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Dr. Eric T. Brey

The “Top 25” recipients were judged by a panel of senior industry executives for their recent work based on the following criteria: creativity and innovation, cutting edge sales or marketing campaigns, triumph in challenging situations, and sales efforts that resulted in dramatic gains.

Brey is director of the Center for Resort and Hospitality Business and assistant professor in the Kemmons Wilson School. His career continues to focus on understanding consumer experiences and their effect on hotels and resorts. For his work, Brey has received several research excellence awards, has been recognized for teaching innovation, and has been quoted by more than 125 international publication and media outlets, including Forbes, Business Week, USA Today, The New York Post, The Washington Post, and CBS News.

Brey has also presented internationally to industry conferences including the Caribbean Sales and Marketing Strategy Conference, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Small Hotels Retreat, and the Women’s Foodservice Forum. He received his Ph.D. degree in hospitality and tourism management from Purdue University and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

“With recipients including major hotel and resort companies to CEOs of marketing organizations, this is the highest honor that I could receive as an educator for my work within hospitality marketing,” said Brey. “As an industry award given by executives to professionals, this validates a firm focus on providing industry support through practitioner-directed research, an applied teaching focus, and service in support of industry organizations.” 

“The Top 25 is a ‘hot list’ that celebrates the sales and marketing leaders and innovators of our industry,” said Robert A. Gilbert, president and CEO of HSMAI. “The creative strategies, passionate dedication, and sharp intelligence of these professionals have not only made a difference within their organizations, but have also truly raised the bar for the hospitality industry as a whole.”

In addition to celebrating Brey’s work, the New York gala will recognize the top achievements in advertising, marketing and public relations in the hospitality, travel and tourism industries with the Adrian Award.