Roger Dow, who helped lead the U.S. travel industry out of its post-9/11 doldrums and take it to new heights, then helped guide the industry through the COVID-19 pandemic and position it for a rebound, received the Lifetime Achievement in Sales Award from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) at its 2022 Sales Leader Forum on October 20 in Frisco, Texas.

Dow was recognized at an awards ceremony that also honored Paul Papadopulos, corporate director of national sales at Atrium Hospitality, and Alex Biondi, area director of sales for Aimbridge Hospitality, as the off- and on-property Sales Professionals of the Year, respectively. HSMAI also presented the inaugural Sales Educator of the Year award to Katie Davin, an associate professor in the College of Hospitality Management at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Roger stepped down from his role as president and CEO of U.S. Travel on July 31, 2022, but he is not “retiring” from the industry; instead, he is starting a new venture to tackle the two biggest travel challenges he sees on the horizon—workforce recruitment and retention and sustainability. With his relentless focus on improving the travel industry and helping it grow, Roger is a most deserving recipient of HSMAI’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

About HSMAI

HSMAI is a global organization of sales, marketing, and revenue management professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI leads the way in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry. Operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and for sales, marketing, and revenue management disciplines, HSMAI connects its members with customers. Founded in the United States in 1927, HSMAI is membership organization comprising 5,000 members from 35 countries and chapters worldwide. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org.