The invitation-only event focused on collaboration, leadership development and knowledge exchange, while also recognising outstanding chapter performance through the Frank W. Berkman Best of the Best Chapter Awards.
The programme included keynote presentations, working sessions, roundtables and interactive discussions, addressing topics such as leadership development, membership engagement, storytelling and the evolving role of local chapters in the hospitality industry.
Speakers included Adam Burke, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board; Alain Hunkins, leadership strategist and author; Alexandra Kiladjian, Founder of Aesthetically Neutral; and Melissa S. Maher, Founder & CEO of Pinnacle Enterprises Group.
A central theme throughout the conference highlighted leadership focused on clarity, intention and human connection as key drivers of organisational impact.
The Frank W. Berkman Best of the Best Chapter Awards, named in honour of a former HSMAI executive director, recognised chapters demonstrating strong performance in creativity, leadership and measurable outcomes.
In the Education category, winners included British Columbia (small chapter), Ontario (medium chapter) and Las Vegas (large chapter). For Special Events, awards were presented to Hawaii (small), Central Florida (medium) and Greater New York (large). In the Partnership category, British Columbia, Ontario and Arizona received recognition across small, medium and large chapters respectively.
Membership Care awards were presented to Mid-South (small), Ontario (medium) and Washington D.C. (large), while Marketing & Communication awards went to Minnesota (small), North Carolina (medium) and Arizona (large). In the Membership Growth category, Ontario secured first place, followed by Austin and Quebec.
The conference was supported by the Michael and Andrea Leven Foundation and powered by the HSMAI Foundation, with additional support from the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel and 2026 Influence Partner Ideas Collide. The event reinforced HSMAI’s focus on strengthening leadership at the local level and supporting the future development of the hospitality industry.
Tags: Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI)
