June 1, 2010

phoenix /  The Sheraton Phoenix Airport Hotel Tempe, a Starwood Hotel, announced that it has hired Viktoria Riley to serve as the director of sales & marketing. Viktoria most recently served as the director of sales & marketing at Frenchman’s Reef & Morningstar Marriott Beach Resort on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where she oversaw the marketing relations and sales goals.

The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa has claimed its long-awaited stability under the new ownership of JDM Partners. A treasured Southwest landmark for more than 80 years, the Wigwam first opened to the public over eight decades ago in 1929. Situated in the West Valley of Phoenix, the Wigwam features 331 rooms including 72 suites set on over 400 acres of lush green grass, vibrant floral landscaping, over 8,000 rose bushes and fragrant citrus groves. Offering a truly unique experience that captivates every sense and takes you back to another time, the Wigwam is home to the Southwest’s only 54 holes of championship golf, a signature Red Door Spa, a nine-court championship tennis facility and the coveted AAA Four Diamond-rated Red’s Steakhouse.

Arizona Grand Resort announced the appointment of Michael Valentino as director of group sales. Prior to joining the sales team at Arizona Grand Resort, Michael served as senior vice president at Prestige Resorts & Destinations. A graduate of Arizona State University, Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.

scottsdale /  With a soft opening on April 15, Talking Stick Resort, located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, will make its official debut in June. The project features 497 rooms as well as more than 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor conference space. Resort amenities include a 13,000 square-foot full-service, open-air spa, cigar and wine bar, and eight restaurants. The gaming and entertainment venue is the main attraction and offers a variety of high-tech slot machines, table games and more.

The Mondrian Hotel in downtown Scottsdale has a new name and management company. In March 2010, a division of GF Management took over hotel operations from Morgans Hotel Group which bought the former James Hotel in 2006. The property was rechristened as the independent Hotel Theodore after President Theodore Roosevelt and the hotel’s lounges are now called Teddy’s Lounge and T’s.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North announced the completion of a $1 million pool enhancement.  Included in the project are two VIP “super” cabanas, outfitted with HDTV, mini fridges and I-pod docking stations.  The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale also welcomed a new assistant director of food & beverage, Bryan Feigenbaum, a 9-year veteran of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts hailing most recently from the brand’s acclaimed San Francisco property.

Hospitality Performance Network Global announced the appointment of Larry Head as senior VP of operations.  Most recently, Larry served on the Guinness Global Brand team for the Guinness 250th Anniversary program which held events all over the world.  HPN Global also announced the hiring Bryan Bruce as VP, internet marketing. Most recently, Bryan was in sales with Marriott World Center

in Orlando.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa received the Platinum Choice Award by Smart Meetings Magazine.  The award “conveys the reader’s recognition that The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa has met the high standards the industry strives to achieve.”

Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center has been awarded Four Diamonds in 2010 by AAA.

The Hermosa Inn meeting experience has become even better thanks to a $2 million remodel upgrading guest accommodations with modern-day luxuries.  The Hermosa Inn offers an inspired setting for small meetings and executive retreats, providing a variety of private rooms and secluded outdoor spaces conducive to the exchange of ideas and information.  Honoring the “old Arizona” character of the boutique hideaway resembling an authentic Southwestern hacienda, Hermosa Inn’s new casitas retain the inn’s historic charm and intimate atmosphere while offering a more upscale experience.  Meeting and event planners will delight in new casitas featuring enlarged bath areas with Waterworks products, walk-in showers, oversized antique pedestal bathtubs and large walk-in closets, providing the comforts of a custom home. Egyptian cotton bedding, hand-crafted wrought iron and wood headboards, and dreamy canopy beds have created new bedrooms of luxury with fireplaces available in most accommodations.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa finished part of its $3 million renovation with the unveiling of an all-new menu, high-tech kitchen with raw bar, a plancha oven for cooking whole fish style, and new décor that’s perfect for its setting on the iconic Camelback Mountain. Headed by award-winning Chef Beau MacMillan who’s taking the “Worst Cooks in America” back to culinary school on the Food Network’s newest series, elements continues to dish out farm-fresh American cuisine with Asian accents.

tucson /  Loews Hotels announced the appointment of Mark Lindsey as director of sales and marketing for Loews Ventana Canyon.  Most recently, Mark was DOSM at Westin La Paloma in Tucson.  That resort was ranked the #1 Westin in North America for Meeting Planner Satisfaction during his six year tenure.

gilbert /  The new 121-room boutique Legado Hotel and its SanTan Elegante Conference and Reception Center, with a ballroom that can seat 1,000, is a first for Gilbert, which had no venue for large meetings or conventions.  Linda Propoggio, general manager for the conference center and hotel, reported that the new property is scheduled to open in June.

