The Travel Vertical

Weekly stories curated exclusively for digital tourism marketers

Weekly Update: People, Places, Podcast & RFPs

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National Travel and Tourism Week, May 1-7, 2022

P E O P L E

Kristin McGrath has been named as the new Executive Director at Visit Pasadena. Her DMO background includes executive sales positions with Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, Richmond Region Tourism, and most recently, at Visit Albuquerque where her role since 2017 has been Vice President of Sales, Services, and Sports.

Kolby Kucyk Gayson is the new Marketing Manager for Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. She joins from Florida’s Sports Coast where she was Tourism Communications Manager since 2018.

Jamie Ann Rennick is the new Marketing Director at See Rock City, Inc. at Lookout Mountain, Georgia. She joined as Director of Marketing at American Bicycle Group in Chattanooga.

At Visit Mobile, two new team members are welcomed: Brittany Gagliano, Partnership Manager, and Allison Floyd, Communications and Membership Manager. They have backgrounds in local nonprofits and universities, respectively.

Robert Y. Graff is now Industry Relations specialist for Southern Nevada at the Nevada Division of Tourism (Travel Nevada). He has most recently been VP Sales & Marketing for Bindlestiff Tours, prior to which he spent 17 years with Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters / Scenic Airlines.

SoIN Tourism announced Anna Rosales-Crone has joined as Communications Manager. She most recently was with The Parklands of Floyds Fork in Southern Indiana. 

At MMGY Global, two promotions are announced: (l to r:) Mia Wise to Executive Vice President of Global HR and Jessica Schwartz to Executive Vice President of Global Media Strategy.

J. Eric Thompson joins RootRez as Senior Director of Sales & Marketing. He had been Senior Vice President of Marketing at Visit Salt Lake for more than two decades and also served on the Advisory Board for eTourism Summit.

Adam Zappia joins the team as Sales Manager at Zartico. Based in Atlanta, his background includes Cox Media, Advance Travel and Tourism, and Adara.

Renee Marpert is the newest Executive Recruiter at SearchWide Global. Based in Seattle, she brings nearly seven years of experience in hospitality recruitment and human resources, including most recently serving as a talent acquisition specialist for a hospitality management & consultancy. 

Danielle Ackerman has been promoted to Director of Digital Product at Paradise Advertising & Marketing, Inc., which she joined in 2018. She was previously with Experience Kissimmee.

Gabriel E. Martinez has started a new position as VP, Distribution and Channel Sales at Brightline Trains. He had previously been with GetYourGuide, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, SeaWorld, and Disney.

Stephen Kubiak has been promoted to Senior Manager of Social Media & Content at Universal Parks & Resorts. He had been with Visit Florida for seven years through mid-2019.

P O D C A S T

New podcast: We’re so pleased to catch up with Kyle Edmiston, President & CEO of Visit Lake Charles in Southwest Louisiana (above, far right). Find out why this truly unique destination is described as wearing a “little black dress paired with flip flops,” and what defines the mission and vision for “Louisiana’s Playground” and this dynamic team.

Episode #28 of The Travel Vertical Podcast goes live on Wednesday, May 4 at 7 a.m. ET.

R F P s

Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority in North Carolina is inviting qualified firms to submit proposals for two different research initiatives: a visitor profile study and a tourism partner study. Proposals must be received by May 20, 2022 at 5 p.m. ET. More details here.

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is seeking proposals from experienced Massachusetts marketing agencies in public relations, marketing strategy, social media, graphic design, and advertising support services for a marketing campaign to promote Massachusetts to tourists and travelers, as described in the attached RFQ document. Click here for details. Deadline: May 20, 2022 at 5 p.m. ET.

The City of Solvang, California is inviting qualified firms to submit proposals for Professional Services to provide Tourism Marketing Managed Services from full-service, experienced tourism marketing
/ public relations consultants who can provide professional guidance and oversight, implementation and analysis regarding marketing and communications programs designed to attract tourists. The current Marketing/Media Plan for the Solvang marketing tourism contract ends July 31, 2022. The upcoming budget plan is for two years, with the opportunity to extend the contract another two years. Deadline May 6, 2022, by 5:00 p.m. More details found here.

TOURISM Santa Fe is seeking a high caliber, experienced public relations agency to assist in further defining and meeting the City’s tourism promotion goals. In collaboration with TSF, the Contractor shall perform the Detailed Scope of Work (Section IV, A) to continue to build destination brand awareness, create deep connections with the venturesome traveler, and inspire increased visitation to the city of Santa Fe. The resulting contract will be a single award. This procurement will be executed for a term not to exceed four (4) years. Closing date: May 11, 2022. Bid details found here.

J O B S

#UltimateGreenJob

flickr.com/photos/arbogast-boris/23884668965

Sustainable Development Coordinator for North America & Caribbean — Club Med, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (new)

“Live, work, and play in the Caribbean for one year.” Club Med is recruiting a passionate individual for what could be the greatest new job in the world, at least for its 12-month duration. Travel to eight Club Med Resorts in Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean to support the brand’s ongoing social responsibility efforts and make a positive impact on local communities. Create a one-minute video and click here to apply.

