The San Diego Chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International held their annual auction to raise scholarship money for local hospitality students. HSMAI San Diego strives to empower young professionals by providing them with education and networking opportunities, as well as providing scholarships for hospitality majors.

Heidi Alcantara, Edlen’s San Diego Branch Director of Sales, serves as the Director of Fundraising and has devoted considerable time and effort to make this auction a success. Heidi worked to raise funds during the year, spearheading the collection of donations from fellow HSMAI San Diego Directors, members, supporters and industry colleagues.

Heidi Alcantara, first row, fourth from the left, is pictured here with other HSMAI board members.

The event was attended by industry veterans and local hospitality students. Before the start of the auction, a facility manager and an HSMAI board member provided insight into event planning and management to students, using the auction as the prime example.

The auction featured a lengthy list of donations from major sponsors and local businesses, including SeaWorld, The Queen Mary, Four Seasons, Dave & Busters and many more. A live auction featured hotel room packages, dinners, tickets to attractions and a Grand Prize. We are proud of Heidi’s commitment and contribution to this successful event.

The San Diego Chapter of HSMAI is a leading partner of the local hospitality and hotel industry. HSMAI advocates for intelligent, sustainable total hotel revenue growth by providing hotel professionals with the tools, insights and expertise to facilitate better sales and marketing objectives.