Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is now accepting nominations for the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in hospitality sales, marketing, revenue optimization, and distribution. The deadline to submit nominations is Sept. 30, 2025. Honorees will be celebrated during the HSMAI Adrian Awards Celebration on February 18, 2026, at the New York Marriott Marquis, highlighting their accomplishments among the industry’s most exceptional campaigns, leaders, and achievements.
Each year, HSMAI recognizes 25 industry leaders within the hospitality, travel, and tourism sector, whose creativity, ingenuity, and results-driven initiatives have set them apart in their field. The Top 25 awards honor individuals who have made an extraordinary impact in sales, marketing, revenue optimization, or distribution over the past 18 months.
We are proud to open nominations for this year’s Top 25 Extraordinary Minds and to continue recognizing the commercial leaders driving innovation and measurable success across the global hospitality industry. The Top 25 is about spotlighting professionals who are not only excelling in their roles but are also shaping the future of hospitality. Brian Hicks, President and CEO of HSMAI
Nominations should highlight specific, innovative, creative, and results-driven initiatives that went beyond the nominee’s day-to-day responsibilities. Submissions must include:
- A brief summary of the nominee’s background, including years in the industry and area of specialty.
- A 300-word-or-less description of the extraordinary initiative or achievement.
- A summary of the results – how their effort made a measurable difference.
- What inspired you to nominate this individual.
Nominations are reviewed by a panel of industry experts chosen from HSMAI membership and leadership who evaluate submissions on the creativity, innovation, and results demonstrated by each nominee. Nominations are scored on a scale of 1-10 based on the results of leadership for specific sales, marketing, and revenue management initiatives.
Nominations must be submitted by Sept. 30, 2025. To nominate a Top 25 today and for additional information, see here.
