People News: Several CVBs Make Hires, Overall Job Market Brisk

October 15, 2013

Convention and visitors bureaus all over the United States made several hires in positions ranging from sales and marketing to business development.

In addition, other companies also kept us the brisk hiring pace that has been the trend for the past year.

The Fort Worth (Texas) Convention & Visitors Bureau (FWCVB) named Mitch Whitten as the new vice president of marketing and communications. A long-time resident of Fort Worth, Whitten is set to begin his new position Oct. 2.

On Nov. 18, Amy Patterson will join Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) as vice president, business development and corporate events. In her new role, Patterson will oversee corporate development, direct ACVB’s membership department and produce ACVB’s corporate events, including the annual meeting and Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame.

Visit Orlando promoted Fred Shea to senior vice president of Convention Sales and Services, effective immediately (Sept. 4). Shea has served as the organization's vice president of Strategic Partnerships, responsible for overseeing both portfolio accounts and the Visit Orlando Business Development team, since 2010.

Meet Minneapolis made three new hires: Alicia Schindle as convention marketing manager, Bridget Kiely as tourism marketing manager and Jenna Archer as sales account executive.

Wyndham Jade also recently made a new hire to its sales team – Bill Lemmon. He brings more than 20 years of hospitality industry experience to the company. In addition to CVB sales in Indianapolis and Chicago, he worked in trade show sales with Global Experience Specialists and Hargrove. Most recently Lemmon was director of sales for the Omni Chicago Hotel.

Dean Clarke, general manager of the South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC), will expand his duties and become a regional vice president for Global Spectrum, the international company which manages the SOEC, as well as more than 115 globally. In addition to day-to-day operations in Penticton, Clarke will now oversee two other Global Spectrum-managed facilities in British Columbia, including the Encana Events Centre in Dawson Creek and the Abbotsford Entertainment &Sports Centre in Abbotsford.

Industry veteran Ken Demith, former director of strategy for Freeman XP and Director of Innovation for Freeman, was named chief experience officer for 360 Live Media. Demith has worked with leading organizations, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Abbott Laboratories, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the American Farm Bureau Federation and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

Emerald Expositions, formerly Nielsen Expositions, the producer of ASD Las Vegas, the nation’s largest wholesale merchandise trade show, has made four new additions to its team: David Bertlesen – Show Director, Value & Variety Segment (ASD); Tomel Lora – Senior Account Executive, Style & Beauty Segment (ASD); Renee Knight – Senior Account Executive, Gift & Toy Segment (ASD); and Nadine Buccieri – Senior Account Executive, Style & Beauty Segment (ASD).

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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