 

 

June 1, 2010

little rock / In April the Doubletree Hotel Little Rock was recognized by the Doubletree Hotel Brand during their 2009 Doubletree Awards of Excellence for winning the 2009 Sales and Marketing Award.  The award was for “Most Improved Market Share” for hotels with 225 or more rooms. 

The Doubletree Hotel added a new sales manager to their staff, Shelia Carter. Shelia has been in the hospitality industry for the last twenty years and worked as a meeting planner in Dallas before returning to Little Rock as a catering manager and then as a sales manager for the last twelve.

Marty Belz, president & CEO of the Peabody Hotels Division, recently announced several key staff changes.  Monte Hansen, CRDE, former director of rooms at The Peabody Memphis has re-joined the Peabody Hotel Group and will serve as the new GM of The Peabody Little Rock which recently became the first and only Forbes Four Star hotel in the state of Arkansas.  Prior to his return to the Peabody family, Monte served as the GM of The Greenbrier.

Gregg Herning, former GM of The Peabody Little Rock, has been promoted to VP of sales and marketing for the Peabody Hotel Group.  In his new role, Gregg will oversee sales and marketing functions for The Peabody Orlando and The Peabody Little Rock with direct responsibility for the expansion at The Peabody Orlando that is scheduled to open this fall.

eureka springs /  Jennifer Carter of Paris was named 2010 Welcome to Arkansas Hospitality Person of the Year at the 36th Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism.  Linda Hixson, executive director of the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce and Welcome to Arkansas coordinator for that area, nominated Jennifer for the award.

 

 

June 1, 2010

colorado springs /  In December, 2009, BROADMOOR began work on three projects totaling $7.5 million including a guest room renovation in the West Tower, the West Lobby, and the West meeting rooms.  BROADMOOR is the longest-running consecutive winner of both the AAA Five-Diamond and the Forbes/Mobil Travel Guide Five-Star awards.

Terry Sullivan, president & CEO of Experience Colorado Springs, will retire at the end of 2010 after 20 years of service to the organization.  A new bureau chief is expected to be named by the CVB’s board of directors during the latter part of this year.

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, along with presenting sponsor Fareed Zapala Koepke, awarded John Washko, senior VP of sales and marketing at The Broadmoor, the first annual HSMAI Resort Marketer of the Year recognition.

Laura Neumann, VP and GM, announced that Cheyenne Mountain Resort has appointed Rowland C. Cheeks the resort’s senior sales manager.  Rowland joined the Cheyenne Mountain Resort team from Littleton-based Kinsley & Associates.

Benchmark Hospitality International announced that Burt Cabañas, chairman and CEO, has presented the Chairman’s Award of Excellence to Mike VanDuzer, director of facilities for Cheyenne Mountain Resort.  Pictured are Mr. Cabañas, VanDuzer and Laura Neumann, VP & GM.

“Construction will resume soon on a 300-room Renaissance Hotel on Colorado Springs’ far north side which will open late this year or in early 2011,” Missouri developer John Q. Hammons said.  The project includes 50,000 square feet of meeting space.  Construction stopped several months ago after the building’s exterior was completed.  Mr. Hammons said last fall he was trying to obtain financing to complete the hotel, although the tight credit market was hampering his efforts.

The Cheyenne Mountain Resort was awarded Four Diamonds in 2010 by AAA.

denver /   Featuring more than 100 treasures from ancient Egyptian sites including 50 objects from the tomb of King Tut, Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaoh exhibition swill have its sole Rocky Mountain appearance at the DAM starting July 1 and running through January 2, 2011. The exhibition is organized by the National Geographic Society, Arts and Exhibitions International and AEG Exhibitions, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities. “The exhibition is anticipated to be a major travel and tourism draw for the city of Denver and the state of Colorado,” said Richard Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER.

