HSMAI Opens Nominations for Gilbert Award and Top 25 Extraordinary Minds

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is now accepting nominations for two of its premier individual recognition programs: the Robert A. “Bob” Gilbert Award for Career Achievement in Commercial Strategy and the 2027 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization, and Distribution. Nominations open August 10, 2026, and will be accepted through September 30. .  

The Robert A. “Bob” Gilbert Award for Career Achievement in Commercial Strategy is HSMAI’s most prestigious individual honor, recognizing exceptional leaders who have made enduring contributions to the commercial disciplines within the hospitality industry. This global award celebrates hoteliers, industry partners, educators, and other hospitality professionals whose careers have shaped and elevated sales, marketing, revenue optimization, distribution, and related fields through innovation, leadership, and advocacy. Named in honor of Robert A. “Bob” Gilbert, who served as HSMAI’s President and CEO from 1995 to 2024, the award evolved from HSMAI’s longstanding Career Achievement Awards program into a single global recognition that reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of today’s commercial disciplines.  

HSMAI is also seeking nominations for the peer-nominated Top 25: Extraordinary Minds in Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization, and Distribution, an annual recognition honoring 25 professionals whose creativity, innovation, leadership, and measurable business impact have advanced hospitality commercial strategy. The award acknowledges individuals whose accomplishments over the past 18 months have delivered meaningful results for their organizations and helped move the tourism industry forward.  

“Hospitality continues to evolve at a remarkable pace, driven by leaders who challenge convention, embrace innovation, and inspire their teams to achieve exceptional results,” said Brian Hicks, President & CEO of HSMAI. “The Gilbert Award and Top 25 Extraordinary Minds program allow us to celebrate both the pioneers whose careers have left an enduring mark on our industry and the professionals who are redefining what’s possible today.”  

Gilbert Award recipients will be recognized during the HSMAI Leadership Conference, scheduled for Q1 2027, and the HSMAI Americas Commercial Strategy Conference June 29 – 30 in Orlando, Florida. The Top 25 Extraordinary Minds honorees will be recognized during the Adrian Awards Celebration March 4, 2027 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  

Nominations for both programs will be reviewed by a panel of industry experts from HSMAI membership and leadership. For additional information, eligibility requirements, and nomination materials, visit americas.hsmai.org/career-development/awards-recognition.  

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