Hotel Brokers International, the international network of brokerage firms serving the lodging industry, celebrates its 50th year in 2009. To mark the occasion, the group will host a celebration party on Wednesday, January 28 at the Westin San Diego. The party will be held following the conclusion of the Americas Lodging Investment Summit, also in San Diego, and a day before the start of HBI's annual meeting.

The HBI network, which includes more than 100 broker specialists in 30-plus offices, annually accounts for the greatest market share of mid-market transactions in the U.S. In addition to other activities, the group sponsors a series of Hotel Investor's Marketplaces in different regions of the country. The programs include half-day educational sessions on trends in hotel financing, branding and real estate pricing and half-day showcases of properties for sale. The next Marketplaces will be held in the Washington, DC area on Oct. 8 and in Dallas on Nov. 5.

In the first half of 2008, HBI members sold 43 properties. Transaction volume for the period was up 30 percent, while pricing rose 41 percent, compared to the same period last year.