The newly restored Hilton Garden Inn Denver/Cherry Creek celebrated its grand opening on March 16. The hotel was officially unveiled by Stonebridge Companies.  The multi-million dollar project required that the entire eight-story structure be gutted and rebuilt. After months of work, the hotel now offers 210 chic yet comfortable guest rooms, 4,200 square feet of meeting space, a full service restaurant, and 11,000 square feet of retail space in the heart of Denver.

Ron Taylor, regional director of sales for Windsor Management Services, announced that Judy Esterbrook has been named the DOSM for the 403-room Embassy Suites Denver-Downtown Convention Center. The new-build hotel offers 22,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space and is opening in December 2010 directly across from the Colorado Convention Center.  

The JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek announced that it has been named the #1 JW Marriott Hotel for Event Satisfaction by Marriott Corporation.  The hotel has undergone a major overhaul of its 8,400 square feet of meeting and event space, including new furniture, carpet, wall vinyl, window treatments and paint in its 3,150 square-foot Grand Ballroom and 2,150 square-foot Bluebell Ballroom. The work was completed in spring 2010.

The Westin Westminster announced that it will capitalize on Colorado’s 300+ days of annual sunshine with the installation of a state-of-the-art solar panel system to help provide power to the 369-room hotel.  The solar panels will produce 42,576 kilowatt-hours per year - the equivalent to planting more than 192 trees annually. The Westin Westminster has applied to receive a grant from the federal government and a solar rebate from Xcel Energy, making it the first hotel in Colorado to take advantage of these programs.

Hyatt Regency Tech Center has been awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating for the year 2010.

Monica Cheeks, director of catering at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, announced the appointment of two new catering managers:  Rebecca Frye and Kris Randall.  Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Denver, Rebecca was a member of the pre-opening team at Denver’s Curtis Hotel and Kris was director of catering and convention services at the Hilton Denver Tech South.

Meeting Professionals International announced the following members of the Rocky Mountain Chapter as Certified Meetings Management (CMM) recipients:  Jeannie Battin, National Education Association; Susan Brooks, SKB Event Management, LLC; Kimberly Robinson, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage; and Leda Abrams, Arrow Electronics, Inc.

Some 500 shiny, new red Trek bicycles are now available for sharing at 40 stations around the Mile High City, all part of Denver B-cycle, the nation’s first citywide bike-sharing program.  Each of the bikes comes with a wire basket, built-in light and lock.  Denver visitors can purchase a $5, 24-hour membership with a credit card at any B-cycle station.  After becoming a member, riders can pick up a B-cycle from any station and drop it off at any other station.  All rides of 30 minutes or less are free and rides up to one hour are only a dollar, with prices going up from there.

The 246-room Magnolia Hotel has named Sarah Louise Holtze to the position of hotel manager.  Previously, Louise served as director of business travel for Magnolia Hotels, handling the corporate accounts for the Magnolia properties in Denver, Dallas, Houston and Omaha.

SHM, a division of Interstate Hotels & Resorts, announced the opening of the Holiday Inn Denver East-Stapleton.  Formerly the Radisson Stapleton, the 300-room atrium hotel underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2008.  SHM assumed management of the property in October 2009 and presided over the conversion to a Holiday Inn.  Reggie Casselberry is the hotel’s GM.

Sage Hospitality recently held its annual Leadership Conference honoring properties and employees whose performances have pegged them as models of excellence.  Among noteworthy honors were Hotel of the Year to JW Marriott at Cherry Creek and Associate of the Year to Gloria Acevedo, the Club Lounge Concierge at Sheraton Phoenix Airport Hotel Tempe.  Also of note was the presentation of the coveted Eagle Award to Brad Robinette, SVP of operations at Sage Hospitality, for his legendary performance over eight years at the company.

flatiron /  The Marriott/Renaissance Brand 2009 Global Sales Leadership Awards were announced in late March.  The Event Management Team of Renaissance Boulder Flatiron Hotel has been selected by Marriott as the Event Management Team of the Year.  “This is truly living our vision and their hard work is very much appreciated,” states Lucie Manley, RVP for White Lodging Services Corporation, the hotel’s manager.

