Why Every Hotel Sales Manager Should Attend Association Events!

As a Hotel Sales Manager, my role goes beyond simply selling rooms and event spaces; although redundant, it really is about building relationships, connecting with the community, and staying tapped into the latest trends and needs of my clients. Attending industry association events has been one of the best ways to accomplish all of these. The recent HSMAI San Diego Chapter - Smoothie Showdown event was a perfect example of just how impactful these gatherings can truly be.

The Power of Association Events

Let’s keep it real...our industry moves FAST, and the demands of our guests & clients evolve constantly. That’s why association events are so crucial. They provide us with the space to connect, learn, and grow with other professionals who share the same challenges and successes. For me, attending these events and getting involved on the Board, has been a transformative experience for my career, allowing me to build connections I may have never come across otherwise.

I was reminded of the importance of these relationships at the recent HSMAI San Diego Chapter Smoothie Showdown event at Paradise Point Resort & Spa . Not only did I get the opportunity to connect with incredible professionals, but I also had the privilege of being part of a wellness-focused panel. Sharing my insights with colleagues and learning from other industry leaders was invaluable.

Community and Connection

Being part of the HSMAI San Diego Chapter has brought me closer to our local community and our industry in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Seeing familiar faces at our events reminds me of the strong and committed community we have here in San Diego. It’s these connections that inspire us to do better, bring new ideas back to our teams, and stay competitive in the ever-evolving world of Hospitality.

Big shoutout to Marc Menkin and Darlynne Reyes Menkin from Out of the Ordinary Team Building for facilitating such an engaging activity. The Smoothie Showdown wasn’t just a wellness-themed event; it was a great bonding experience that highlighted how important it is for us as Sales Managers to think outside the box when hosting clients. They’ve been creating memorable team-building events in San Diego for nearly 30 years, and their passion for bringing people together was permeating throughout the air.

Special thanks to Cory Falter , our Chapter President, and Mercedes Montijo , who played an integral role alongside me in organizing this event. Their leadership was inspiring and reminded me that association events are much more than networking—they’re about building a supportive network within our Hospitality community.

The Benefits of Attending Association Events

So....why should every Hotel Sales Manager make it a priority to attend these events?

• Strengthening Industry Relationships: Building trust with colleagues, clients, and vendors leads to stronger partnerships, which ultimately benefits everyone.
• Staying Updated on Industry Trends: In an era where wellness, sustainability, and experience-driven stays are paramount, hearing firsthand about what’s new is incredibly valuable.
• Community Engagement: Being active in associations like HSMAI , SITE , or Meeting Professionals International , connects us with our community, keeping us engaged and aware of what makes our respective cities a special place to work and live.

I’m beyond grateful for the relationships I’ve built through HSMAI and am even more motivated to continue fostering these connections. If you’re in Hospitality and haven’t attended an association event lately, I highly recommend you give it a try. You’ll find fresh insights, make new friends, and leave with a renewed passion for what we do.

Looking forward to connecting with all of you at the next one!

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