The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is accepting entries for its 58th annual Adrian Awards, the world's largest and most prestigious travel marketing competition.

The Adrian Awards recognize outstanding travel marketing achievements in advertising, digital marketing and public relations. New entry categories this year include: Digital Marketing - Website User Experience; Digital Marketing - App User Experience; Public Relations - Blog.

"We are always impressed at the creativity of the advertising, digital marketing and public relations campaigns in our industry, and we really look forward to honoring that work each year through the Adrian Awards," said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI.

"This year we wanted to showcase the power of storytelling and innovation in customer user experiences. Our theme, Adrian in Wonderland, challenges the industry to show us the story of their journey in this year's creative work to bring customers to their city, hotel, resort, cruise line, restaurant, museum – their Wonderland," added Fran Brasseux, CHSE, CHBA, executive vice president, HSMAI.

Gold, Silver and Bronze prizes will be awarded in all categories in Advertising, Digital Marketing and Public Relations. Platinum winners are selected as the most extraordinary entrants from the field of Gold winners, and the highest distinction - "Best of Show" - is granted to the top Platinum winners.

In addition, Benefactor Awards are presented at the gala, and this year, a new award enters the mix, the Yahoo! Yodeler of the Year Award. Presented by Yahoo and tumblr, the award recognizes thought leadership in online storytelling measured by the guest's journey of web-based inspiration, engagement, perception, and conversion. Candidates will be judged on their storytelling strategies in content marketing, native advertising, and online blogging.

Other Benefactor Awards include:

• American Express Loyalty Award, for demonstrating creativity for the loyalty concept, clarity of outreach and sustainability of the concept beyond an advertised campaign.
• Leader in Sustainable Tourism Award, presented by HSMAI in conjunction with National Geographic Traveler, for exemplary leadership and innovation in preserving and communicating an authentic sense of place through a wisely-managed tourism program.
• TravelClick eMarketer of the Year - recognizing the best integrated eMarketing program in the hotel industry.

Nominations for the HSMAI Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing and Lifetime Achievement awards are also open. Complete submission guidelines and award information can be accessed at www.adrianawards.com.

All entries for the Adrian Awards must be submitted online. The early deadline is Sept. 9, and the final deadline is Sept. 16. Winners will be honored at the Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala, co-sponsored by Expedia Media Solutions, on Feb. 23, 2015, at the New York Marriott Marquis. Special recognition will be given to Gold winners during the Gold Gallery Dinner Reception. In addition, winning entries will be listed in the winner's gallery on the Adrian Awards website and in a special issue of the HSMAI Marketing Review.

Finally, advertising, digital marketing and public relations experts and leading members of the travel industry serve as judges for the HSMAI Adrian Awards. Professionals interested in being a judge can contact HSMAI at [email protected] or 703-506-3297.

For more information on the Adrian Awards competition please contact Ellen Wilson at [email protected], email [email protected], visit http://www.adrianawards.com, or follow Adrian Awards news on Twitter at www.twitter.com/adrianawards. For information on becoming an Adrian Awards partner, contact Emi Haverkamp at 703-506-3297 or [email protected].

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.

Tiffany Fessler
Morton Vardeman & Carlson
(770) 536-8921
HSMAI