President & CEO AND National Sales Manager — Visit Greenville, SC

President & CEO — Visit Casper, WY

President & CEO — Experience Maple Grove, MN

Chief Executive Officer — Discover Santa Clara, CA

Executive Director — Muncie Visitors Bureau, IN

Executive Director — Visit Visalia, CA

Executive Director — Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, LA

Executive Director/Marketing Director — Taos Ski Valley Chamber of Commerce, NM

SVP-President, Tulsa Regional Tourism/Visit Tulsa

Executive Director-Diversity — Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, PA

Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion — Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, SC

Director — South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, TX

Chief Marketing Officer AND Brand Marketing Manager AND Senior Manager Convention Sales-Southwest/West AND Senior Manager Convention Sales-Southeast/East — Destination Cleveland (new)

Vice President Digital & Media AND Senior Director of Media AND Assistant Manager Communications-International AND Email Marketing & Personalization Coordinator — NYC & Company

Vice President Marketing & PR — City of Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (new)

Vice President of Marketing — Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, IL (new)

Vice President Marketing & Communications AND Website Manager (new) — Shreveport Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau, LA

Executive Vice President — Visit Tucson, AZ

International Marketing Executive — Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority

Chief Tourism Development Officer — OneSpartanburg, Inc., SC

Director of Tourism — Walton County Board of County Commissioners, FL (new)

Tourism Director — City of Carthage, MO

Director of Marketing & Development — Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization/Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, NJ (new)

Chief Sales Officer — Explore St. Louis

Senior Vice President of Sales — Choose Chicago

Vice President of Sales — Visit Albuquerque

Vice President of Sales — Visit Wichita

Vice President of Sales & Services — City of Virginia Beach-Convention & Visitors Bureau

National Account Manager-Midwest/West — Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Executive Meetings Manager AND Web Marketing Manager — Visit Denver

Director of Convention Sales AND Senior Accounting Manager — Visit Jacksonville, FL

Director of Sales AND Sales Manager AND Director of Human Resources AND Partner Engagement Manager — Visit SLO CAL, San Luis Obispo, CA

Director of Communications — Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, CA

Senior Public Relations Manager AND Copywriter/Editor — Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, NC

Director of Public Relations AND Public Relations Manager — Explore Asheville, NC

Director of Digital Marketing & Media Relations — Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau

Senior Product Development Manager — Houston First

Senior Manager Destination Services — Discover The Palm Beaches, FL

Senior B2B Marketing Manager — Rhode Island Department of Commerce

Branding Content Coordinator — Visit High Point, NC (new)

Content Editor — Travel Oregon

Tourism Content Creator — Illinois South Tourism

Destination Development Manager — State of Nevada, Human Resources Management

Marketing Manager — Visit Pittsburgh

Marketing Manager — Colorado Tourism Office

Marketing Manager-Tourism Sales — New Orleans & Company

Marketing Manager — Fort Myers-Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods, Lee County, FL

Leisure and Group Tourism Marketing Manager — Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau, GA

Web & Digital Marketing Manager — Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

Social Media Manager AND Senior Manager Research AND Partnerships Manager AND Special Events Manager — Destination DC

Digital Marketing Specialist — Visit Detroit

Creative Services Manager — Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, IL

Brand Marketing Manager AND Communications Manager AND Content Manager — Visit Napa Valley, CA

Public Relations Manager — Sonoma County Tourism, CA

Public Relations Manager — Memphis Tourism, TN

Public Relations & Communications Manager — Destination Madison, WI

Destination Sales Leader — Visit Lake Geneva, WI

Brand Ambassador — Discover Green Bay, WI

Destination Specialist — Newport Beach & Company, CA

Senior Coordinator, Sales & Marketing Operations — Visit Seattle

Marketing Coordinator — Travel Wisconsin

Sales Manager — Traverse City Tourism, MI

Sales Manager — Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau, IA

Marketing Communications Manager — Explore Gwinnett (Gwinnett Convention & Visitors Bureau), GA (new)

Marketing Manager — City of College Station, TX

Communications & Marketing Specialist — City of Fife, WA

Director of Group Sales — Visit Vancouver, WA

Tourism Group Sales & Marketing Specialist — City of Golden, CO

Communications Manager — Visit Carlsbad, CA (new)

Communications Manager — San Mateo County/Silicon Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, CA ***

Senior Research Manager — Arizona Office of Tourism

Data Analyst AND Business Analyst — Visit Grand Junction, CO

Manager of Technology & Office Operations — Visit Baltimore

Economic Development Counselor — County of Rockland, NY

Sales Manager — Discover Lehigh Valley, PA

DC-based National Account Manager AND Marketing Coordinator AND Convention Services Coordinator — Visit KC, MO

Marketing Coordinator-Project (through Sept 2023) — Travel Wisconsin (state resident; new)

Marketing Coordinator — Visit Harford, MD (new)

Marketing Coordinator — Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, CA 

Marketing & Events Coordinator — Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, SD

Executive Assistant — Visit Williamsburg, VA

Visitor Services Manager — Visit Billings, MT

Administrative Assistant — Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA), remote (part-time, new)

Public Relations Executive — Visit Britain, Sydney, Australia (new)

Marketing Data Analyst — Destination BC, Vancouver, Canada

Digital Marketing Specialist — Cayman Island Department of Tourism, NYC

Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications AND Champion of People & Culture — Destinations International, Wash., D.C.

Deputy Director — The Bronx Tourism Council, NYC

Deputy Director — Orange County Convention Center, Orlando (new)

General Manager — Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA

General Manager — Lynnwood Convention Center, WA

Manager Tourism, Convention & Events — City of Dallas

Director Sales & Marketing — Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas, TX

Senior Vice President — Longwoods International, Columbus, OH or remote (new)

Research Director AND Research Operations Manager — Destination Analysts, remote (new)

Vice President of Sales — MPI, Dallas (new)

Global Tourism Reporter — Skift, remote

Destination Manager — Expedia Group, Seattle

Customer Success Manager — CrowdRiff

SEO Analyst AND Digital Copy Editor — Simpleview

Interactive Producer AND Web Developer AND IT Specialist AND Accessibility Program Director AND Senior Art Director AND Content Manager (x2) AND Content Coordinator AND Accessibility Specialist AND Website Quality Assurance Specialist AND Business Analyst (new) AND Senior Creative Producer-Original Programming (new) AND Associate Producer-Original Programming (new) AND Advertising Account Manager (new) AND Account Supervisor-Anchorage, Alaska (new) AND Senior Programmatic Media Buyer (new) — Miles Partnership