glenwood springs /  The Glenwood Hot Springs recently named Loretta Ayala as the new Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge Manager. Loretta is a long-time and accomplished member of the hospitality industry having worked for years as group sales manager for East West Resorts and ResortQuest in the Aspen and Snowmass area.

golden /  The Hampton Inn Golden is the third Colorado Hampton Inn owned and operated by Stonebridge Companies to experience major renovations to both its interior and exterior. The $1.9 million improvement to the Denver foothills hotel will be completed in the spring of 2010.

aspen /  Dolce Hotels and Resorts announced the appointment of Judson L. Hawk, III, as GM of its Aspen Meadows Resort.  Judson previously served Related Westpac of Snowmass Village as GM and previously was GM of The Hotel Jerome.

 

 

June 1, 2010

new orleans / Lois McLaughlin has been named director of event services at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.  Lois comes to New Orleans from the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia where she served as director of event services.

Pascal Beaute has been named executive chef of ARAMARK, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center’s exclusive food service provider.  Pascal comes to New Orleans from the Tampa Convention Center.  The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center announced the promotion of Leslie Lotten to assistant director of event services. Leslie has served as event manager at the center for 23 years.

The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel, part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection, recently paid tribute to the late Italian-American singer, songwriter, trumpeter and New Orleans native Louis Prima with a performance by daughter Lena Prima.  The year 2010 is the 100th anniversary of the elder Prima’s birth.

Marc Becker, most recently with the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, LA, has been named area DOSM for the New Orleans Hotel Collection which includes the Bourbon Orleans, Dauphine Orleans, the Wyndham Riverfront New Orleans, the Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport and others.

After a four year absence after Hurricane Katrina, Broadway Across America welcomes Avenue Q to the Mahalia Jackson Theater.  Broadway has officially returned to New Orleans, and the Hotel Monteleone announced that it is the official Hotel of Broadway Across America-New Orleans. Avenue Q will close the first season in New Orleans since the storm. The show takes the stage June 8-13, 2010.  Avenue Q is Broadway’s smash-hit 2004 Tony Award winner.

James Jay has been promoted to director of revenue & reservations for Decatur Hotels.

Meeting planners across the country recently ranked The Astor Crowne Plaza, a leader in the downtown New Orleans hospitality industry, 1st out of over 150 Crowne Plaza hotels in a survey conducted by Intercontinental Hotels Group in January 2010. “It’s all about exceeding expectations and anticipating the meeting planner’s needs,” said Don Zimmer, director of marketing.  “We believe the success of our meetings staff is due to their passion to live Crowne Plaza’s meeting standards for service excellence.  At the Astor, all of our convention professionals are CMP certified which becomes a great asset for planners in their day-to-day planning process with the hotel.”

Martha Martinez has joined the Astor Crowne Plaza sales staff as tour and travel sales manager.  Most recently, Martha served as tourism sales manager for the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau. 

Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, is one of only two urban destination CEOs in the country selected by the Obama Administration to serve on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and advise U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Locke and the President of the United States on all key matters relating to national travel and tourism policy.  As a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, Perry will provide recommendations and expertise on all matters related to the travel industry, including air transportation, airport security, Homeland Security, visa issues and State Department matters, congressional issues and legislative matters, international marketing, business travel, conventions and meetings and national travel industry advocacy, national regulatory and tax matters among many others.

To enhance guests’ arrival experience, Hotel Monteleone recently began construction of its main parking garage, which will now feature authentic cobblestone, historical photography and updated lighting. Additionally, it purchased a second garage on Iberville Street, less than a block away, to accommodate more cars.  The Hotel Monteleone is replacing all of the old TVs in the hotel guest rooms with flat screen HDTVs.  The renowned Carousel Bar will undergo renovations to expand the bar and sitting areas. The hotel recently replaced all of its bedding in every guest room including sheets, blankets,

dust ruffles, comforters, pillows, pillowcases and shams.

The Holiday Inn Express – Downtown/French Quarter has added a brand new fitness center as well as added new carpets to every floor, brand new beds to every room, renovated the pool area, and added a state of the art wireless Internet system that gives all of guests completely free Internet. They have also upgraded their award winning complimentary hot breakfast.

lake charles / Pinnacle Entertainment announced that Geno M. Iafrate has been named senior VP and general manager of L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort.  He replaces Paul Hutchens, who has served as interim general manager since March and will continue as L’Auberge’s senior director of finance.  Most recently, Geno served as the senior VP and GM of Harrah’s northwest Louisiana operations.

