Focused on helping tourism and hospitality professionals become better equipped to meet market challenges and build better relationships across the industry, the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association (HSMA) today announced the holding of the 2nd HSMA Sales & Marketing Summit on June 27, 2024, at the Manila Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel.
Planned as a day-long event jampacked with talks, presentations, and panel discussions relevant not only to hospitality marketing practitioners, but also to industry insiders, owners, and the academe, the summit will feature the theme “Hospitality Unleashed: Breaking Boundaries and Creating Connections,” and will present reputable resource personalities from business, finance, media, and tourism who will be sharing valuable information on the latest marketing trends and industry best practices.
Major segments of the summit’s second edition include a speech on “Cultural Exchange Through Tourism: Building Bridges Across Borders” by Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Department of Tourism Regional Director for the National Capital Region. A panel discussion on leadership entitled “Leading with Heart and Vision: Discover Leadership Styles That Inspire Teams and Shape Unforgettable Experiences” will feature hospitality bigwigs such as Megaworld managing director Cleofe Abiso, Anya Hospitality managing director Juan Roca, City of Dreams property president Geoff Andres, and general managers Ann Olalo of Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa and Anna Liza Vergara of the Sheraton Hotel Manila.
“Skyward Trends: Forecasting the Future of Airlines in 2025 and Beyond,” a presentation on developments in the airline industry and how they will impact local tourism and hospitality, will be shared by Salvador “Bud” Britanico Jr., vice president for sales of Philippine Airlines.
A discussion will be held on “Connecting the Dots: Online Distribution Strategies for Seamless Hospitality Experiences,” with founders and heads of companies of global online distribution booking platforms as panelists: Marco Bacchilega, CEO of Bakuun Holdings; Jaideep Advani of RatePing Hotel Pricing Intelligence; Tarun Joukani, director of STAAH Ltd; Sara Elorza, Tiket.com’s vice president of international business; and Julien Kuchenbuch, regional manager for strategic partnerships, Asia Pacific of Hotelbeds. Chris Legaspi, chief commercial officer of Archipelago International, will be the distinguished panel’s moderator.
Multi-awarded broadcast journalist and former international television news anchor and now senior vice president of corporate relations of SM Investment Corporation Rico Hizon will discuss the very timely topic “Leveraging Trust and Transparency: Countering Misinformation.”
Bruce Winton, multi-property vice president for the Philippines of Marriott International, will present the topic “Green Horizons: Sustainable Practices and Innovations in Hospitality,” and share examples in the Philippines and around the world.
The crucial Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Events (MICE) tourism segment will be given prominence during the summit with the presentation on the “Philippine MICE Roadmap” of speaker Joel Pascual, president of PEPTarsus Corp.
There will be discussions on other topics such as “Hire and Inspire: Talent Development and Retention” by Divine Delos Reyes, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ head of people management; “Economic Outlook & Tourism Trends” by Ronilo Balbieran, faculty member of the School of Economics of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), and vice president of REID Foundation, Inc; and “Sales and Marketing Innovations for Driving Growth” by Patria Puyat (Holiday Inn Manila Galleria and Crowne Plaza), Carmela Bocanegra (Chroma Hospitality, Inc), Joanne Golong-Gomez (Conrad Hotel Manila), Melissa Carlos (AyalaLand Hotels), and Loven Ramos (The Ascott Limited). Moderator will be Neil Rumbaoa (SM Hotels and Conventions Corp).
“Attending the 2024 Sales and Marketing Hospitality Summit is not just about learning the latest trends; it’s about shaping the future of our industry together,” says Loleth So, HSMA president and group commercial director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.
The 2nd HSMA Sales and Marketing Summit on June 27 is open to sales and marketing professionals of any industry, educators, and students. Registration fees are set at P 3,800 for HSMA members, and P4,800 for non-members, inclusive of buffet lunch and snacks. For more information, send a Viber message to Riza Pangan at tel. no. (0917) 804-1274 or visit the HSMA website hsma.org.ph/2024-summit/ and follow @HSMAPH on Facebook and Instagram.