Content Director AND Digital Project Manager AND Account Coordinator — Paradise Advertising & Marketing, Inc., remote

Content Writer — Digital Edge Marketing Agency, hybrid 

Travel Trade Marketing Manager AND Content Marketing Coordinator — Development Counsellors International, hybrid

Account Supervisor — ELMNTL, remote (new)

Director Destination Strategy (West) — Madden Media, remote

Social Media Manager-Fresno AND Social Media Manager-Culver City — MMGY Global, CA

Senior Digital Media Buyer — Love Communications, Salt Lake City metro

Research/Data Analyst — RRC Associates, Colorado or remote (new)

Content Analyst AND Ad Operations Analyst — Tempest, Philadelphia

Sales Manager Tourism — Journera, remote (new)

Media Director — Aqua Marketing & Communications, St. Petersburg, FL

Marketing Director — Civil Rights Tour of America, Miami, FL (new)

Digital Producer — Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products-Technology & Digital, Celebration, FL

Digital Marketing Manager — Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, PA

Quality Assurance Analyst — Herschend Family Entertainment, hybrid

Social Media Manager — Navy Pier, Chicago

Marketing Manager — National Corvette Museum, Bowling Green, KY

Marketing Manager — Space Center Houston

Senior Staff Analyst/Writer, PR Specialist AND Staff Analyst/Social Media, Communications Specialist — Houston Airports

Director of Digital Marketing & PR — Four Seasons Hotel Austin, TX (new)

Senior Manager Communications — San Francisco 49ers

Tourism Development Manager — San Francisco Giants

Airport Communications Officer — San Francisco International Airport, CA

Vice President of Marketing — SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Tampa, FL

Director of Marketing Communications — Cleveland Museum of Art

General Manager-Destination Marketing AND Manager Destination Marketing-Strategic Growth Markets AND Manager-MICE AND Project Coordinator-Community Engagement — Delta Air Lines, Atlanta

Manager Public Relations — Holland America Line, Seattle, Miami, or remote on the East Coast

Coordinator Web Content — Historic Hotels of America, Wash., DC

Director of Content & Creative — U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, Park City, UT (new)

*** Last week, this DMO announced a rebrand to The San Francisco Peninsula. The project was undertaken with Simpleview.

Meet Kathryn Shea Duncan: 2022 Emerging Tourism Star From Visit Lake Charles

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Kathryn Shea Duncan

Congrats to Kathryn Shea Duncan, Director of Social Media at Visit Lake Charles, Louisiana. She’s one of nine winners in the second annual Emerging Tourism Stars program in partnership with MMGY Global.

Readers will meet the winners in upcoming issues of The Travel Vertical and they’ll be recognized in person during the 23rd Annual eTourism Summit on June 6-8, 2022 in Orlando.

What’s an Emerging Tourism Star? Savvy individuals (of any age!) in destination marketing and attractions that are new to the eTourism Community of digital travel and tourism professionals or have risen to the challenges of a role.

  • Winners will be directly connected with a travel and tourism leader as a mentor
  • Winners receive a scholarship to attend eTourism Summit
  • Winners will participate in a panel conversation at eTourism Summit moderated by MMGY Global
  • One winner will fill the eTS Emerging Tourism Star Advisory Board Seat (an annual appointment)

Q: Tell us about your professional journey. How did you arrive at your role?

I graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in May 2018 and accepted a position immediately after graduation as the Special Projects Coordinator at the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce. In college, I worked anywhere from 2-4 jobs at a time, trying to get experience in any field that interested me. I worked in retail, photography/writing for a luxury neighborhood magazine, marketing for Lafayette Habitat for Humanity, freelance portrait and commercial photographer, and even an on-campus job in between classes. Each role played a part in crafting and leading me to where my professional journey would take me after graduation. 

I had no idea that a tourism career would interest me until I traveled the country as the 81st International Rice Festival Queen from 2017 to 2018. During my year reign, I traveled to over 80 events, festivals, and communities across the country, experiencing firsthand the power of destination marketing in even the smallest of communities. 

After a year at the Chamber, I was recruited by Kyle Edmiston, President/CEO of Visit Lake Charles, to become the media/public relations manager. After nearly 2.5 years in this role, I was promoted in January 2022 as the director of social media. 

I am very grateful that at the age of 25 I am in a career and profession that I enjoy every day. From photography to social media strategy, I can utilize all my talents to their greatest potential in my role at Visit Lake Charles. 

Q: What are first-time visitors most surprised to learn about the destination? 

Lake Charles is a blend of contrasts that magically works together in total harmony. With two side-by-side luxurious casino resorts, you’re able to unwind at the spas, float along the lazy rivers, witness entertainment from ZZ Top to comedian Tom Segura, golfing, and more. Within a short drive, you can also experience the untouched natural beauty along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road by crabbing, birding, fishing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, shelling, and relaxing at the Gulf beaches and waterways.

Additionally, we consider our region to be the “Festival Capital of Louisiana” with dozens of festivals and fairs held annually. Events such as the Louisiana Pirate Festival, Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival, Iowa Rabbit Festival, Smoke & Barrel, Rouge et Blanc, Lake Charles Rum Revival, DeQuincy Railroad Festival, Boudin Wars… And I could go on and on! We host the second largest Mardi Gras in Louisiana, specifically known for being very family-friendly. 

Q: Southwestern Louisiana has had a lot of challenges in addition to the pandemic. What have you learned about crisis communications and what can you tell us about recovery?

