Milestone Sr. Director of Sales Craig Carbonniere Awarded HSMAI’s Top 25 Minds

Santa Clara, CA, February 2, 2021: Milestone Inc. announced today that its Senior Director of Sales, Craig Carbonniere (CHDM), is named one of the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality for 2020 by HSMAI, the hospitality industry’s premier organization.   

Craig heads the Southern California hospitality sales region at Milestone Inc. and is responsible for digital marketing engagement with significant customers and hotel groups. Craig has been in the hospitality industry for 17 years, working with renowned companies like Disney, Marriott, Interstate, and more.  In recent years, Craig has been helping hotels leverage technology and develop strategies to drive revenue. In addition to Milestone, Craig serves on two HSMAI chapters, San Diego and Los Angeles.   

Craig’s passion for hotels and technology come together to help customers develop winning digital marketing solutions that showcase the best the property has to offer to drive bookings and revenue. 

Unique focus on innovation and managing challenging situations

COVID-19 hit the hospitality industry and those industries supporting hospitality hard in 2020.  “Craig has made it his mission to help the hotel industry in their recovery efforts while conveying optimism and positivity,” His efforts have helped many hotels, said Tammie Carlisle, Head of Hospitality at Milestone Inc. 

Craig worked with the team of an iconic luxury resort in Arizona on an omnichannel marketing strategy to build a new website and layer in both SEO and SEM tactics to capture more of the lessening demand in the market.  The property saw significant results with the new website and tactics that helped them gain 51% more more bookings despite the pandemic.

Social media influencer with more than 9,4000 connections following him, providing them thought leadership that benefited the industry, peers, and customers

At the start of the pandemic, Craig began a LinkedIn campaign named #OptimisticHotelier to help spread uplifting and positive news to the hospitality industry each week.  These weekly updates are sought out by industry colleagues and have thus far generated 70,320 views, 876 likes, and 260 comments over 27 volumes. 

Craig has been a partner and leader to industry associations

In addition to his work at Milestone, Craig has facilitated or moderated 21 webinars since March 2020 on the crisis in the hospitality industry and opportunities to recover and grow.  He has spoken for numerous HSMAI chapters and other industry associations like AAHOA and CHLA.

Craig recognized for his all-round leadership

“Craig is a top contributor for Milestone and for the industry. We’re thrilled but not surprised that Craig has received this recognition from HSMAI for his contributions to digital marketing in the hospitality industry,” said Anil Aggarwal, CEO, Milestone Inc. 

“The ‘Top 25’ is the annual hot list that celebrates the sales, marketing, and revenue optimization leaders and innovators in our industry,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “The creative strategies, passionate dedication, and sharp intelligence of these professionals have not only grown business within their organizations but have also raised the bar for the hospitality industry as a whole.” 

Craig is having a banner year as he was also recognized as one of the 40 Under 40 to watch by HSMAI San Diego.

This award is Milestone’s fourth time winning the prestigious Top 25 distinction. Milestone’s CEO, Anil Aggarwal, and Milestone’s Founder, President, Benu Aggarwal, and Tammie Carlisle, Head of Hospitality, have previously received recognition in 2012, 2013, and 2019 respectively. Milestone hires and retains top talent to serve its customers and the industry.

Milestone Inc. also won 8 HSMAI Adrian Awards for 2019 with two golds, three silvers, and three bronze for its innovative software, services, and digital marketing solutions.