The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International held its annual Mike Leven Leadership Conference March 17–18 in Los Angeles.
The invitation-only conference recognizes the contributions of HSMAI’s chapter leaders while providing them with tools, insights and peer connections. Through a mix of keynote presentations, collaborative working sessions, roundtable discussions and interactive sessions, attendees exchanged best practices spanning leadership development, membership value, storytelling and chapter engagement.
This year’s speakers included Adam Burke, president & CEO of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board; Alain Hunkins, leadership strategist and author; Alexandra Kiladjian, founder of Aesthetically Neutral; and Melissa S. Maher, founder & CEO, Pinnacle Enterprises Group.
Across sessions, a consistent theme emerged—effective leadership is not about doing more, but about leading with greater clarity, intention, and human connection to drive meaningful results.
A highlight of the conference was the Frank W. Berkman Best of the Best Chapter Awards, named in honor of former HSMAI executive director. The awards recognize chapters that demonstrate exceptional creativity, leadership and measurable impact in advancing HSMAI’s mission, across HSMAI chapters of varying sizes.
The 2026 Frank W. Berkman Best of the Best winners are:
Education:
Small Chapter: British Columbia
Medium Chapter: Ontario
Large Chapter: Las Vegas
Special Events:
Small Chapter: Hawaii
Medium Chapter: Central Florida
Large Chapter: Greater New York
Partnership:
Small Chapter: British Columbia
Medium Chapter: Ontario
Large Chapter: Arizona
Membership Care:
Small Chapter: Mid-South
Medium Chapter: Ontario
Large Chapter: Washington D.C.
Marketing & Communication:
Small Chapter: Minnesota
Medium Chapter: North Carolina
Large Chapter: Arizona
Membership Growth:
1st Place: Ontario
2nd Place: Austin
3rd Place: Quebec
This year’s conference was made possible with support from the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel and 2026 Influence Partner Ideas Collide.