 

 

June 1, 2010

albuquerque / The Albuquerque CVB announced senior national sales manager Don Griego’s successful completion of the Certified Meeting Professional exam.  Don joined ACVB in October 2004 as a national sales manager and was recently promoted to senior sales manager.

The Albuquerque CVB announced the appointment of its board chair Ronald Solimon to the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.  Ronald, who is the president and CEO of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Inc. and Indian Pueblos Marketing, Inc., was appointed by Commerce Secretary Gary Locke after being nominated by the ACVB.

Tisha J. Pierce, an event planner for Kesselman-Jones, Inc., recently earned the designation of Certified Meeting Professional.  Kesselman-Jones, Inc. is an award-winning communications firm based in Albuquerque that specializes in strategic conference and event management.

New Mexico Chapter of Meeting Professionals International elected its 2010-2011 board of directors.  They are:  Sally Casey, Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North – president; Sandra Zimmerman, CMP, Overeaters Anonymous – president-elect; Patty Waid, Waid & Associates – immediate past president; Richard Viscarra, Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town – VP administration; Don Griego, CMP, Albuquerque CVB – VP Communications; Tisha Pierce, CMP, Kesselman Jones, Inc. – VP Education; Alma Fuertes, Quality New Mexico – VP Finance; and Maureen O’Dowd, The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa – VP Membership.

 

Laurie Roach with Turn of Events was awarded the NM-MPI Member of the Year Award.  This award focuses on a member who has made significant contributions to the chapter through participation in and support of its meetings and publications, recruitment, and fundraising.  Alma Fuertes with Quality New Mexico was awarded the NM-MPI President’s Award for the 2008-2009 year.  This award is given to a member who has gone above and beyond by helping the president during the year. 

Hotel Andaluz has opened Albuquerque’s newest rooftop bar, Ibiza. The mezzanine-level rooftop bar is a great place to join friends for a cocktail or settle in for an entire meal. The venue, featuring the culinary expertise of nationally acclaimed chef Albert Bilott, offers an array of innovative dishes combining the tastes and textures of many cultures.

 

Eric Rossena was recently promoted general manager at the Hilton Albuquerque. Eric moved to the U.S. from Italy 10 years ago and began his hospitality career at the Marco Island Marriott Resort.  Most recently, he was resident manager at the St. Louis Union Station Marriott.

The Executive Office of the State of New Mexico proclaimed “Splashtastic Day” on March 12, 2010 in honor of the opening of the new 30,000 square foot indoor Water Park at the Radisson Albuquerque Hotel & Water Park.  Governor Bill Richardson issued the proclamation.

The new Hotel Parq Central will be a fusion of art deco and modern elements. This new addition to the many hotels in downtown Albuquerque will bring a new air of elegance and charm, with several styles of guest rooms, a rooftop patio, and beautiful gardens to accent the outdoor experience of this boutique hotel.  Opening fall of 2010, the Hotel Parq Central is sure to turn heads with its mix of modern and classical themes.

Heritage Hotels and Resorts announced two executive staff changes.  Long time hotelier and executive VP of Heritage Hotels and Resorts, Adrian Perez, has been named president of Heritage Hotels and Resorts.  Pam Bazant-Jung, the company’s former president, has been named the new senior strategic planning advisor where she will work closely with Jim Long, CEO of the company, and the executive team identifying strategic opportunities.

The Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town has a new meeting space called Casa Esencia Hotel Albuquerque.  It is adjacent to the hotel property and was originally built in 1783.

santa ana pueblo /  The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa and Ten Thousand Waves in Santa Fe have been named among the top spas in the country by Conde Nast Traveler.  The Tamaya Mist Spa & Salon was ranked as the 11th rank resort spa in the US in the April issue of the magazine.  Ten Thousand Waves was ranked 31st.  The Inn and Spa at Loretto in Santa Fe was ranked 13th among hotel spas nationwide.

