In a new partnership with the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), Yahoo! will present its Big Idea Chair to the firm winning the most gold awards at the 2006 Adrian Awards.

The winner of the Yahoo! Big Idea Chair will be honored on Jan. 29, 2007, at the New York Marriott Marquis during the 17th Annual Adrian Awards Gala, a black-tie networking extravaganza celebrating award-winning work in hospitality and tourism, lifetime achievement and the “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing.” The Yahoo! Big Idea Chair, given to an agency or individual supplier, was created to recognize forward-thinking campaigns and the strategic minds behind them. Past winners include industry luminaries such as Lee Clow, John Hegarty, Ron Berger, Alex Bogusky, and many more advertising dignitaries.

As a new Benefactor Sponsor of the Adrian Awards, Yahoo! is pleased to present the Big Idea Chair as yet another way of honoring marketing excellence in the travel and hospitality marketplace.

“In this world where ‘sameness’ threatens at every turn, unique and outstanding work in the field of creative marketing and advertising is a thing of true value,” said Jacki Kelley, Travel Category Development Officer, Yahoo!. “Yahoo! is delighted to shine a purple spotlight on the people and companies behind this truly remarkable work. Our partnership with HSMAI is a perfect extension of our goal to recognize the cutting-edge ideas and extraordinary people that are moving our industry forward.”

“This year’s theme is all about being ‘A-List’ worthy, and having Yahoo! represented as part of the recognition program is a wonderful addition to the competition,” said Melanie Penoyar, CAE, Director of Development and Awards Competition for HSMAI.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, HSMAI’s Adrian Awards program is the world’s largest travel-marketing competition of its kind, embracing every segment of the industry, including hotels, airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies, destinations, credit card companies and more. Last year’s competition attracted over 1,200 entries from 36 countries. Submissions deemed the most creative, impactful and successful are chosen as gold winners.

The early deadline for Adrian Award entries is Friday, Sept. 1, 2006. The final deadline for all entries is Friday, Sept. 15, 2006. For competition rules, submission guidelines, and answers to the most frequently asked questions, visit www.adrianawards.com.

Other Adrian Awards Benefactor Partners are: DEPARTURES Magazine and TravelCLICK. For more information, or to find out about sponsorship opportunities, contact Melanie Penoyar at 703-245-8037 or [email protected].
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