Two well-known industry veterans have been named to new posts recently, with Reed Travel Exhibitions bringing on Michael Lyons as the new exhibition director for AIBTM, the Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition, and Michael Krouse was tapped as the president and CEO of the Ontario (Calif.) Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Lyons is a 30-year member of the meetings and events community and will lead AIBTM's efforts to enhance its position as the premier global exhibition for the U.S. meetings, events, incentive and business travel industry, according to Reed officials.

"We are delighted to welcome Mike to the Reed Travel Exhibitions family,” said Craig Moyes, portfolio director of Meetings & Events Portfolio.

He added, "His diverse experience, background and connections will complement the accomplished team we have in place and we expect great results as we take AIBTM to the next level.”

Lyon’s background includes senior level positions with companies including Global Events Partners, Carlson Wagonlit Travel and Rosenbluth Travel (now American Express).

In addition, he has served on several boards, including the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Association of Destination Management Executive, as well as being actively involved in numerous hospitality industry organizations, such as Meetings Professional International and the Professional Convention Management Association.  

"I am very pleased to join forces with the talented professionals at Reed Travel Exhibitions", Lyons said. "I have attended many Reed-managed exhibitions through the years and have always admired their business model and leadership position. They are committed to producing the finest shows in the industry, and I am delighted to join the effort to expand AIBTM's growth opportunities and reputation.”

Krouse, too, has a deep background in the meetings and events industry, most recently as the senior vice president of sales and client services for Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LATCB) and previously in a variety of senior hotel sales management positions.  

He was Interstate Hotels and Resorts vice president of sales and marketing and Hilton Hotels Corporation regional director of sales and marketing – West for more than 13 years. 

In his new position at the Ontario CVB, he will oversee the day-to-day management of the facility, as well as play a key role in business development, helping to attract new conventions, meetings and events to the premier Ontario facility.

The city-owned facility is professionally managed by SMG.  

“With his more than two decades of experience Michael has a proven track record of success in the hospitality and convention center business,” said Bob McClintock, senior vice president operations at SMG.

He added, “While working through a rigorous selection process, Michael’s experience increasing yearly convention bookings in the City of Los Angeles made him the ideal choice for this position. I’m confident that the city of Ontario will benefit substantially from Michael’s expertise.” 

The Ontario Convention Center is geared toward mid-size conventions and meetings, representing 250 to 950 hotel rooms on a peak night, with up to 10,000 delegates.

“The Ontario Convention Center & Visitors Bureau is a well-respected institution, and I am truly honored that SMG and the city of Ontario have entrusted me to build upon their success,” Krouse said.

He added, “Having been directly involved with the nation’s 16th largest convention center, I have become keenly aware of the success and reputation SMG has earned at so many of these venues.  I am proud to join their team in helping to grow Ontario’s market share.”