Hospitality Industry Morns Loss of Celebrated Leader, Mike Dimond

Business Wire, June 24, 2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Michael J. Dimond, 67, passed away June 23, 2008 after suffering a heart attack. Born February 2, 1941 in Lima, Ohio, he was preceded in death by his brother, Steve, mother, Lee, and father, Ward. He and wife, Lou, made their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mike graduated from Lima Central Catholic High School and attended the University of Dayton on a football scholarship. Widely recognized as one of the top hotel marketing executives in the nation, Mike's career spanned over four decades. In addition to The BRO(A)DMOOR, he served in top management and marketing positions with 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. Mike 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.

Mike retired from The BRO(A)DMOOR as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 2006 and was one of the most celebrated leaders in the leisure and hospitality industry. He believed in giving back to the industry he loved and was active in numerous professional organizations. During Mike's memorable career, he 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. Mike 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 Mike as one of "The 25 Most Extraordinary Sales & Marketing Minds in Hospitality & Travel" for 2003.

Mike had an insurmountable love for life and for those who surrounded him. He was affectionately known to many as "Shiny." His passion lives on in each person he touched and will forever be remembered.

Mike is survived by his wife, Lou; four adult children; a sister and brother; a granddaughter; six nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 26 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 9 El Pomar Rd., Colorado Springs, 80906. Prior to the service, there is a 1 p.m. visitation at St. Paul's.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the HSMAI-Scholarship Fund at 1760 Old Meadow Rd., Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102 (703-506-3280).