HSMAI Celebrates Chapter Leadership Excellence at 2026 Mike Leven Leadership Conference

McLean, VA – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International successfully concluded its annual Mike Leven Leadership Conference, held March 17–18, 2026 in Los Angeles, bringing together chapter leaders from across the Americas to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the Frank W. Berkman Best of the Best chapter awards. 

The invitation-only conference serves as a dedicated forum to recognize the vital contributions of HSMAI’s chapter leaders while equipping them with the tools, insights, and peer connections needed to drive impact at the local level. Through a dynamic mix of keynote presentations, collaborative working sessions, roundtable discussions, and interactive sessions, attendees had the opportunity to learn from one another and exchange best practices shaping today’s hospitality landscape spanning leadership development, membership value, storytelling, and chapter engagement. 

This year’s program featured expert and motivational speakers including Adam Burke, President & CEO of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board; Alain Hunkins, leadership strategist and author; Alexandra Kiladjian, Founder of Aesthetically Neutral; and Melissa S. Maher, Founder & CEO, Pinnacle Enterprises Group. Across sessions, a consistent theme emerged—effective leadership is not about doing more, but about leading with greater clarity, intention, and human connection to drive meaningful results. 

A highlight of the conference was the Frank W. Berkman Best of the Best Chapter Awards, named in honor of former HSMAI executive director. The awards recognize chapters that demonstrate exceptional creativity, leadership, and measurable impact in advancing HSMAI’s mission, across HSMAI chapters of varying sizes.  

The 2026 Frank W. Berkman Best of the Best winners are: 

Education: 

• Small Chapter: British Columbia

• Medium Chapter: Ontario

• Large Chapter: Las Vegas  

Special Events: 

• Small Chapter: Hawaii

• Medium Chapter: Central Florida

• Large Chapter: Greater New York 

Partnership: 

• Small Chapter: British Columbia

• Medium Chapter: Ontario

• Large Chapter: Arizona 

Membership Care: 

• Small Chapter: Mid-South

• Medium Chapter: Ontario

• Large Chapter: Washington D.C. 

Marketing & Communication: 

• Small Chapter: Minnesota

• Medium Chapter: North Carolina

• Large Chapter: Arizona  

Membership Growth: 

• 1^st Place: Ontario

• 2^nd Place: Austin

• 3^rd Place: Quebec 

Supported by the Michael and Andrea Leven Foundation and powered by the HSMAI Foundation, the conference underscores HSMAI’s ongoing commitment to investing in local leadership and strengthening the future of the hospitality industry. This year’s event was made possible with support from the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel and 2026 Influence Partner Ideas Collide. 

For more information on the HSMAI Mike Leven Leadership Conference and the Frank W. Berkman Best of the Best Awards, visit americas.hsmai.org/hsmai-mike-leven-leadership-conference.