People News: Tourism Vancouver’s New CEO, Plus More New Hires and Promotions
May 21, 2020
Recent job reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics are dismal, yet the good news is that some companies within the events industry are still making hires and promotions. Check out the latest news from this month.
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Royce Chwin was appointed president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver on May 15, following the 117-year-old organization’s extensive global search to fill this role. He was most recently CEO of Travel Alberta, and has also held roles with Destination Canada and Starbucks
“Royce’s unique understanding of the tourism industry and proven track record of leading passionate and effective teams will position Tourism Vancouver to be a leader in the years ahead,” said Robyn McVicker, the organization’s board chair. “I know that Royce will play an invaluable role as we rebuild after this time of enormous impact to reposition Vancouver as a vibrant destination on the international stage.”
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UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has hired Mina El Fazazi as head of global marketing and communications. She brings 15 years of experience within the exhibition industry to her new role, which will entail marketing and promoting UFI’s products and services for its members and the industry as a whole.
“We are delighted to welcome a senior industry professional like Mina to join the UFI Team,” said Sonia Thomas, UFI’s director of operations. “We are confident that Mina, with her very solid marketing and communications experience in the exhibition industry, will contribute to our mission to serve both our members and the industry.”
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Daniella Middleton has been promoted to senior vice president of tourism for Development Counsellors International (DCI), a tourism and marketing economic development agency based in New York. In her new position, she’ll be stepping into tourism strategy, focused on unifying DCI’s Tourism Practice research, public relations, digital marketing, travel trade marketing and business events.
"Daniella has been integral to the success of some of the tourism world’s more creative activations throughout the U.S. and Canada,” said Karyl Leigh Barnes, president of DCI’s Tourism Practice. “Because of her intuition and ideation, we have seen destinations transform from devastated to recovery in record time. In the wake of COVID-19, this skill will be more necessary than ever before.”
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The Specialty Food Association’s board of directors this week announced the appointment of Bill Lynch as the organization’s interim president. Lynch, who has more than 20 years of experience with the association and previously served as vice president of engagement and experience, will take over leadership as current president Phil Kafarakis’s contract expires.
"The Specialty Food Association has undergone a significant transformation over the past few years, and we sincerely thank Phil for his leadership and guidance in pioneering programs that will have a lasting impact on the SFA and its over 4,000 Members,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, SFA’s board co-chair. “We intend to build on these initiatives to continue the advancement of the association for years to come.”
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Hague Convention Bureau in the Netherlands has hired two new international sales managers to focus on the city’s specialist markets, including new energy, impact economy, IT and tech, and cybersecurity. Jeanine Dupigny will focus on MICE acquisitions in the new energy and impact economy sectors, utilizing her expertise in the industrial development, petrochemical and tourism sectors; and Nadir Aboutaleb, who was most recently with RAI Amsterdam convention center, will focus on developing special events in the IT and tech and cybersecurity sectors.
“Despite challenges facing our industry, there has never been a more important time to develop new relationships and promote destinations to key sectors in creative and personal ways,” said Bas Schot, head of the convention bureau. “Jeanine and Nadir are both specialists in their chosen fields, and I look forward to the impact they will have on The Hague Convention Bureau going forward.”
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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.
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