HSMAI HONORS ZAPWATER COMMUNICATIONS WITH A PLATINUM AWARD IN ITS 2009 ADRIAN AWARDS COMPETITION

CHICAGO February 2, 2010 - The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) recognized Zapwater Communications, Inc. with a Platinum Adrian Award for Public Relations excellence for its winning entry in the 53rd annual Adrian Awards Competition, the largest and most prestigious travel marketing competition globally. HSMAI paid tribute to Zapwater for its work on behalf of Hotel Sax Chicago during the 20th annual HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala, a black-tie affair attended by top agency, hospitality, travel and tourism marketing executives, on Feb. 1, 2010 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Zapwater Communications is the Midwest's premier boutique public relations agency. HSMAI's Platinum Adrian Award was presented to the agency for its highly creative "Turning Regular Joes into J-Lo's" packages and publicity program developed for the Hotel Sax Chicago. The Zapwater-developed concept, which allows hotel guests to stay in rooms with amenities found in celebrity riders, garnered national media attention including a feature story on ABC's Nightline.

This year's contest attracted nearly 1,100 entries from around the world, with entries judged by top executives from all sectors of the industry. Only 20 Platinum awards were given out.

"We are truly humbled by HSMAI's accolades," said David Zapata, president of Zapwater Communications. "To be named in the same breath as some of the world's best agencies and for our ideas and work to singled out as one of the twenty best travel marketing initiatives in the world last year is a testament to the creativity and hard work of the entire Zapwater team. Thank you for such an incredible honor."

This is the eighth major award for public relations excellence received by Zapwater in the past two years. This includes two previously announced Gold Adrian Awards.

"The entries we received this year showcased the high level of creativity, innovation and aptitude from travel-related industry and agency professionals," said Fran Brasseux, executive vice president of HSMAI. "The Adrian Award winners wowed the judges with thought-provoking entries that generated strong ROI, and the Platinum winners are the “best of the best."

In addition to celebrating Zapwater's award-winning work, the Gala honored lifetime achievement and the "Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing." Case studies on each of the Platinum Award winners will be featured in an upcoming HSMAI publication, and all winning entries are accessible by HSMAI members in the Adrian Awards Winners Gallery online at www.adrianawards.com.