In addition to COVID, Lake Charles has endured two back-to-back major hurricanes (August and October 2020), Winter Storm Uri (February 2021), and a historic flood (May 2021). 

In my role as the media/public relations manager, my role shifted from pitching outdoor family-friendly activities to telling the destination’s recovery story. 

In the days after Hurricane Laura (near Category 5), my eyes rarely lifted from my screen. I was monitoring media coverage, collecting hero stories, and facilitating and participating in interviews for media outlets across the world. Disaster after disaster, it was important to ensure I was telling uplifting and powerful stories of our destination’s recovery from every angle. 

The New York Times: How Do You Advertise a Town Ravaged by Hurricanes?

Recovery still is ongoing in parts of our region. However, after one year and 8 months after the landfall of Hurricane Laura, our region is telling a triumphant story. There have been several announcements and groundbreakings for projects across the region, particularly on our lakefront, such as the new Port Wonder, Crying Eagle Brewing’s microbrewery and full-service restaurant, Lake Area Adventures outdoor activity rentals, and Paul’s Rib Shack. 

The area will look radically different in the near future, and I am thrilled to be a part of the VLC team to see our community flourish. 

Q: What are some of your personal career goals and aspirations as an Emerging Tourism Leader?

I certainly consider myself a forward-thinker and career-driven young professional. I anticipate my career in tourism to be filled with leadership and mentorship that will guide me to achieve my goals. I aspire to first and foremost be the best leader I can be in any given role, no matter the title. As a professional, you’ll likely notice I am usually working quietly behind the scenes and listening more than speaking. I believe in playing to my strengths, such as my commitment to teamwork, empathy, and ability to connect with others. 

I look forward to the future where my strengthened leadership qualities and industry knowledge will steer me to effectively lead a team of marketing professionals at a DMO. 

I aspire to fine-tune my photography and videography skills to elevate the destination’s brand marketing. I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration at McNeese State University with plans to graduate in 2023. Additionally, I would like to obtain my Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) certification and Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) credential in the future. 

Q: What recent business trip have you most enjoyed and why? 

In October 2021, I traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the Society of American Travel Writers Annual Convention. From the DMO’s staff, SATW convention organizers, and the Milwaukee community, I was impressed at every turn. The diversity in cuisine and impressive arts and theatre scene both made lasting impacts on me. 

Q: What do you hope to gain from attending your first eTourism Summit in 2022?

The summit will allow me the opportunity to put Southwest Louisiana in a national spotlight, form deeper connections with industry partners, and gain first-hand knowledge from seasoned tour and travel professionals. I couldn’t be more thrilled for the opportunity to advance my destination marketing and communication expertise, which will allow me to further demonstrate the value of our organization in Lake Charles. 

Here They Are! Announcing the Winners of 2022 Emerging Tourism Stars

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For Immediate Release

Connect Travel, the owner and producer of eTourism Summit, has announced the winners of the second annual Emerging Tourism Stars for 2022. The nine winners will be recognized during the 23rd Annual eTourism Summit, the premier U.S. gathering of destination digital marketers in travel and their partner agencies, to be held on June 6-8, 20212, in Orlando.

Emerging Tourism Stars was introduced in 2021, created in partnership with MMGY Global, designed to recognize and celebrate astute individuals in destination marketing organizations and attractions. In particular, the awards focus on those that are new to the eTourism community of digital travel and tourism professionals or have risen to the challenges of a new role within the community. 

“For 23 years, the eTourism Summit has been about innovation and ‘See Tomorrow’ ideas. With support from MMGY Global, we’re excited to recognize our next cohort of Emerging Tourism Stars—a diverse group of talented individuals who will likely become destination marketing leaders of the future,” said Will Seccombe, president of Connect Travel. 

They will each receive a scholarship to attend eTourism Summit, where they will be invited to a panel discussion moderated by MMGY Global. In addition, their professional story will be shared in The Travel Vertical and the eTourism Summit Magazine. Winners will have the opportunity to be appointed to an Emerging Tourism Star seat on the eTourism Summit Advisory Board for 2022 – 2023. In addition, winners will be directly connected with a travel and tourism thought leader as a mentor. 

“It has been inspiring and humbling to see the number of emerging leaders that have stepped up, innovated and rallied for their organization, their community and the industry,” said Justin Farmer, SVP of business strategy at MMGY Global. “We are honored to partner with eTourism Summit on this exciting new program celebrating these future destination marketing leaders.”

###

Congratulations to the class of 2022. We’re looking forward to hearing more about your winning journeys…so far. And for our readers, one-to-one profiles and interviews with each of the nine winners will appear in upcoming issues of The Travel Vertical.

The winners of the 2022 Emerging Tourism Stars program are:

Ana R. Arzate, Marketing Coordinator, Visit Laredo, TX

Seth Eli Barlow, Content Manager, Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, AR

Kathryn Shea Duncan, Director of Social Media, Visit Lake Charles, LA

Astrid Emmanuelli, Social Media Manager, Discover Puerto Rico

Frank Filice, Director, Brand Marketing, Sonoma County Tourism, CA

Brianna McEnroe, Social Media & Digital Communications Manager, Discover Long Island, NY

Reshonda “Shon” Perryman, Creative Design Manager, Visit Jackson, MS

Courtney Spiess, Executive Director, Visit Marietta GA

Rachel Thompson, Executive Director, St. Cloud Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, MN

Choose Chicago Chooses a CEO | People, RFPs, Jobs, LinkedIn Update & More

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Lynn Osmond has been appointed as the new President & CEO of Choose Chicago. The first woman to helm the city’s tourism agency, she has been President & CEO at Chicago Architecture Center for the past 25 years. Osmond succeeds David Whitaker who now leads Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. Osmond has a four-year contract at the DMO where her new assignment begins on May 9, 2022.

