HSMAI Launches New Austin Chapter
APRIL 20, 2009 -A new chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) formed on April 7, 2009 in Austin, Tex. with an inaugural meeting held at the Four Seasons Hotel.
The new HSMAI chapter will serve as an umbrella organization for the local hospitality community, providing the necessary tools to educate and retain strong employees, reinforce the Austin brand, unify the community's messaging and refine the city's sales and marketing strategy.
'The new HSMAI Austin Chapter board set a new standard for opening an HSMAI chapter in their city,' said Fran Brasseux, executive vice president of HSMAI. 'Not only did the dynamic chapter board come together quickly, but their leadership unanimously agreed to a full strategic business plan, offering a 2009 calendar of hospitality sales and marketing educational programs to help local sales and marketing professionals join together for a stronger voice for the hospitality business in the city of Austin.'
The theme of the inaugural meeting, 'Keeping the Business of Business in Austin,' reflected the challenges the industry is facing in the wake of the national economic downturn. Keynote speaker Cindy Novotny, managing partner of Master Connection Associates, presented on cost avoidance in a tough economy, value propositions, strategic team selling, working effectively in a competitive marketplace and how to build a business case to bring business to Austin.
'Austin is the 40th chapter to be chartered by HSMAI and we experienced an overwhelming response with approximately 150 registrants for our inaugural meeting,' said Tracy Terrell, HSMAI Austin Chapter President. 'This further validates our desire to strengthen our connections within the hospitality community.'
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