What consumers want and expect, as well as emerging trends and changes in the meeting planning industry will be debated and discussed when a panel of high-powered executives from various sectors join for a “Voice of the Customer” session at the first annual Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Hotel Sales Strategy Conference on Sept. 4, 2007.

The conference will be spirited sessions on innovations in sales leadership, e-commerce for sales and marketers, and a special report on “Social Media and Travel.”

Held at the convention center in Washington, D.C. from noon – 5 pm, the half-day debut event will take place one day prior to HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings National trade show.

“We are thrilled with the caliber of presenters and panelists driving this debut conference’s agenda,” states Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “The educational programming, which is highly targeted and specialized, will be invaluable for sales and marketers looking for ways to be proactive and competitive in the industry today,” he added.