Gregory O’Dell departs as President & CEO of Events DC to assume the role of President, Venue Management at OVG360 where he will oversee 230 venues nationwide, including stadiums, arenas, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, casinos, and fairgrounds. His appointment follows OVG’s acquisition of Spectra late last year, creating a full-service live events and entertainment company.

Lauren Salisbury is the newly promoted Head of Global Communications at Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, which she joined in May 2021. She was previously with Santa Monica Travel & Tourism as well as MMGY Global.

Samuel Dangerfield III is the newly appointed Director of Sports Relations at Visit Lake Charles. He joins from Alexandria/Pineville Convention & Visitors Bureau where he was Sports Sales Manager for more than nine years.

Jason Cutshaw is the new Chief Financial Officer at Visit Colorado Springs, succeeding Jim Cassidy who is retiring. Cutshaw departs Walton County Tourism Department in Florida, where he has served since 2016 as both Director of Administration and Interim Executive Director. 

Monica Dickinson takes on the role of Chief Executive Officer at Tourism Kamloops in British Columbia, Canada, which she joined in 2007.

Shane Jackson is the newly appointed National Accounts Manager for the Northeast Market at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. He joins from Marriott and had previously been a national sales manager at the city’s Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Four announcements from San Francisco Travel Association (l. to r.): Lynn Bruni-Perkins, who has been with the DMO for 14 years, is promoted to Senior Vice President Global Marketing Communications. Daniel Schwartz is promoted to Senior Director Global Tourism Development. Cassandra Costello is promoted to Executive Vice President Public Policy & Executive Programs and Jessica Lum is promoted to Senior Director Public Policy & Executive Office Programs.

Four announcements from Visit Mobile (l. to r.): Charlotte Keel is Executive Coordinator. Meredith Guzy Turncliff has been promoted to Director of Digital Strategies. Abigail Wise joins the team as Digital Content Coordinator, coming across from Discover Monroe-West Monroe. Tracey Adams recently joined as National Sales Manager.

S. Renee Wilson is joining NYC & Company where she takes on the role of Director, Tourism Market Development: Canada and US. She departs as Director of Sales at Running Subway Productions, an innovative entertainment production company.

Mary E. Young joins Visit Phoenix as Destination Services Manager. She joins from Hermosa Inn, a Paradise Valley luxury boutique property.

In Tennessee, Shan Williams Stout has been named Director of Tourism for the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors Bureau.

Danielle Randall joins Zartico as Senior Projects Manager. She had previously been with Travel + Leisure as Senior Project Manager/Senior Business Analyst.

Visit Sacramento welcomes Linda Odell as Director of Human Resources. She brings 17 years of executive management and human resource experience.

Leah Garey has been promoted to Lead Business Development Manager at Expedia Group Media Solutions. She joined the company in 2017 following a role as Domestic Sales Manager at Visit Florida.

Beatriz Guerrero has joined Destination Counsellors International as an Account Executive in New York City.

Jason Dominy has joined Sparkloft Media as Senior Social Media Strategist based in Atlanta.

Orianna E. Guzman has been promoted to Social Media Strategist at Sparkloft Media in Miami.

Merissa Kemberling joins Relic Advertising in Provo, Utah as PR/Content Intern. She comes from a marketing associate role at Utah Valley University.

Y E S …

(L. to r.) Erik Evjen, Tourism Economics; Maggie Williams, Visit Baltimore; Al Hutchinson, Visit Baltimore

Maggie Williams joins the team at Visit Baltimore as Data Analytics Fellow. This 600-hour paid fellowship offers emerging BIPOC leaders the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the destination marketing and travel economic industries. This program is in *proud* collaboration with Tourism Economics.

Did you know?

Q: What LinkedIn update got massive user support since last week?
A: LinkedIn users can now add career breaks in their profile’s experience section.

R F P s

Visit Clearfield County, Pennsylvania has issued a Request for Proposal for a new website. Contact: Executive Director Josiah Jones at jjones@visitclearfieldcounty.org and may also be reached by phone at 814-765-5734. Deadline is April 8, 12 p.m. ET.

State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism: A research project related to vacation rental performance tracking for July 2022 through December 2024. The objective of this RFP is to provide a comprehensive view of the vacation rental accommodations segment performance. DBEDT is seeking a solution that will include at least an 80 percent sample of vacation rental properties by island as reported in the Visitor Plant Inventory (VPI). Reports will be published monthly. Closes on April 1, 2022 at 4 p.m. HST. Link here.

Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau in California is seeking a content and social media agency to assist in the strategy and ongoing development of effective content and social media marketing efforts to support the Monterey County brand and promote tourism to the County. 

Interested agencies should check out the full RFP, downloadable here: Content & Social Media Marketing Agency Services. Submissions are due Friday, March 25, 2022 at 5 p.m. PT.

Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau is seeking proposals from qualified businesses for the content, design, and ad sales of the 2022-2023 edition of the official Athens Georgia Visitors Guide. Bidding agencies should pay particular attention to the Athens brand and website and provide a forward-thinking approach in keeping with the creative energy of the destination. Details here. Deadline: Friday, March 25, 2022.

The City of Pismo Beach invites tourism marketing proposals, seeking a full-service, experienced tourism marketing / public relations consultant to provide professional guidance and oversight and implementation and analysis regarding marketing and communications programs designed to attract tourists.

The current Marketing/Media services for the Pismo Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau ends June 30, 2022. A contract will be provided by the City and substantially attached to the RFP.

