Colorado Springs, CO – Michael Dimond, whose four-decade career in the hotel and convention industry culminated with his retirement in 2006 as senior vice president of sales and marketing at The Broadmoor, died of a heart attack June 23 at the age of 67.
A memorial service was scheduled for June 26 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Colorado Springs. He is survived by his wife, Lou, a son and daughter and two stepchildren.
Dimond, who was known to many in the industry by the nickname “Shiny,” was instrumental in the development of the Opryland Hotel & Convention Center in Nashville while senior vice president of marketing for Gaylord Entertainment Company. His career also included jobs in the executive ranks with Hyatt Regency, Caesars Palace and upscale hotels in the Miami area.
Dimond spent two stints at The Broadmoor. He handled marketing from 1988 until 1992 and returned in 2002 as senior vice president of sales and marketing.
In an interview with the Colorado Springs Gazette, Broadmoor President Steve Bartolin said Dimond was well known and highly respected by his peers. “On a sales and marketing front, (he) was probably the premier guy of a generation,” Bartolin said. Bartolin also credited Dimond’s aggressive pursuit of meetings during his first term with boosting the five-star mountain resort’s occupancy from 50% to more than 70%.
Dimond’s high profile was also due in large part to his active participation in various industry associations. He was inducted into the Convention Industry Council’s Hall of Leaders in 2000 and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) Hall of Fame in 2004.
Dimond also received the “Academy of Leaders” award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). He served on the boards of the ASAE and Meeting Planners International (MPI).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the HSMAI Scholarship Fund at 1760 Old Meadow Rd., Ste. 500, McLean, VA 22102; (703) 506-3280.
Reach Steve Bartolin at (719) 634-7711 or sbartolin@broadmoor.com
