Source: HSMAI Greater NY Chapter

NEW YORK, NY – The Greater New York Chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has awarded the National September 11 Memorial & Museum with the 25th Annual Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Award and named the 2018 honorees for the Annual HSMAIGNY Chapter Awards of Excellence.

Additionally, this year the inaugural ICON award was presented to Michael A. Leven, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Georgia Aquarium, in recognition of his exceptional career, support of the industry and immeasurable philanthropic accomplishments.

The presentations took place at the annual black-tie dinner/dance at the JW Marriott Essex House on June 6, 2018. Each of the evening's awards were designed to recognize and honor individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the tourism industry in New York City.

The Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Award was presented by HSMAIGNY Immediate Past President Consuela Hooblal, Business Development Manager, The Roosevelt Hotel (pictured left), to Michael Frazier, Executive Vice President & Deputy Director of External Affairs for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum (pictured right: Natalie Hernandez, the memorial's Director of Sales).

"The National September 11 Memorial & Museum has become synonymous with New York," said Master of Ceremonies, Consuela Hooblal. "While the Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI is honored to recognize the National September 11 Memorial & Museum as the 2018 recipient of the Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Award, we all understand it goes far beyond tourism achievement- it is about something so much greater," she added.

HSMAIGNY Past President Frank Stapleton, President, The Monarch Group Ltd (pictured left) presented the HSMAIGNY inaugural ICON Award to Michael A. Leven, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Georgia Aquarium, former President and Chief Operating Officer of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation.

"Michael Leven is the definition of an industry icon - certainly one of the most extraordinary of our era," said Stapleton, adding: "Mike has an exemplary record of achievement in our industry. Each of us working in this arena is truly better because of his leadership."

For 2018, the HSMAI Greater New York Chapter presented The President's Award for Outstanding Service to Consuela Hooblal, Business Development Manager, The Roosevelt Hotel, and the following six individuals who were honored for their outstanding work and dedication to the hospitality industry and the sales and marketing profession, including:

  • General Manager of the Year: Karin Kopano, General Manager, Hotel 50 Bowery NYC
  • Revenue Management Executive of the Year: Antonietta Tardugno-Mazzola, Director of Revenue, Roger Smith Hotel
  • Sales Executive of the Year: Stan Kravitz, Director of Sales NY Region, Super Shuttle
  • Marketing Executive of the Year: Jessica Rothstein Berman, CMP, VP Sales & Marketing, Manhattan Center
  • Hospitality Professional of the Year: Yelena Pshennaya, Area Sourcing Manager, GTA Travel

Frank W. Berkman, CHME, was a former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of HSMAI for 16 years. This award was created in 1994 by the Past Presidents Council of the HSMAI Greater New York Chapter and was named after Berkman because of his dedication to building HSMAI into the highly-influential international hospitality industry organization it is today.

About HSMAI

HSMAI is the leading association of sales and marketing professionals in the hospitality industry. With over 7,000 members in 35 countries, HSMAI is a global network of individuals, businesses and organizations. All industry segments are represented including hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise ships, car rental agencies, restaurants, attractions and theme parks, convention and visitors bureaus, destination management companies and reservation sales organizations.

As the regional chapter for the metropolitan area, HSMAI Greater New York serves a community of over 500 hospitality professionals who are committed to the highest standards of service and ongoing professional development.

Membership is open to anyone in hospitality sales, marketing or management as well as travel and tourism educators and service providers who support the industry. HSMAI continues to lead the industry by providing education and market research to its members.

Kathie Stapleton
Executive Director HSMAI Greater New York
+1 914 762 1456
HSMAI Greater NY Chapter