bernalillo /  Painted Kiva is a familiar historic landmark to Albuquerque-area residents. From 1940 to 2006, thousands visited Coronado State Monument just to climb down an old, wooden ladder and see the inside of this ceremonial space.  However, for the past three years, visitors found the Kiva closed due to serious structural problems.  After three years of major surgery and a mud-plaster facelift, Painted Kiva is again accessible to visitors beginning June 6, 2010.

santa fe /  Encantado, an Auberge Resort in Santa Fe, took several top awards in the 18th annual Chocolate Fantasy gala for the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation.  Competitors were asked to create chocolate sculptures based on this year’s gala theme, A Greek Odyssey.  The hotel’s pastry/dessert team, headed by Katilin Ojeda, and assisted by her husband, Christian, captured the top awards in three categories of the competition for hotel and casino entries.  Its submission, Vengence, won first place for both taste and most artistic and also ranked as Best in Show.  The Inn and Spa at Loretto won first place for restaurants/caterer/artists category and the Hyatt Tamaya Resort and Spa won second place in the hotel and casino category and the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque won third place.

 

 

June 1, 2010

bartlesville /  The new Hilton Garden Inn Bartlesville opens in July.  The general manager is Shaunna Grace and the director of sales is Jeana Allen.  The 100-room hotel has 5 meeting rooms with a total of 7,500 square feet of meeting space.

norman /  Embassy Suites Norman received a “Connie” Award for being the #3 top performing hotel among the John Q. Hammons Hotels 2009 Embassy Suites Hotels brand set.

The Holiday Inn & Suites guest rooms have been renovated with new carpet, furniture, drapes, linens, refrigerators and microwaves.

Forbes Magazine recently released its list for Best College Sports Town in America and Norman ranked # 3.

Tim Parker, senior sales manager at the NCED Conference Center and Hotel, reported that NCED was awarded the Platinum Level OKStar environmental certification and the platinum level ECO Green certification from the Oklahoma Travel and Tourism Department.

oklahoma city /   Staff promotions at the Renaissance Oklahoma City include Ginger Smith to senior sales manager, Brenda McLaughlin to group rooms coordinator and Callie Howry to director of guest relations.  The Renaissance recently completed renovations to its pool and hot tub, its Presidential Suite and added a new game room.

Matt Cowden, GM of the Sheraton Oklahoma City, reported that the hotel has just completed extensive renovations to all of its meeting and pre-function space, the lobby, health club, and restaurant.

Steve Houser, DOSM for the Skirvin Hilton, announced the promotion of Marc Mansour to director of catering.

Patrick Pellegrino, DOSM at the Waterford Marriott, reported that Tom Mamalis has joined the hotel as general manager and Dennis Dunn is the new corporate and business travel manager.  The hotel’s guestrooms have recently be outfitted with new 32” HDTVs with the Marriott Jac Pack.

stillwater /  Kimberly Stewart has joined the Stillwater CVB staff as the director of sales.  Kimberly will graduate in May 2010 from OSU’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration.  Her OSU student experience includes OSU Homecoming executive and  School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration chef event manager.   Her work experience includes the Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas, TX, and the Pryor Chamber of Commerce. 

tulsa /  The Coury Collection is pleased to announce that it has added the prestigious McBirney Mansion in Tulsa to its portfolio of properties.  The McBirney Mansion, a gothic-style Tudor mansion renovated to operate as a luxury inn and small event facility, is situated on three acres of lush grounds and stone pathways that lead to spring-fed ponds. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Mansion was built in 1927 and introduces its guests to the pleasure of living, if only for a night, in a landmark Tulsa estate.  The mansion has 6 guest rooms and can accommodate events for up to 200.  Plans to immediately begin additional upgrades to the mansion are commencing.  Fresh paint, luxury linens with custom bedding and new furnishings are planned for the 12,000 square foot mansion.

Tulsa’s newest full service hotel is now open.  The Holiday Inn Tulsa City Center is located in the heart of Downtown Tulsa, and offers contemporary accommodations designed to provide the highest level of quality and comfort.  The 220-room hotel has 8,000 square feet of function space for 10 to 200 guests.