Requests for information should be directed to gjackson@pismobeach.org. Interested parties are requested to submit three copies of the proposal, references, and one copy of current tourism work, by 5 p.m. on March 25, 2022 — Attn: Gordon Jackson, City of Pismo Beach/Tourism and Events Department, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Tourism Australia seeks Public Relations Services for North America (also planning to bring on PR agencies in Australia and New Zealand, China, India, Germany, and Japan, reports PRWeek). The proposed contract term is for up to five years, comprising an initial period of three years and two one-year extension periods. Closes on 25-Mar-2022 4 p.m. (ACT local time). Further information here and at Tourism Australia’s corporate website. Contact: Brett Nolan, tel: +61 2 9361 1210 or tenders@tourism.australia.com.

J O B S

President & CEO — U.S. Travel Association

President & CEO — Visit Seattle, WA

President & CEO — Visit Gilroy, CA 

Executive Director Tourist Development Council Department — Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners / Discover Palm Beach County, FL (deadline to apply March 25)

Executive Director — Discover Gloucester, MA (new)

Executive Director — Manistee County Visitors Bureau, MI

Director — South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, TX

Chief Tourism Development Officer — One Spartanburg, SC 

Chief Financial Officer — Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau, OH

Vice President of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion AND Director of Partnership AND National Account Executive-Chicago — Meet Minneapolis, MN 

Executive Vice President — Visit Tucson, AZ 

Vice President of Sales — San Diego Tourism Authority, CA (new)

Vice President Sales & Experiences — Tulsa Regional Chamber, OK

Vice President of Sales AND Sales Manager — Visit Austin, TX

Vice President of Sales — Visit Wichita, KS (new)

Vice President Finance — Hamilton County Tourism, IN

Vice President Americas — Tourism Australia, Los Angeles, CA 

Executive Director — Village of Pinecrest, FL (new)

President & CEO — Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, Vestavia Hills, AL

President & CEO — Waycross-Ware County Development Authority, Waycross, GA

Executive Director — West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission, St. Francisville, LA

Economic Development Project Manager — Carroll Tomorrow, Carrollton, GA

Director of Economic Development — Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, Dawsonville, GA

Director of Conventions & Entertainment Facilities — City of Kansas City, MO (new)

Director of National Accounts Mid-Atlantic Office AND Sales Coordinator — Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, TN

Executive Director Diversity Division AND Global Tourism Coordinator AND Content Manager AND PHL Sports Coordinator AND Marketing & Communications Coordinator AND National Accounts Manager-Midwest/West — Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, PA

Sales Manager AND Senior Event Manager AND Sales Coordinator— ASM Global Official-Philadelphia, PA

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, SC

Senior Director Government Relations AND Director Member Engagement AND Manager Grassroots and PAC AND Senior Designer — U.S. Travel Association

Director CRM & SaaS AND Director Consumer Research AND Director Partner Engagement AND Senior Manager Integrated Marketing AND Senior Manager Partner Marketing AND Senior Manager Digital Analytics AND Senior Coordinator Integrated Marketing and Social Media — Brand USA

Director of Marketing AND Manager Visit Center at Boston Common — Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, MA

Director of Marketing & Communications — Visit El Paso, TX

Director of Marketing — Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, AR

Director of Digital Marketing & Media Relations — Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau, OH

Marketing & Sales Director — Visit Durango, CO (new)

Director of Marketing AND Director of Sales AND Director of Human Resources AND Partner Engagement Manager AND Sales Manager — Visit SLO CAL, San Luis Obispo, CA

Brand Marketing Manager AND Content Manager AND Communications Manager — Visit Napa Valley, CA

Associate Director PR/Communications — Visit Denver, CO

Marketing Manager AND National Accounts Director / Mid-Atlantic — Visit Greater Palm Springs, CA

Public Relations Manager — State of Washington Tourism

Manager Content AND Specialist Social Media AND Specialist Digital Marketing AND Supervisor Membership AND Coordinator Membership AND Junior Graphic Designer — Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

Senior Copy Director AND Senior UX Designer AND Manager International Marketing AND Coordinator Member Programs & Services — NYC & Company

Senior Manager Research AND Digital Content Manager AND Marketing Events Manager AND Special Events Manager AND Convention Sales Manager AND Executive Meetings Manager AND Administrative Services Coordinator — Destination DC, Washington DC

Director of Tourism & Marketing — Franklin County, VA

Marketing Manager — Richmond Region Tourism – VisitRichmondVA.com

Strategic Marketing Manager — Visit Greenville, SC 

Marketing Manager Sales AND PR Communications Manager AND Tourism Manager Sales & Services — Visit Dallas, TX (new)

Communications Manager — Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, CA

Social Media Manager — Tempe Tourism Office, AZ

Research Analyst — Explore Georgia 

CRM & Research Analyst — Visit Loudoun, VA

Data Analyst AND Business Analyst — Visit Grand Junction, CO 

Web & Digital Marketing Manager — Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board, PA

Web Marketing Manager — Visit Denver, CO

Content PR Manager — Visit Clarksville, TN

Content Manager — Rancho Cordova Travel & Tourism, CA

Content Producer — Visit Detroit, MI

Digital Content Specialist — Destination BC, Canada

Regional Content Marketing Manager AND Executive Assistant & Offices Services Coordinator — Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau, OH

Travel Trade Specialist — Memphis Tourism, TN (new)

Director of Strategic Research & Analysis AND Technical Product Manager AND Convention Services Manager AND Convention Services Coordinator AND Administrative Support Coordinator — Travel Portland, OR 

Director Regional Sales AND Executive Meeting Manager AND Customer Relationship Database Manager & Analyst — Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, FL

Director Business Attraction AND Existing Industry Manager — Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, AL

Sales Manager — Experience Columbus, OH

Senior Sales Manager AND Sports/Group Sales Manager AND Sales & Services Manager — Visit Williamsburg, VA

