TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
The 7th edition of the HSMAI MEA’s commercial strategy conference will be organised from 26-27 November 2024. With the Middle East and Africa thriving with new hospitality projects, it is the perfect time to work out on how to rework on the ROI and ensure that the numbers rise. Mona Faraj, Managing Director, HSMAI Middle East & Africa, shares details with TRAVTALK, media partner for the event.
TT Bureau
Can you give us a brief overview of HSMAI MEA and the work the organisation does in the region, and the upcoming Annual Commercial Strategy Conference, which is now in its 7th year?
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is at the forefront of driving intelligent and sustainable hotel revenue growth. We are committed to empowering hotels and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to elevate their game in sales, marketing, and revenue optimisation.
Our 7th annual Commercial Strategy Conference (CSC), which takes place on 26 and 27 November 2024 at the Conrad Dubai, will be the biggest and boldest yet, with more attendees, an even wider range of topics for discussion and greater connection opportunities than ever before. The programme features various formats, such as plenary sessions, the leadership hub, our interactive forum, roundtables, masterclasses, trends and insight sessions, as well as our networking lunches and receptions.
A highlight of the conference is the ROC(ing) Lightening Rounds where industry leaders unleash a whirlwind of wisdom under seven minutes. Also, much-anticipated are our Rockstar Awards. We have eight finalists lined up to present their strategies and achievements on stage in under 2.5 minutes.
What are some of the key topics delegates can look forward to at this year’s conference?
We have an action-packed programme addressing
some of the industry’s most pressing issues and hottest topics, such as AI, technology and innovation, as well as sustainability, revenue management, F&B, and hotel profitability. This year’s event also has a timely focus on talent attraction, retention and loyalty.
Who should attend?
Our attendees come from the region’s hospitality sales, marketing, revenue management and distribution community, and include above property and property-level hoteliers, general managers, marketers, operations, sales, revenue management and distribution teams, partners, and educational leaders in hospitality. It’s been incredible to see the event grow in size by nearly 400 per cent since its inception seven years ago, which is a great testament to our incredible and supportive hospitality community here in the region.
What is your favourite part/ element of the conference?
I have so many, but if I had to pick one, I would say the closing remarks, given by Jeff Strachan from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Keynote speakers
John Sanei, Global Futurist, 5x bestselling author, and award-winning Podcast Co-Host is joining the conference for the second time and will be speaking on the topic: “HUMANtra 2.0 Orchestrating Value Creation in the Age of AI”.
Sanjeev Loomba, Transformationalist, Author of The Ninth Gear, Thought Leader and Keynote Master Speaker, Valuepreneurship®, will discuss the topic of “The Valuepreneurship Advantage Roadmap to Immediate Impact”.
Jason Smith, Vice President Marketing Communications, HSMAI, will take a deep dive into the HSMAI Foundation’s State of Talent Report 2024”.
