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).

Add new comment

Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.