Behind the Hustle: Dan Sherman (@hipnetwork)

Sherman’s experience runs deep within the meeting, event, travel and hospitality marketplace. Over the years, Sherman has successfully supported event logistics for some of the largest and most prestigious tradeshows, conventions, meetings and sporting events throughout the country. Which include, Major League Baseball, US Green Building Council, Specialty Food Association, American Chemical Society, Cardiovascular Research Foundation and many more.

Sherman also founded HIP Network (Hospitality Industry Professionals Network), one of the nation’s fastest-growing networks of meeting/event, travel and hospitality professionals within the United States. Sherman founded and served as CEO of LEGACY Sustainability Management which was acquired by Greenview Sustainability in November 2012. The merger combined service capabilities with the vision of creating the foremost provider of sustainability measurement and reporting services within the hospitality, meeting and event sectors.

A passionate industry advocate, entrepreneur and investor within the hospitality sector, Sherman is an active member of ASAE, PCMA, IAEE, MPI, HIP Network and currently serves on the National Cherry Blossom Festival Board of Directors. Previous professional volunteer service includes: ASAE Industry Partner Alliance (IPA) 2009-2012, Destination DC Membership Advisory Panel 2008-2012, PCMA Capital Chapter Communications Committee 2008-2010.

 “hi, my name is…”

The world knows me as: Dan Sherman

I’ve also been known to respond to the names: Shermdog™ (long story)

I am wicked good at: Making my daughter laugh, Golf, Basketball, Improv Comedy, snagging an exit row seat and Ubering everywhere.

Least favorite house chore: The dishes, need I say more?

My go-to guilty pleasure food is: Five Guys

Favorite App: The HIP Network App of course

Favorite quote: “In order to be successful you must project an image of success at all times”

“The Hustle”

Job Title: Founder & CEO, HIP Network/Sherman Hospitality

Professional Superpower: Curator of serendipitous connections

My primary role in the events industry is: I wear multiple hats, but the core focus is provide group business consulting and intermediary services to Associations and Corporations who produce large city-wide events. I’m also passionate about building HIP Network into the next generation professional network for meeting/event organizers and service providers.

Years in the events industry: 12

To me, being an Event Hustler means: An individual who is a leader within their service area and aspires to innovate on behalf of our industry without asking for permission.

The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are:

1. The actual economic impact of the hospitality/travel/meetings industry, it touches all facets of our life.

2. There’s an association for everything.

I got my start in the events industry when: I’ve really been in it my whole life, but professionally in my early 20’s where I led business development for the largest shuttle/transportation management company in the industry and have been hooked ever since.

The top 2 pieces of advice I’d give to an aspiring planner are?

1. Seek out multiple mentors, preferably one veteran meeting planner and one service provider.

2. Be transparent from the get go, this business in all about reputation. You’re only as good as your last event.

My biggest event industry pet peeve is: Crossing the ethical line.

“No such thing as TMI”

One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: My longest drive is 365 yards in Las Vegas at Rio Secco.

You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: Any Foo Fighters or Dave Matthews albums

10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: A football player

Text or phone call? Call! Seriously, this is important

Android or iphone? iPhone

Toilet paper roll – Over or under? Over (I hope my wife reads this)

Connect with Dan: dsherman@hipnetwork.org

Twitter: @hipnetwork

LinkedIn: Dan Sherman

Facebook: HIP Network