CSM Corporation has been recognized for marketing excellence by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and will be honored at the 2025 Adrian Awards Celebration, taking place on February 18, 2026, at the New York Marriott Marquis.
Now in its 69th year, the Adrian Awards is the largest and most prestigious competition dedicated to travel marketing. The 2025 awards recognize exceptional achievements across advertising, digital marketing, public relations/communications, and integrated campaigns — with expanded recognition in areas such as influencer marketing, reputation management, affiliate strategies, and broadcast integration.
The Lodging Marketing Team at CSM Corporation will receive a Bronze Adrian Award for an outstanding entry in the Innovation > Multi-Channel/Integrated Marketing category. Their work on developing and marketing the Northern Starlight Express experience for Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, demonstrates CSM Corporation’s values of Create the Wow, Collaborate to Innovate, and Embrace the Entrepreneurial Spirit.
Northern Starlight Express is an immersive, reservation-only experience located inside the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot. Inspired by the hotel’s history as a former train depot, the experience invites guests to step inside a reimagined train car for a thoughtfully curated evening featuring handcrafted cocktails, elevated small bites, and atmospheric design elements. Rooted in storytelling, nostalgia, and discovery, Northern Starlight Express creates a one-of-a-kind setting for guests to gather, celebrate, and experience the season in a distinctly memorable way.
Rachel Meier, Director of Marketing at CSM Corporation, said, “In collaboration with the hotel, we aimed to create an experience that would truly stand out in the market, and the response exceeded our expectations. Launching a new brand and experience while generating six figures in earned media in such a short timeframe speaks to the dedication behind the work and reflects the collaboration, creativity, and teamwork behind our work. This award is a meaningful validation of the strategy and execution that brought Northern Starlight Express to life.”
Michael Clark, Managing Director of the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, said, “The success of the first year of Northern Starlight Express wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of the CSM Lodging Marketing Team. Their creative vision, strategic outreach, and dedication behind every detail were critical in bringing the experience to life and ensuring it resonated with guests and the community alike.
The 2025 theme, Exceptional Experience, celebrates the creativity and impact of campaigns that go beyond the destination – highlighting the power of storytelling, emotion, and experience in inspiring travel decisions and shaping unforgettable journeys.
“The Adrian Awards showcase the work that sets new standards in travel marketing,” said Brian Hicks, president and CEO of HSMAI. “This year’s winners represent the ingenuity and passion that continue to elevate the global travel experience.”
The Adrian Awards Celebration brings together top hospitality and travel marketing leaders and their creative partners for an evening of inspiration and recognition. Winning entries will be featured in the official Adrian Awards Winners Gallery following the event. Visit adrianawards.hsmai.org for more information
For more information on Northern Starlight Express, visit the hotel on Instagram or visit thedepotminneapolis.com.