The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is proud to announce the launch of its newest chapter, HSMAI Florida Gulf Coast, officially chartered on October 2, 2025. This new chapter underscores HSMAI’s ongoing commitment to expanding its reach, cultivating local engagement and delivering enhanced value to hospitality professionals through regionally tailored education and networking opportunities.

The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter represents a dynamic region that includes Tampa, St. Pete/Clearwater, Bradenton, Sarasota and Pasco County, recognized for their thriving tourism industries and growing hotel markets.

The chapter’s inaugural event, held at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, featured HSMAI President & CEO Brian Hicks, who delivered an engaging presentation on Commercial Strategy. The session offered valuable insights into how hospitality professionals can integrate sales, marketing and revenue optimization to drive sustainable performance in today’s competitive landscape.

“We are proud to welcome the HSMAI Florida Gulf Coast Chapter to our growing network,” said Brian Hicks, President & CEO of HSMAI. “This marks a powerful new chapter for one of the most dynamic hospitality markets in the country, rooted in local leadership, collaboration, and a shared commitment to advancing commercial strategy. It’s inspiring to see both new and returning members come together to build a vibrant community focused on education, innovation and industry growth.”

The successful launch of the HSMAI Florida Gulf Coast Chapter was made possible through the generous support of its founding grant donors, including Visit Tampa Bay, Florida’s Sports Coast, Visit Sarasota County, The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.

“I’m delighted that the DMOs in our region unanimously agreed to join together and support the development of a new Florida Gulf Coast Chapter,” said Patrick Harrison, Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Tampa Bay. “As destination marketing and leadership organizations, our strength is amplified when we work together for the betterment of our communities.”

Leading the new chapter is Leandro Carvalho, Managing Director of HSMAI Florida Gulf Coast, who brings more than 30 years of experience driving business growth across hospitality, technology, and travel. Carvalho has held senior leadership positions with global hospitality brands including Deville Hotels, TUI and Sabre. He brings a deep passion for advancing professional development and collaboration across the Gulf Coast’s hospitality community.

The launch of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter further demonstrates HSMAI’s strategic focus on expanding local chapter engagement throughout the Americas. By establishing new chapters and curating market-specific educational programming, HSMAI continues to provide hospitality professionals with the tools and community needed to achieve excellence in sales, marketing and revenue optimization.

For more information on HSMAI Americas and its chapters, visit americas.hsmai.org.