Friends of HSMAI (Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International) enjoyed a great night on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at the Sydney Harbour Marriott with the launch of the association in Australia. Over 55 Sydney sales and marketing professionals from within the hospitality and tourism industries joined together to enjoy the drinks and hors d’oeuvres, sponsored by the Sydney Harbour Marriott, to hear more about HSMAI in the Asia Pacific Region.

“HSMAI provides all sales and marketing professional with education, career development and networking opportunities” said Bernadette Dennis, MD of HSMAI Asia Pacific, during her presentation.

“With the current economic climate, it is even more important to make sure that we keep current on trends and innovations in the industry and membership to the only global professional organisation for sales and marketing provides this opportunity. HSMAI has numerous online communications with podcasts and webinars, series of reviews and industry white papers, plus seminars, workshops and conferences, which are all available to members in the Asia Pacific Region”.

During the past few years, HSMAI Asia Pacific chapters have been established in Singapore and Hong Kong. The proposal is to establish a chapter in Sydney by the end of 2009 and this will require a membership platform of 25 HSMAI members in Sydney. During the launch evening there were many “expressions of interest” and a meeting will be scheduled for all interested parties within the month.

The Sydney Harbour Marriott provided a wonderful venue for the evening and Ms Dennis especially thanked Ms. Jennifer Brown, General Manager of the hotel for her support and commitment to HSMAI Asia Pacific.

The HSMAI event will be followed by a meeting on Thursday, August 6, 2009 to decide next steps with the development of a chapter of HSMAI Asia Pacific in Sydney. The location is The Marque Hotel Sydney, Cnr of George and Quay Streets, Railway Square, Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone 61 2 9212 2544. The meeting commences at 5:30 PM and interested parties are welcome to attend.