Nominees Announced for South Florida’s Top Hospitality Talent in Sales, Marketing, and Revenue

Fort Lauderdale, FL – September 22, 2024 – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) South Florida Chapter is excited to announce the nominees for the region’s top talent in Sales, Marketing, and Revenue within the hospitality industry. Winners will be voted on by HSMAI members and revealed at the highly anticipated 39th Annual HSMAI South Florida Gala, taking place on October 29, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. The gala will be a night of celebration, honoring the exceptional achievements of hospitality leaders and raising funds through a Silent Auction for the HSMAI South Florida Dr. Peter Ricci Scholarship Fund.

This year’s gala is especially thrilling as we honor Phil Goldfarb, our 2023 Hospitality Legend. With more than two decades as COO of Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Phil has left a lasting impact on the South Florida hospitality landscape. A distinguished graduate of FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and recipient of the Excellence Award in Tourism from the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Phil’s contributions to establishments like JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa and Fontainebleau Aviation have cemented his legacy. His profound influence on the tourism industry will be celebrated in front of his peers at this prestigious event.

In addition to Phil Goldfarb, the gala will honor top leaders across the South Florida hospitality industry. The 2024 Nominees include:

Commercial Strategy Team of the Year

  • InterContinental Miami, an IHG Hotel – Gina Genna, DOSM, and Lorenzo Pedone, DORM
  • EAST Miami – Brad Sundock, Director of Commercial Strategy
  • Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort – Eduardo Fernandez, GM, Michael Cook, DOSM, Jennifer Strum, Director of Marketing, Andrea Martin, DORM
  • Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants – Paul Nojaim, Sr. Director of Revenue & Strategy
  • Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village – Sandra Keneven, Destination Sales Executive, and Elyzabeth Spires, Marketing Manager
  • Carlos Marquez, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Provident Hotels & Resorts


GM / Executive Leader of the Year

  • Didi Lopez, General Manager, The Mutiny Hotel by Provident Hotels & Resorts
  • Ericka Nelson, Director of Operations, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
  • Eduardo Fernandez, General Manager, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
  • George Adel, Hotel Manager, W South Beach
  • Joel Gonzalez, Area General Manager, Westin Fort Lauderdale and Renaissance Boca Raton
  • Julissa Kepner, General Manager, Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
  • Marco Fuentes, Managing Director, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection
  • Mohan Koka, Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel
  • Patrick Reece, General Manager, Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel
  • TJ Pierri, Pelican Grand Beach Resort


Marketing Leader of the Year

  • Denise Leon, Senior Manager, Digital Marketing, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
  • Elyzabeth Spires, Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
  • Jennifer Strum, Director of Marketing, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
  • Maria Puente, Complex Senior Marketing Manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton


Revenue Leader of the Year

  • Christian Laskaros, Area Director of Revenue Management, Miami
  • John Wigglesworth, Area Director of Revenue, Aimbridge Hospitality
  • Phung Quach, Director of Revenue Management, Royal Palm South Beach Miami
  • Scott Frothingham, RevOptimum
  • Yamila Ismail, Director of Revenue Management, Biltmore Hotel


Sales Leader of the Year

  • Deanna Sylvestri, Area Director of Sales & Marketing, Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport South-Cruise Port
  • Grace Duncan, Director of Sales & Marketing, Dream South Beach, by Hyatt
  • Jennefer Claesen, Director of Sales & Marketing, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa
  • Kim Cover, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Wurzak Hotel Group
  • Lizmary Marquis, Complex Director of Sales & Marketing, Kimpton Hotels
  • Rosa Albert, Director of Sales & Marketing, Provident Doral at The Blue

Join us for an unforgettable night as we celebrate the core successes of the HSMAI South Florida Chapter and recognize the best of the industry.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit click here.

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