HSMAI Century Campaign Update: One Year into Building a Bridge to Our Brightest Future

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation proudly marks the one-year anniversary of its Century Campaign, a five-year fundraising initiative set to culminate in the organization’s 100th anniversary on September 22, 2027.

As we mark the 97th anniversary of the founding of the association in 1927, the Century Campaign seeks to generate awareness around HSMAI’s legacy and future, showcasing the organization's enduring contributions to the hospitality industry. Funds from the campaign will go to key initiatives that align with HSMAI’s mission to drive industry innovation and talent development. These efforts include:

• Attracting top talent from leading hospitality and business schools, providing enhanced instructional materials for faculty, and highlighting career pathways in hospitality.
• Supporting emerging leaders through the creation of global Rising Leader Councils, aimed at identifying and developing top performers under 30 in sales, marketing, and revenue.
• Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through strategic partnerships, research, scholarships, and grants to ensure commercial career opportunities for underrepresented groups.

The campaign has already garnered significant support, with donations contributing toward the Foundation’s goals for leadership and growth. Notable donors include:

• LEADER: Mike Leven; Jack Schmidt
• MENTOR: Kim & Bob Gilbert; AHLA & AHLA Foundation
• DEVELOPER: Sal Dickinson; Geoff Freeman; Mike Gamble
• COLLABORATOR: Hoyt Bacon; Lovell Casiero; Dorothy Dowling; Lori Kiel; Flo Lugli; Henri Roelings; Mark Thompson; Michelle Woodley; Booking.com
• FACILITATOR: Barb Bowden; Stephanie Glanzer; Jennifer Hill; Brian McClary; Andrew Rubinacci; John Washko

HSMAI is deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of our donors. Their contributions will help ensure the continued growth and success of our industry by empowering the next generation of hospitality leaders. Andrew Rubinacci, Chief Advisory Officer at FLYR Hospitality, Chair, HSMAI Americas

A full list of donors can be found at global.hsmai.org/hsmai-foundation-century-campaign-donors.

The campaign is also a tribute to the remarkable career of the late Bob Gilbert, President and CEO of HSMAI, whose leadership has been pivotal in advancing the Foundation’s mission. To celebrate Bob’s contributions, all donations made to the HSMAI Foundation Century Campaign through Dec. 31, 2024, will honor his enduring impact. These contributions will further the Foundation’s efforts to support education, leadership, and diversity within the industry.

Bob has not only helped shape the trajectory of HSMAI, but also transformed the landscape of hospitality itself. His dedication to attracting and nurturing top talent has set the stage for the industry’s future success. With the Century Campaign, we are continuing Bob’s legacy by investing in the next generation of hospitality leaders. Lori Kiel, CHDM, Foundation Chair and Senior Vice President of Revenue Management at Pyramid Global Hospitality

For more information or to contribute to the Century Campaign, please visit www.hsmai100.org.