Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International Middle East (HSMAI) yesterday hosted its inaugural Revenue Optimization Conference (ROC) Middle East as a true hybrid event, focused on Staying Connected, Staying Informed and Staying Relevant amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Attended by a combination of 300 virtual and in-person guests at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City Hotel, the event was held in accordance with all required safety and social distancing measures in place. Opened by HSMAI Managing Director, Mona Faraj who handed over to HS MAI President & CEO, Bob Gilbert joining virtually from the US, thanks to the great technology of Maze FX .

A line-up of 53 global speakers, including representatives from Dubai Tourism, Accor, Jumeirah, Hilton, Kempinski, IHG, Shangri La, Minor, Barcelo and many more addressing attendees on how to lead the hospitality industry to resume business activities, re-connect again, and exchange best practices.

Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, was this year's opening keynote speaker. Highlighting how the Covid-19 has demonstrated the hospitality industry's resilience, its ability to pivot and the embedding of new best practices, Kazim also discussed the evolution of the city's global marketing efforts through recent months, including the launch of the 'Live Your Story' campaign.

"It has given us great honor that HSMAI ROC 2020 was the platform for the industry to be united together again and I am delighted at the attend ance received today, both in person and virtually. It is an endorsement of the mission that makes up the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association International in the Middle East and the collaboration between the hospitality industry and its partners united towards one goal," said Faraj.

For more information, visit hsmaime.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.