People News: IAEE’s Legend of the Industry Award, Fresh Hires at CVBs and More

August 21, 2020
People

New appointments, promotions and awards have kept leading industry names in the news this summer, despite the ongoing pandemic continuing to make deep impacts on events. Take a look at some positive news:

Susan Schwartz was named IAEE’s 2020 Legend of the Industry on Aug. 7. Each year, this award is selected from IAEE members who’ve made remarkable contributions in innovation and leadership. Schwartz is managing director and co-founder of ConvExx, an independent exhibition management company in Henderson, Nevada.

Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) named Dave Hilfman the organization’s interim executive director last month. Hilfman, who retired from United Airlines as senior vice president of worldwide sales in 2018, stepped into his new role mid-July.

John Bacon, senior group publisher with McLean, Virginia-based Naylor Association Solutions, was appointed to the board of directors for Texas Society of Association Executives in July. He will serve a three-year term.

Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board has named Adam Burke its new president and CEO. A seasoned tourism executive with more than 25 years of industry experience, Burke joined the organization as COO in 2016. He had previously served as interim president and CEO since April after Ernest Wooden Jr. announced his retirement, which became effective June 30.

Chicago’s Kimpton Gray Hotel promoted Joel Contor to director of sales and marketing. He’s worked with the Kimpton brand since 2016, starting as sales manager with Kimpton Journeyman Hotel in Milwaukee.

Venue management company Spectra named Jeffrey Goldenberg general manager at Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center in New Jersey, effective July 27. He brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his new role, most recently serving as GM of the House of Blues in Boston.

Michael Guerriero, previously of Experient, a Maritz Global Events Company, joined Digitell as president this month. In this role, he works closely with CEO Jim Parker to support the growth of the Jamestown, N.Y.-based live streaming and virtual conference company.

Long Beach CVB in California has hired Debbie Glenn as a national sales director, working remotely from Maryland. A seasoned tourism professional, Glenn served as sales director for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board for the past 14 years. 

Sean Verney was named area general manager for Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, last week. He brings experience from a career spanning more than 35 years to his new role, which includes overseeing all aspects of the 2,270-room resort with 333,000 square feet of meeting space — plus the expansion of a new 14-story tower expected to open next year.

Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau has two new senior national account directors: Kelly Blecke, most recently of JW Marriott Indianapolis, is focused on the Washington, D.C. area; and Rosa Luke, previously with Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf and Beach Resort, will concentrate on the Chicago market.

Mindy Abel has been named new deputy director of Anaheim Convention Center in California. She brings more than 35 years of experience to her new role, where she’ll oversee sales and services as well as lead all front-of-house, client-facing departments and partners at the convention center.

Phil Hobson, president of Phoenix International Business Logistics, was recently appointed to a three-year term as a member of the board of governors with the NY/NJ Foreign Freight Forwarders and Brokers Association, one of the oldest transportation-related organizations in the United States.

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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