maximize direct online channel revenues through lead generation, increase in customer engagement and loyalty, online brand awareness and positive product exposure. At the conclusion of this certification, the candidate will exhibit expertise in most tactical areas of digital marketing, be proficient in creating basic strategic initiatives, utilize the analytical and management tools necessary to communicate results and execute an effective hospitality digital marketing plan.

Click Here to view the complete syllabus.

The certification committee consists of leaders in hospitality digital marketing:

• Heny Gabay, VP of Marketing, Wyndham Hotel Group
• Loren Gray, Director of E-commerce, Ocean Properties Ltd.
• Joe Hyman, President & CEO, VIZERGY
• Max Starkov, President & CEO, HeBS Digital (Hospitality eBusiness Strategies)
• Paolo Torchio, VP, E-marketing And Revenue Consulting, Sabre Hospitality Solutions
• Holly Zoba, Senior Vice President of Hospitality Sales, Signature Worldwide
• Brian Tkac, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Hostmark Hospitality Group

Information on all HSMAI certifications programs, and the latest on the CHDM, is available at www.hsmaicertifications.org.

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 Commercial Strategy Conference, Sales Leader Forum, and Adrian Awards. 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.