Sales National Accounts / SMERF — Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, TX

Sports & Adventure Marketing Manager — Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office, UT

Sports and Convention Sales Manager — Visit Baton Rouge, LA

Sports Tourism Manager — Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands, Sandusky, OH

Sales Manager-Sports & Car Clubs — Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Concord, NC (new)

Convention Sales Manager — Visit Visalia, CA

Convention Sales/Tourism Assistant AND Communications Coordinator AND Marcomm Administrative Assistant AND Operations Coordinator External Affairs AND Programming Event Coordinator External Affairs AND Staff Accountant — New Orleans & Company, LA

Destination Development Manager AND Rural Grants Specialist — Travel Nevada

Destination Meetings Manager (Individual Contractor or Agency) — Destination Greater Victoria

Destination Services Coordinator — Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, NC

International & Domestic Sales Coordinator — Experience Kissimmee, FL

Government Affairs & Tourism Coordinator — Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, Thousand Oaks, CA (new)

Copywriter — Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, NC

Marketing Coordinator — Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, CA  

Digital Marketing Coordinator — Mammoth Lakes Tourism, CA (new)

Public Relations Coordinator — Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, CA

Public Relations Communications Specialist — Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Zelienople, PA (new)

Communications Manager — SoIN Tourism (Clark-Floyd Counties Convention & Tourism Bureau), IN

Communications & Marketing Manager — Town of Culpeper Tourism & Economic Development Department, VA 

Sales & Marketing Coordinator-Special Events — City of Myrtle Beach, SC

Financial Coordinator — Explore Lincoln City, OR

Tourism Manager — Snowmass Village, CO

Tourism Manager — City of College Station, TX

Group Sales Manager — Fort Smith Advertising & Promotion Commission/Convention & Visitors Bureau, AR

Visitor Services Manager — Visit Billings, MT

Events Manager — Downtown Phoenix, Inc., AZ

Events Manager — Clermont County Ohio Convention & Visitors Bureau, Batavia, OH

Business Events Coordinator — Destination Greater Victoria, B.C., Canada

Information Specialist — Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, WI 

Digital Marketing Manager — German National Tourist Office, NYC

Senior Public Relations Executive — Tourism New Zealand, Los Angeles, CA

Administrative Assistant — Tahiti Tourisme North America, Los Angeles, CA

Senior Data Advisor AND Data Scientist AND Partner Services Lead AND Product Education Specialist AND Creative Designer and more — Zartico

Director, Destination Strategy (West/Remote) — Madden Media, remote

Sales Director-Southern Territory — Bandwango, Dallas, TX

Marketing Manager AND AI Content Manager AI Content QA Specialist AND Web Designer AND Junior SEO Analyst — Places., remote

Public Relations Manager AND Social Media Manager and more— The Brandon Agency

Content Marketing Manager — Sojern, remote in U.S.

Vice President-Distribution & Channel Sales — Brightline Trains, Miami, FL

Vice President Global Sales — ConferenceDirect

Director of Hospitality Market Analytics, West Coast — CoStar Group, San Francisco,CA

Director of Marketing & Communications — Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, Orlando, FL

Content Marketing Manager — Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI)

Sales Manager — Empire State Building, NYC

Projects Administrator — Chicago Department of Aviation Marketing and Air Service Division, IL

Director of Marketing Communications — Cleveland Museum of Art, OH

Marketing & Communications Manager — Racine Art Museum, WI

Events Manager — Arizona Science Center, Phoenix, AZ

Chief Financial & Administrative Officer — Conservation Society of California/Oakland Zoo, CA

VP Marketing — SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Tampa, FL

Director of Marketing — Birthplace of Country Music, Inc., Bristol, TN

Head of Content Design — Pinterest, San Francisco, CA

Marketing & Audience Manager — KQED/NPR, San Francisco, CA

Head of Brand Marketing — Zoom, remote

People on the Move, Jobs, RFPs and a Podcast

by Leave a Comment

P E O P L E

After 11 years’ service, Ray Hoyt is out as President of Tulsa Regional Tourism, reports TulsaWorld.com.

Housed at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, the organization includes Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau; Tulsa Sports Commission; Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture.

A national firm with destination marketing and sports expertise will conduct a search for Hoyt’s replacement. Ashleigh Bachert, Vice President of Business Administration, will serve as Interim Senior Vice President of Regional Tourism. She had been Executive Director at Durham Sports Commission in North Carolina prior to coming to Tulsa in 2020.

Janette Marson is named as President & CEO of ShelbyKY Tourism. She replaces Chenelle McGee, who recently joined Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism (TTV, 12/21/21). Marson had been Executive Director of the Lake Cumberland Tourist Commission in Russell County.

 

Andy Clinton has been appointed Interim President / CEO at Visit York County in South Carolina. He’s been with the DMO since 2012, most recently as Vice President of Sales. The leadership position had been held by Billy Dunlap who recently announced his departure for Visit Greenville. (TTV, 2/12/22)

Katie Biggers has been selected as Executive Director of Tahoe City Downtown Association in California. Since 2019, she had been Chamber Manager and Senior Event Specialist for North Lake Tahoe Resort Association.

Tracy Kimberlin is retiring as President & CEO of Springfield (Missouri) Convention & Visitors Bureau following 35 years of service. He plans to stay until the end of 2022 while the board of directors conducts a nationwide search for his replacement.

Isabel Hill has retired from her post as director of the U.S. Department of Commerce National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), an office she served for over 18 years.

Julie Heizer, Deputy Director, who also joined NTTO in 2003, has been named Acting Director. She has also held executive posts with Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Virginia Peninsula Tourism & Conference Bureau, and Washington DC Convention and Tourism Corporation.

