Michael J. Dimond, 67, passed away June 23, 2008 after suffering a heart attack. Widely recognized as one of the top hotel marketing executives in the nation, Mike’s career spanned over four decades. Dimond served in top management and marketing positions with The Broadmoor, Hyatt Regency Hotels; the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee; Doral in Miami, Florida; the Boca Raton Hotel & Club in Boca Raton, Florida; and Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dimond also served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for Gaylord Entertainment Company. One of the many milestones of his illustrious career included the branding and positioning of Opryland Hotel & Convention Center in Nashville, putting Nashville on the map as a convention destination.During a memorable career, Dimond served on the boards of both the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and Meeting Planners International (MPI). His many industry honors include the “Academy of Leaders” award from ASAE and “Supplier of the Year” from MPI, where he also served on the executive committee. He was named “Sales Executive of the Year” for Insurance Conference Planners and was a member of Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) Hall of Fame. In 2002, he was inducted into the prestigious Convention Industry Council’s (CIC) Hall of Leaders. In 2004, HSMAI honored Dimond as one of “The 25 Most Extraordinary Sales & Marketing Minds in Hospitality & Travel” for 2003.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the HSMAI -Scholarship Fund at 1760 Old Meadow Rd., Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102 (ph. 703-506-3286).