The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International has opened nominations for its 2027 Robert A. “Bob” Gilbert Award for Career Achievement in Commercial Strategy.
In addition, the association is also accepting nominations for the 2027 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization and Distribution programs. Nominations for both recognition programs opened Aug. 10 and will be accepted through Sept. 30.
The Robert A. “Bob” Gilbert Award for Career Achievement in Commercial Strategy recognizes hospitality professionals whose careers have made lasting contributions to the commercial disciplines of the industry, including sales, marketing, revenue optimization and distribution. The award is named for Robert A. “Bob” Gilbert, who served as HSMAI's president and CEO from 1995 to 2024.
HSMAI is also accepting nominations for its peer-nominated Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization and Distribution program. The annual recognition honors 25 professionals whose work over the past 18 months has demonstrated leadership, innovation and measurable business results in hospitality commercial strategy.
“Hospitality continues to evolve at a remarkable pace, driven by leaders who challenge convention, embrace innovation, and inspire their teams to achieve exceptional results,” Brian Hicks, president and CEO of HSMAI, said in a statement. “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.”
Recipients of the Gilbert Award will be recognized during the HSMAI Leadership Conference in the first quarter of 2027 and at the HSMAI Americas Commercial Strategy Conference, scheduled for June 29-30, 2027, in Orlando, Fla. Top 25 Extraordinary Minds honorees will be recognized during the Adrian Awards Celebration on March 4, 2027, in Las Vegas.