Ideas Collide’s Karem Planas Named Among HSMAI’s 2024 Top 25 Minds in Hospitality

PHOENIX, AZ – February 26, 2025 – Ideas Collide is excited to announce that Karem Planas, COO and VP of Account Growth, has been named one of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) 2024 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization, and Distribution. Karem is the third leader from Ideas Collide to receive this honor in the past 12 years, reflecting the agency’s long-standing excellence in hospitality marketing.  

This recognition puts Karem alongside Matthew Clyde, Ideas Collide’s Founder and President, who was honored in 2012, and Mike Mason, Chief Creative Officer and Founder, who earned the award in 2022. Together, these achievements showcase the agency’s commitment to innovation and its influence in the hospitality industry.  

Karem has been a key figure in driving successful marketing strategies for clients across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada. Her work with leading brands like Destination Hotels, Best Western, Choice Hotels International, and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company demonstrates her ability to create impactful campaigns that connect with audiences and deliver results.  

“Karem’s recognition is a proud moment for all of us at Ideas Collide,” said Matthew Clyde, Founder and President. “Having three of our leaders earn this award shows the passion and creativity we bring to every client and every project in the hospitality space.”  

As COO and VP of Account Growth, Karem has played a significant role in developing award-winning campaigns that elevate brands, strengthen partnerships, and help clients succeed in a competitive market. Her work reflects the agency’s mission to deliver innovative, creative, and results-driven marketing solutions.  

This recognition comes as Ideas Collide celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of partnership with some of the world’s top hospitality brands. From hospitality technology brands to restaurant groups and global hotel chains, the agency continues to redefine how hospitality brands connect with their audiences.

For a complete list of award recipients, visit americas.hsmai.org.

About HSMAI
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as the Marketing Strategy Conference, Adrian Awards, and HSMAI ROC. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region.