WASHINGTON, D.C.
Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) entered into a three-year partnership with hospitality industry event company Questex Hospitality + Travel to produce HSMAI’s meetings-focused MEET events beginning next year, and has plans to increase their frequency from its current three annual events.
The partnership announcement signals the end of a five-year relationship HSMAI had with J. Spargo & Associates, which ushered in the brand and format change from HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings brand to the current hosted-buyer, appointment-based MEET educational conference and trade show.
“We really think this change will take it to the next level,” said Bob Gilbert, president and CEO of HSMAI.
Kerry Gumas, president and CEO of Questex Media Group, said he expects to expand the number of shows in 2014, but that possibility is still in the planning stage.
“This is a turning point for us to work with HSMAI,” Gumas said. “We’re looking forward to energizing the events and taking it to the next level, and adding new shows as well….We’re working on a roadmap to be on the road in a number of markets, both nationally and internationally.”
Questex has offered hospitality industry-related conferences and trade shows for a decade, and currently has a roster of 50 annual events.
The move also reinforces both organizations commitment to the hosted-buyer, appointment format.
“The MEET events speak to a trend in the marketplace, which is a drive toward more highly targeted events that bring buyers and sellers together,” Gumas said, adding that his company will incorporate its proprietary scheduling software for the events. “I think the future is targeted events, whether on a regional or national basis."
