The countdown is on to the 2024 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, presented by Sealy Posturepedic, with nominations now open to determine the top properties, people and projects in the region.
HM caught up with the winner of the 2023 HM Award for Marketing and Communications Associate (NZ/SP), GP Communications Founder, Ginni Post, to talk about her experience of the Awards.
Tell us about your award win and what it meant to you?
Last year, I was ecstatic to take home the win in the Marketing and Communications Associate category, presented by TravMedia (sponsor plug there), alongside Deb McDiarmid from Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas. For me, it was a validation of my work and expertise. As a consultancy without the flashy corner office of the big brand PR agencies (although I do have a lovely view), it was proof that quiet achievers can also take home the accolades. Our industry boasts such a high level of talented communications and marketing professionals, and it was incredibly humbling to be recognised among the other finalists, who were just as deserving of the award.
Find out what categories you could enter in this year’s HM Awards
In your role, what impact do you see the HM Awards have on the profile of hotels, people and projects?
The impact of the HM Awards goes full circle. Securing hotel projects with clients such as Nesuto, EVT, Proinvest, Grand Millennium, IHG Hotels and Resorts, and Capstone Hotel Management, has given me the platform to showcase my PR prowess and achieve outstanding results for their hotels. This work, in turn, has allowed me to be recognised among industry peers, which helps to further grow my reputation and business as a Trans-Tasman expert in hotel communications. The same can be said for raising the profile of hotels, individuals and their projects.
Why should someone enter the award?
The HM Awards are our industry’s preeminent night of nights, and the competition is hot (I really don’t envy the judges), but as the saying goes, you’ve got to be in it to win it.
Awards are a fantastic way to boost both individual and brand profile and receive industry-level recognition. After a challenging period for our industry, we can all use the HM Awards as a perfect excuse to feel uplifted and celebrate our successes.
Any tips for those thinking of entering?
Put yourself in the judges’ shoes. If you had to read 50+ entries in a category, what would you want to read? Keep your entry concise and to the point, and ideally, have a marketing or communications expert review it. Highlight your most significant achievements, and importantly, the impact those have had on advancing the hotel, its team, its guests, and the industry overall. Great visuals or a slick video will also help your entry stand out in the judges’ eyes.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Don’t feel disheartened if you don’t take home an award. Being a finalist is equally important and a significant achievement that you can be proud of. And of course, a huge thank you to the entire HM Awards team for the opportunity to celebrate our fabulous industry. I know the Kiwis are particularly excited to have a separate HM Awards event in Auckland this year.
Nominations close on August 30. Enter your nomination for the 2024 HM Awards now.