 

 

June 1, 2010

amarillo /  The western saddle is one of the great executions of form merging with function.  But for a collection of saddles on exhibit at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, the saddle is all art.  The collection focuses on their unique design, craftsmanship and graceful merging of silver, gold and leather.  The exhibit is open and runs through July 31, 2010 at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo.

austin /  Congratulations to Beth Brooks and her team at the Texas Society of Association Executives for achieving a new milestone - 1,000 total members.  Jill Beckham, CAE, foundation director for American Mensa in Arlington recently became TSAE’s 1,000th member.

Chris Swindler, formerly DOSM at the Doubletree San Antonio, has returned to Austin as DOSM at the Embassy Suites Arboretum.

The 340-room Westin Austin at The Domain officially opened in March.  Tom Tabler is the GM and Alison Berg is the DOSM.  The hotel, which offers 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, is a part of the White Lodging hotel family.

The former Radisson North has been converted to the Holiday Inn Austin Midtown and will complete a $4.7 million renovation by the end of August.  Theresa Campos has been appointed DOSM and Emma Monette has returned to the property as the association sales manager.

Kyra Coots, formerly with La Torretta Lake Resort, has joined Destination Hotels & Resorts as director of PR & marketing communications for The Driskill and Hotel ICON.

The Texas Hotel & Lodging Association announced its 2010 board.  Barron Hobbs, GM of the Hilton College Station & Conference Center, has been elected chairman of the board.  Joe Palmieri, GM of the Hilton Americas Houston, is the 1st VP.  John Imaizumi, SVP & GM of the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, is the 2nd VP.  Al DeBerry, area director with Tharaldson Lodging Companies, has been named to the executive committee.

Barton Creek Resort & Spa will soon be completing an improvement project that began in December 2007.  The latest enhancements include the enclosure of the property’s Resort Pavilion, an all-new patio off of their Hill Country Dining Room, a new ladies’ retail boutique plus an upgrade of the resort’s spa and fitness center.

The Hilton Austin Airport has received new items for the guestrooms that include a Herman Miller desk chair, new desk, and 32” HDTVs, and by the end of August, all public space and meeting space will have new carpeting.  The hotel’s DOSM, TJ Pritchard, announced the appointments of Joe Cole, sales manager, and Necah Cannon, catering sales manager.

AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center is the newest meeting facility on the University of Texas campus and includes a 300-seat amphitheatre, 800-seat divisible ballroom, classrooms, conference rooms and breakout rooms.  The center houses 297 guestrooms and three dining outlets.  The Carillon features high-end cuisine and has been named among the best restaurants in Austin.  Jeremy Lander, DOS for the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, announced the addition of new conference service’s director, David Kaso, who comes from the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin.

Shannon O’Neill at the Doubletree Guest Suites Austin has been promoted from sales administrator to corporate sales manager.  The hotel has just completed a total conversion of their Sweet Dream Serta pillow top mattresses offering triple sheeted luxury beds.

Tod Peddie, DOSM for the Holiday Inn Austin Town Lake, announced new catering sales and convention service manager, Homeyra Holtzclaw.  Homeyra was previously with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts.

horseshoe bay /  Paul Prator recently joined the Horseshoe Bay Resort team as senior account executive.  With over ten years of sales experience, Paul previously served as global sales manager for Lakeway Resort & Spa.

san marcos /  The San Marcos CVB announced the promotion of Denise Pardo from marketing assistant to tourism services manager.  Denise will coordinate the servicing of conferences and events and oversee the daily operation of the Tourist Information Center.

beaumont /  Susie Luquette has joined the city of Beaumont’s CVB as its new convention servicing manager.  Susie recently attended Graceland University in Iowa where she studied public relations.

port arthur /  Port Arthur CVB announced that the Holiday Inn Express and Suites opened in January 2010, the Scottish Inn and Suites opened April 2010, and a Best Western is opening summer 2010.

bryan-college station /  Since the Brazos County Expo first opened in October 2007, it has proven to be a versatile venue for local, state and national events.  On December 2009 the Expo began a $12 million expansion project.  Nearly doubling in capacity, the expansion includes a 14,000 square-foot addition to the exhibit hall, a second 70,000 square-foot covered area, and a second 60,000 square-foot covered pavilion.

Shannon Overby, CMP, executive director for the Bryan-College Station CVB, announced the appointment of Danielle Fields as group sales & services coordinator.  Most recently, Danielle was lead field coordinator for visitor studies at the Gettysburg CVB.

