The hospitality industry moves fast, and staying ahead means staying connected.
That’s exactly why Brian Hicks, the new CEO and President of HSMAI, is on a mission to energize the organization, strengthen local chapters, and attract rising talent.
In a quick-hit interview with Cory Falter, San Diego Chapter President, Hicks shared his vision for the future of hospitality sales, marketing, and revenue management. His message was clear: if you’re in this industry, HSMAI is the place to be.
Here’s why.
Chapters Are the Heart of HSMAI—And They’re About to Get Stronger
The hospitality industry is all about movement—professionals relocate constantly for new roles in sales, marketing, and revenue management. But every move can feel like starting from scratch.
Hicks sees HSMAI’s chapters as the glue that keeps professionals connected no matter where they go. These local networks provide instant access to relationships, best practices, and industry insights.
The problem? Not every chapter operates at the same level.
Hicks wants to change that by:
✅ Strengthening chapter engagement at a global level
✅ Ensuring best practices are shared across all chapters
✅ Creating a seamless experience so members can plug into a new market instantly
His goal? Make HSMAI chapters the ultimate career accelerators—no matter where you’re based.
Closing the Knowledge Gap for New Hospitality Professionals
The industry is bouncing back, and hospitality schools are filling up. But Hicks sees a major gap: new graduates often lack the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to hit the ground running.
“Students come out of hospitality school and still struggle with the language, the metrics,” Hicks told Cory Falter. Hiring managers see this all the time—new hires walking into meetings completely lost.
That’s a problem.
HSMAI is stepping up with:
📚 Courses to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application
📊 Training that helps young professionals understand industry metrics faster
👥 Mentorship and networking opportunities to set them up for long-term success
The goal? Make sure hospitality’s next generation starts strong—and stays in the industry.
Want Career Growth? Networking Beats a Resume Every Time
If you think your next job is coming from a LinkedIn post, think again.
Hicks has spoken to countless hospitality professionals who have recently changed jobs. Almost none of them landed a role through online applications.
The reality? This industry runs on relationships.
Whether it’s meeting someone at an HSMAI event, getting a direct referral, or simply being in the right place at the right time, networking is the #1 way to land opportunities.
That’s why HSMAI’s events are more than just conferences. They’re built for connection—whether you’re looking to grow your career, land new business, or sharpen your skills.
AI Isn’t a Threat—It’s a Tool (And Human Connection Wins)
Some hospitality leaders worry that AI will replace jobs. Hicks sees it differently: AI is a tool, not a competitor.
Hospitality has always been about human connection, and that’s not going away. In fact, Hicks argues that as AI becomes more intelligent, human skills—relationship-building, creativity, leadership—become even more valuable.
“We shouldn’t be afraid of AI,” Hicks said. “Use it to free up time so you can focus on what actually moves the needle—building real connections.”
The takeaway? Leverage AI for efficiency, but double down on networking, leadership, and strategy. That’s where the real opportunities are.
HSMAI is Leveling Up. Are You In?
Under Hicks’ leadership, HSMAI is making big moves to strengthen its chapters, equip rising talent, and make career growth more accessible than ever.
Expect to see:
✔️ Stronger local chapters that make transitions seamless
✔️ More educational tools to help professionals upskill faster
✔️ Expanded networking opportunities because your next job or deal won’t come from a job board—it’ll come from a conversation
If you’re serious about growth in hospitality sales, marketing, or revenue management, HSMAI isn’t just another industry association.
It’s the one that can change your career.
So, are you in?