Kylie McCracken has departed her role as Marketing Manager at Visit Pittsburgh, which she joined five years ago as Sports Development Coordinator. She will be sharing her career news in due course.

Three new hires have been announced at Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau (l. to r.) Jenna Mazzoccoli has joined as Communications Manager, previously with the editorial staff at Buzz Magazines in Houston. April Smith, a 16-year veteran of hotel sales and operations, joined the team as a Convention Sales Manager. Katie Brickman, formerly with Paycom and Myriad Botanical Gardens, was appointed as Convention Services Manager.

Following 2.5 years as the Media/Public Relations Manager at Visit Lake Charles in Louisiana, Kathryn Shea Duncan has been promoted to Director of Social Media.

Kenley Moy has been promoted to Vice President, Global Sales & Strategic Partnerships at San Francisco Travel Association. He was most recently Vice President National Sales Offices and joined the DMO in 2000.

Jeff Miraglia, Chief Creative Officer for Visit Greater Palm Springs for the past seven years, has joined JNS Next, Creative and Media Hub, as Creative Director.

Danny Guerrero has launched The Culturist Group, a minority-owned multicultural brand marketing and communications practice and platform developed to create a more inclusive travel industry by empowering brands and destinations. Guerrero was a VP-North America Strategy at MMGY Global, Managing Director at Development Counsellors International, and also held communications roles at Visit Newport Beach and West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board.

Civitas has announced the promotion of Tiffany Gallagher from Director of East Coast Operations to Vice President of Operations. She joined the company in 2017.

Lorrie Allen, Account Executive, and Becky Mason, Account Executive, have joined the team at Advance Travel & Tourism.

In addition to hotel sales positions, Allen’s background includes sales roles with Visit Amelia Island, Visit Tallahassee, and Visit Jacksonville. Mason brings a 25-year career in advertising and marketing sales.

Victoria Cimino, CEO, Visit Williamsburg and Monty White, CHDM, Senior Director of Marketing Communications, Visit Irving, are the two DMO executives being recognized this year among “HSMAI Americas Top 25 Extraordinary Minds.”

And the 2021 Albert E. Koehl Award for Hospitality Marketing Lifetime Achievement Award from HSMAI goes to Clayton Reid, CEO of MMGY Global.

P O D C A S T

Kim Sidoriak, President & CEO of Visit Carlsbad in sunny Southern California is our guest on the most recent episode of The Travel Vertical Podcast. Following 14 years at Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Kim talks about the transition from CMO to CEO and generously provides a several solid pointers (including the importance of peer-to-peer and industry-wide networking!) for others considering a similar career move.

There’s also a funding conversation and a look at Visit Carlsbad’s spring marketing campaign with creative agency partner 62Above, earned media partner Wagstaff, and check-in experiences with Bandwango. This podcast episode goes live on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022 at 7 a.m. ET. Click here to listen.

R F Ps and J O B S

See last week’s issue of The Travel Vertical for eight RFPs and 160 job listings, supplemented by the ones below. Send your new listings, remove expired ones, and provide people news on positions filled to: laurie@thetravelvertical.com.

Associate Director Public Relations & Communications — Visit Denver, CO

Director of Marketing — Discover Denton, TX (new)

Tourism Director — City of Pacific, MO (new)

Tourism Development Manager — San Diego Tourism Authority, CA (new) 

CRM & Research Analyst (new) AND Public Relations Communications Manager (new) AND Sales Coordinator — Visit Dallas, TX

Content Manager AND Membership Supervisor AND Membership Coordinator — Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, GA

Travel Research Analyst — NYC & Company (new)

Director Citywide Convention Sales – East Region + International — San Francisco Travel Association

Destination Meetings Manager/San Francisco Bay Area — Destination Greater Victoria, B.C.

Vice President Sales — Tulsa Regional Chamber, OK

Director of Events — Tourism Industry Association of Canada

Director Partner Engagement AND Director Consumer Research AND Senior Manager Digital Analytics AND Senior Manager Media Planning AND Senior Manager Partner Marketing AND Senior Manager Integrated Marketing AND Manager Partner Engagement (x2) AND Manager Marketing Projects AND Senior Coordinator Integrated Marketing & Social Media — Brand USA, Washington, DC.

Sports/Group Sales Manager AND Senior Sales Manager AND Sales & Service Manager (new) — Visit Williamsburg, VA (new)

Guest Experience Specialist — Visit Napa Valley, CA

Tourism Specialist — Visit The Woodlands, TX

Communications Coordinator — Experience Scottsdale, AZ

Marketing Coordinator — Thomasville Tourism Commission, NC

Account Coordinator AND Account Executive (LA) AND Account Coordinator (Austin) AND Account Coordinator AND Account Executive AND Senior Account Executive AND Account Supervisor (NYC) — MMGY NJF  

Account Coordinator-German National Tourist Office  — MMGY Myriad, Los Angeles, CA

Vice President of Marketing (remote/hybrid) AND Customer Success Manager AND Growth Product Manager AND Account Executive…and more — CrowdRiff, Toronto

Senior Marketing Manager — Sparkloft Media, Portland, OR

Tourism Marketing Coordinator — Korea Tourism Organization, Los Angeles, CA

Strategic Advisor — Zartico

Director Internal Marketing — Streetsense, Bethesda, MD

Public Relations & Content Strategist — Madden Media, remote

Inside Sales Rep — Epsilon, remote

Director Tourism Development — Port of Seattle, WA

Tourism Account Executive — Mall of America, Bloomington, MN

Let’s get the industry back to work. Send, send, send us people news, jobs, RFPs and share, share, share … this service is free. Thanks! laurie@thetravelvertical.com

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Laurie Jo Miller Farr, Editor
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