Frequently Asked Questions
What are the meeting dates and times of HSMAI-DFW?
HSMAI is held typically on the third Thursday of each month with networking reception at 11:30 a.m.
and the meeting starting at 11:50 a.m. with lunch. However, there are a couple of exceptions to that rule.
How do I get more involved in HSMAI-DFW?
Public Relations and Community Service Committee which involves the newsletter, website, broadcast fax,
and Child Protective Services Drives. This committee is also responsible for the member's benefits program.
To get involved on the Public Relations committee contact Heather Fogg at heather_fogg@hilton.com
Programs Committee, which sets up our monthly meeting location, sponsor and speakers. Additional
responsibilities include the annual fundraiser and the CHME program. For programs contact Sarah Christie,
at schristie@dallascowboys.net
Membership Committee, which helps recruit new members and retain current members. This committee is
also responsible for the student program in recruiting student members. For Membership contact
Nikki Stinson at nikki_austinranch@hilton.com
Registration Committee helps with check in at each meeting and RSVP's for each meeting. For registration
contact Philip Smerick at psmerick@mysteryplayers.com
Who attends or is a member of HSMAI-DFW?
Only the brightest professionals in our industry! Every part of the hospitality industry is represented in
our membership including: hoteliers, venues, destination management companies, audio-visual suppliers,
and entertainment providers that are associated with sales or marketing. Why do they all attend you ask?
To continue their education as well as network with potential clients/competitors to stay abreast of what is
happening in the industry.
How many meetings can I attend as a guest and how much is it to attend?
You can attend three meetings as a guest and then must join or will not be allowed to attend again and might
miss out on the opportunity. For our standard educational programs the member rate is $35.00 and the
guest rate is $45.00
Why should I join HSMAI-DFW and what is the cost associated with being a member?
Since you can only attend three times as a guest in order to take advantage of all of the benefits listed
below you must join!
Education is the number one reason to join HSMAI. The stellar programs include topics such as "How to
get what you want out of negotiation in a buyer's market", "Taking the sales call to the next level, the dos
and don'ts of client entertaining.", "How to create proposals that sell". If you are not learning, your
competitors are passing you by.
Trade Show Opportunities: HSMAI also offers educational opportunities and business-building opportunities
specifically for meeting planners at our HSMAI Affordable Meetings and HSMAI Meetings Quest events
across the country.
Annual membership dues is $350.00 for the first member. Each additional member from the same company
and address is $225.00.
As a vendor how do I get maximum exposure to the supplier hotel/destination management companies?
That is the best part about HSMAI because everyone is a potential client to everyone. The AV companies/Venues
can sell to the DMCs and hotels and venues can refer each-other business as well as the Destination
Management companies can sell the venues on their transportation services, etc.
The best exposure comes through sponsoring or hosting a monthly meeting. For a minimal cost you have the
opportunity to showcase your property, products or services to these potential clients listed above. To take
advantage of these opportunities contact Vickie Chavez - Vickie.Chavez@hilton.com
What is CHSP and CHME and how do I get one?
Certified Hospitality Sales Professional, and Certified Hospitality Marketing Executive. These designations signify
the experts in our industry. They have the knowledge and often experience that comes with the professional
designation. If you are interested in earning one of the designations contact Carrie Riney for more information
at carrie@inmanpromo.com
Student members or faculty members are offered a discounted membership at $60.00 per member for annual dues.
Does HSMAI-DFW have philanthropy?
Our for 2009 is Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship. Equest provides therapeutic sports riding classes and
hippotherapy to over 200 clients every week. After being the first therapeutic riding program in Texas founded
in 1981, they have become the largest non-profit therapeutic riding center in the state. They serve children
and adults with all types of physical, mental and emotional disabilities. For more information please visit
www.equest.org.
We do several drives per year and proceeds from our Annual Chinese Auction benefit our chosen philanthropy
each year. If you are interested in helping with the community service committee or would like to make a
donation please contact Kristie Vento at Kristie@inchorusmarketing.com
When and where are the board meetings?
The Board Meetings are always at on the second Tuesday of every month at 3:30 p.m.
at the Hilton Lincoln Center 5410 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Dallas, TX 75240




