IRVING, Texas (Nov. 19, 2012) -  Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) appointed Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB) marketing manager, Monty White, to the Digital Marketing Council, just prior to his re-election as board president for HSMAI's Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Chapter.

In 2013, White will work alongside other industry colleagues from around the country in the HSMAI Digital Marketing Council to connect travel marketers in a way that leverages interactive customer engagement as a marketing medium while increasing the awareness of emerging issues, opportunities and trends.

Initially the council formed in 2003 as the Travel Internet Marketing special interest group. Today the council is comprised of more than 15 individuals whose expertise lies within digital marketing in the hospitality industry. The council designed HSMAI's sixth and most recent certification program, the Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer (CHDM). For more information on the certification, visit hsmai.org.

White and other 2013 HSMAI-DFW board members were inducted on Nov. 8, at the annual HSMAI-DFW awards gala, held this year at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.

HSMAI-DFW is one of only four chapters among 35 HSMAI national chapters in process of earning the Platinum Chapter designation and currently ranks first in the nation for membership growth in 2012.

"Monty White is truly talented, and clearly understands the rapid pace of change impacting destination marketing in today's constantly evolving digital world," said ICVB executive director, Maura Gast.

"His appointment to the HSMAI Digital Marketing Council is clear evidence of the industry's recognition of his skills and talents. Willingness to serve a second term as president of the HSMAI-DFW Chapter not only shows the support the local industry has for Monty, but also his commitment to the industry and his desire to give back."

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