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HSMAI Announces 2024 Sales Career Achievement and Professional of the Year Honorees

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is proud to introduce the 2024 Career Achievement and Sales Professional of the Year award recipients who will be celebrated during HSMAI’s Sales Leader Forum on Nov. 13, 2024 in Washington D.C. The following hospitality executives have showcased exceptional talent, a deep passion for their profession, and outstanding expertise in hotel sales.

Choice Celebrates Opening of Everhome Suites Glendale

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) celebrates a pivotal moment in its growth journey with the opening of its 500th extended stay property, an Everhome Suites in Glendale, Arizona. This achievement underscores Choice's rapid expansion and leadership in the economy and midscale extended stay market, powered by a playbook that helps drive revenue and lowers total cost of ownership with strategic new builds and targeted conversions that meet the increasing demand for accommodations of 7+ nights. Across the hospitality industry, Choice has the fastest-growing economy extended stay portfolio and leads in the economy new construction category, according to August 2024 STR Pipeline Data. As of the end of Q2 2024, Choice had over 350 hotels in the pipeline across four extended stay brands: Everhome Suites, WoodSpring Suites, Suburban Studios, and MainStay Suites.

Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge, Curio Collection by Hilton To Debut in Colorado This Winter

A new era of adventure arrives in Breckenridge as Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge™, Curio Collection by Hilton™ is set to debut this winter. The 205-room hotel will elevate the mountain town's lodging experience with modern elegance and alpine charm. Located along the base of Peak 9, steps from both the world-renowned slopes of the Breckenridge Ski Resort and the historic downtown, Hotel Alpenrock draws inspiration from the high-altitude surroundings including the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

Brian Harrier has been appointed as Managing Director at Viceroy Snowmass

Viceroy Snowmass is pleased to announce the addition of Brian Harrier as Managing Director. Brian previously served as Director of Engineer and Director of Operations at Viceroy Snowmass from 2017 through 2021. Since then, Brian has been East West Hospitality's General Manager of the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon, CO - a large condominium hotel property, with many similarities to the Viceroy. Brian's deep knowledge and relationships at the Viceroy, combined with his senior leadership experience at the Westin, makes him uniquely qualified to seamlessly and immediately take the helm at the Viceroy.

Jacob Heck has been appointed as Director of Agronomy at Sensei Porcupine Creek

Jacob Heck recently joined the company as Director of Agronomy from his previous role at the nearby Palm Valley Country Club in Palm Desert, overseeing 200 acres and 36 holes of golf. He has held senior leadership roles in agronomy with Troon Golf and at multiple prestigious locations across the Coachella Valley, including Gary Player & Pete Dye golf courses at the Westin Mission Hills, Rancho Mirage, and as the Director of Agronomy at Indian Wells Golf Resort. Heck began his career in agronomy and horticulture at the young age of 14, volunteering with his father at the local country club and later working on farms in his home state of Iowa. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture with an emphasis on agronomy and turfgrass management from Iowa State University.

Joshua Nudd has been appointed as Executive Chef at Sensei Porcupine Creek

With extensive senior leadership experience in the culinary space, Joshua Nudd joins Sensei Porcupine Creek as Executive Chef after tenures as Director of Food and Beverage at the five-star Little Nell in Aspen, CA and MacArthur Place in Sonoma, CA. For 12 years, Chef Nudd lived and worked between Hong Kong, mainland China and The Bahamas, serving as Executive Chef at Abaco Club, an exclusive private club in the Bahamas; Temple House in Chengdu, China; and the Niccolo by Marco Polo, an urban chic luxury brand also in Chengdu. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Nudd is described by his peers as an individual with integrity and a passion for the industry, spending the last 15 years focused on creating a great culture and atmosphere in the kitchen.

John Gustafson has been appointed as Director of Sales & Events at Sensei Porcupine Creek

John Gustafson joins Sensei Porcupine Creek as Director of Sales and Events, following 14 years at the Fairmont Chicago. An accomplished sales partner in luxury wellness, Gustafson brings his passion and background in curating experiences for groups with a skilled expertise in events. Gustafson started his career with Fairmont in 2003 and was promoted to various positions such as Director of Corporate Catering, Senior National Sales Manager, Director of Group Sales, and lastly as Director of Sales. In his early career, he explored a variety of different roles across the hospitality sector that included stints at the front desk, to concierge, reservations, call center and food and beverage, providing him with a strong foundation and understanding of the importance of collaboration across departments.

Vince Smit has been appointed as Director of Wellness at Sensei Porcupine Creek

Vince Smit joins Sensei Porcupine Creek as Director of Wellness, where he will oversee wellbeing and spa programming for the property. He comes to Sensei from his previous role as Director of Spa for The Miami Beach EDITION. Possessing extensive experience in the wellness space and serving on the Marriott Corporate Spa & Retail Advisory Council since 2017, Smit was responsible for driving sales, enhancing guest experiences and he consulted on spa and wellness space development for the Edition brand globally. Before the EDITION, Smit worked at The Standard Spa in Miami and was the Health Club & Pool Department Head at Starwood Hotels & Resorts. In his spare time, he co-founded iRetreat, directing international wellness retreats and building the brand through successful marketing and service initiatives.

Marriott and MGM Sign Agreement to Launch W Las Vegas

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) announced plans to convert an iconic property on the Las Vegas Strip to the W Hotels brand within the Marriott Bonvoy® portfolio, continuing the brand's storied evolution. Anticipated to complete its conversion later this year, W Las Vegas marks the latest step in the companies' long-term strategic licensing agreement announced in July 2023.

Phil Beck has been appointed as EVP & General Manager at BirchStreet Systems

LAS VEGAS - October 22, 2024 - BirchStreet Systems, a leading global SaaS provider and network for Hospitality procure-to-pay (P2P) and F&B services, today announced the appointment of Phil Beck as EVP & General Manager of its BirchStreet Pay business. Designed for the unique needs of the hospitality industry, the BirchStreet Pay solution helps customers streamline payment processes with increased visibility and enhanced spend control. As the latest addition to its executive leadership team, the appointment of Beck to drive the overall vision and strategy and enhance Pay product and technology is intended to further position BirchStreet as a prominent market leader and allow it to better serve its rapidly growing client base.

Auberge Resorts Collection Appointed to Manage The Birdsall, Houston TX

Auberge Resorts Collection, the award-winning portfolio of one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts, and residences, has been appointed by Transwestern Development Company to manage The Birdsall, Auberge Resorts Collection, set to open in 2027 in Houston's newest River Oaks enclave, The RO. Inspired by the natural beauty and architectural heritage of River Oaks and reflecting the genuine nature of its community, the 105-room boutique hotel, 44 world-class private residences, and private members' club will augment the storied heritage of the city's most beloved neighborhood, while introducing it to the world.