People News: SGIA, Reno, Atlanta, Bellagio and More Make Hires

August 25, 2018

Hiring didn’t slow down in the typically mellow month of August with several cities adding to their convention and visitors bureau ranks, as well as some service providers and show organizing companies.

Rachel Thomas has joined the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) as the new Director of Exhibit Services, overseeing the SGIA Expo and upcoming PRINTING United trade show floors and managing exhibitors’ experiences.

Thomas will handle communication and coordination related to the 2018 SGIA Expo — both prior to and during events — to make the show more engaging for both exhibitors and attendees.

In 2019, the SGIA Expo will transition to PRINTING United, a brand-new trade show focused on the opportunities in convergence of the printing industry. 

The Board of Directors of Visit KC has selected industry veteran Jason Fulvi as its new President and CEO. With more than 32 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industries, Fulvi comes to Kansas City from VisitPITTSBURGH, where he has served for 16 years and most recently as the organization’s Executive Vice President.

A Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), Fulvi begins his new role at Visit KC Sept. 12.

Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) promoted Brandy Hudgins to sales manager, small meetings.

In her new role, Hudgins is responsible for leveraging client relationships in all domestic markets to book small meetings and reunions in Atlanta requiring 10-50 hotel room nights on peak. Prior to joining the in-house sales team, she served as trade show sales coordinator, assisting in selling and marketing Atlanta and Georgia as well as coordinating logistics for Atlanta’s presence at national trade shows.

Hudgins began her career with ACVB in 2015 as a trade show administrative assistant. Before joining ACVB, Hudgins worked with Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart, World of Coca-Cola and Atlanta Braves.

The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) brought on two new hires on the heels of the Authority’s recent deal with SMG to take over management of the area’s meetings and convention facilities.

Kelly Carr has been appointed general manager for SMG-contracted facilities in northern Nevada, and Dante Nicastro has been brought on as the northern Nevada General Manager for SAVOR, SMG’s food and beverage division.

MCI USA has welcomed two longtime event industry professionals to its Strategic Events, Meetings & Incentives (SEM&I) business unit based out of Plano, Texas.

Jeff Moore has joined the team as Vice President, Technology & Innovation. In his role, Moore will work with the established technology development team to accelerate programming goals for the company’s proprietary ONEsystem+ and identify key integration and partner technologies for MCI SEM&I.

Moore has spent the past 15 years working on key systems for Experient, including a registration and housing platform, lead retrieval app, database marketing tool, exhibitor CRM, event app, attendee behavioral tracking systems and analytics platform.

James Kelley will serve as Director, Onsite, Lead Retrieval & Business Development. He will lead and develop MCI USA’s expanding onsite and lead retrieval teams while helping the company drive registration business.

Kelley also joins the team from Experient, where he held positions over the course of 19 years as Account Executive, Senior Account Executive, Strategic Account Manager and Director, Onsite Services. His vast array of experience and knowledge were utilized to drive all onsite registration products and services.

Bellagio named Amanda Voss as the resort’s new vice president of Sales.  In this role, she is responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction for Hotel Sales and Convention Services at Bellagio, a AAA Five Diamond, 3,933-room resort.

With more than 200,000 square feet of space, Bellagio’s elegant and flexible meeting and convention facilities have received numerous awards including 5 Keys (the highest designation) from Green Key Meetings Rating Program. 

SmartSource® Computer & Audio Visual Rentals, a provider of computer, audio visual (AV) and technology solutions for businesses and events, announced the appointment of Marty Fuchs as Solutions Architect.

Fuchs will be based in SmartSource’s Orlando, Florida location. He will be responsible for providing technical and customer service expertise for audio visual solution installations and working closely with the sales team to prepare RFPs.

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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