Kansas City (Mo.) Convention & Visitors Association Taps Ronnie Burt as President, CEO
May 12, 2014
With 23 years of hospitality and tourism experience under his belt, Ronnie Burt has been tapped as the new president and CEO of the Kansas City (Mo.) Convention & Visitors Association.
Burt’s most recent position was vice president of sales and marketing for Destination DC, the bureau for the Washington, D.C., market.
"The search committee was pleased that an extensive search for a new president and CEO yielded numerous qualified candidates,” said Brenda Tinnen, KCCVA Chair and general manager and senior vice president of AEG/Sprint Center.
She added, “Ronnie’s diverse background and impressive qualifications include demonstrated expertise in delivering measurable sales results which elevated him among a tremendous field of professionals.”
Burt replaces Jon Stephens, who was serving as interim president and CEO of the association.
In his new role, Burt will oversee a staff of 40 and $10 million annual budget.
"It is a privilege to join the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association staff at this critical juncture,” Burt said. “I am excited to work with the executive committee and the entire board of directors along with the hospitality community to further enhance Kansas City’s position as a dynamic destination for meetings and events. Kansas City’s commitment to hospitality differentiates the city in tourism efforts that benefit customers, clients and citizens in all corners of the region.”
Burt began his career in the hospitality and tourism industry at Caesars Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. He joined the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority as an intern and rose the ranks to national sales manager.
Burt joined the Baltimore Area Convention & Visitors Association in 1999 as director of national accounts, eventually leading its sales efforts in the role as vice president of convention sales and services.
In 2006, he served as BACVA’s interim president and CEO, where he managed a staff of more than 50 employees and a $9 million budget.
A graduate of Richard Stockton College in Pomona, N.J., Burt also earned an honorable discharge from the United States Navy.
Burt is an active member of several professional industry associations, including the American Society of Association Executives, Professional Convention Management Association, National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, Meeting Professionals International and Destination Association Marketing International.
“The entire Kansas City region will certainly benefit from his fresh perspective, enthusiasm and ability to provide strategic direction in positively positioning the KCCVA for the future,” Tinnen said.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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