The La Salle Hotel by Magnolia Hotels unveiled its renovation in March which enhanced guest rooms and public space while retaining the character and charm of the historic hotel.  Denver-based Magnolia Hotels took over management of the historic property in October 2009 and directed the renovation project. 

arlington /  Michele Lotspeich, DOSM for the Sheraton Arlington Hotel, announced the hiring of Jill Blackford as catering manager for their social and wedding market.  Jill was previously with the Fort Worth Club.

dallas /  Fred Euler has been named GM of the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion.  Steve Vissotzky, the hotel’s former GM, has been promoted to GM of the Grand Hyatt Seattle and Hyatt at Olive 8.

 

Debbie Contardi, most recently with the Fairmont Dallas, has joined the Hilton Anatole as senior sales manager.  The Hilton Anatole recently opened Media Grill & Bar, a new 280-seat restaurant, bar & high-energy dance club.  The Anatole recently began work on a $25 million transformation of their center Atrium that will include new flooring, adding a 50’ reflecting pool, a new grand entrance and a 120’ x 90’ suspended kinetic sculpture.  Completion is set for mid-September.

 

Jennifer Thomas has joined the Hilton Park Cities as group sales manager.  Jennifer was previously with Sheraton Dallas.

Laurie Sprouse, CITE, CMP, DMCP of Ultimate Ventures, has won Destination Management Professional of the Year in the 2010 Association of Destination Management Executives Achievement Awards.

Meeting Professionals International announced the following two members of the MPI/DFW Chapter as Certified Meetings Management (CMM) recipients:  Stephen Smith, project manager, technical support, Mary Kay Inc., and Tanda East, Westin Galleria Dallas.

In memoriam … Ted Olson, a lifetime member of the MPI D/FW Chapter and one of the founding members of Meeting Professional International, passed away recently.  “Ted’s kind and generous spirit will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends throughout the world,” said Jason Ware, MPI D/FW Chapter president.

Starwood Hotels announced that The Westin Galleria Dallas has been awarded Starwood North America 2009 Westin Hotel of the Year.  Patricia Massar, catering sales manager at Westin Galleria Dallas, earned her CWP certification from the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners.

Kris Williams, CAE, has been named marketing director for the International Association of Assembly Managers, Inc.  Previously, Kris worked for the American Association for Respiratory Care and the American College of Emergency Physicians.

At Hotel Palomar, Sam Tucker was promoted from sales manager to DOSM.  Ruth Bilbo has joined the Palomar as senior sales manager.  Previously Ruth was at the Adolphus.

Linda Fain has joined the Adolphus Hotel as group sales manager.  Linda previously was with Omni Las Colinas.  Megan Weber has been promoted to executive meeting manager for groups with 20 or less sleeping rooms.

Lionel Cooley, formerly at the Adolphus, has joined the Fairmont Hotel as sales manager and Elizabeth Savage has joined the Fairmont as business and leisure sales manager.

Barbara Piagari, DOSM for the Sheraton Dallas North, announced that Ann Stetson has joined their team as senior sales manager.

dfw airport /  Hyatt Regency DFW announced the appointment of Joseph (Joe) Mojica executive assistant manager, rooms division.  Most recently, Joe was the executive assistant at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe and succeeds Fernando Santana who was promoted to executive assistant manager of Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa.

Hyatt Regency DFW and Hands on Educational Services, Inc. recently celebrated the graduation of trainee George Messera from the Hyatt Hotels of Texas reality-based hospitality training program.  The program provides placement for people who require an alternative to traditional programs at local community colleges and vo-tech schools.

Westin DFW Airport announced the appointments of Jennifer Maynard as the director of catering and convention services, Silvia Cuevas as catering sales manager, and Jan Jacobs as association/SMERF sales manager.

irving /  John Yeung, formerly with the Doubletree near the Galleria, has joined the Embassy Suites DFW South as GM.

Roger Goldesberry, GM for the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas, announced the promotion of Clifton Thiebaud to DOSM.

Katie Weber has joined the Four Seasons Resort and Club as sales manager.  Katie previously was with the Hilton Park Cities.

Tracie Houston-Amend has joined the Omni Hotel Corporation as corporate director-business travel sales.  Tracie formerly was with Kimpton Hotels.

Chad Enloe, DOSM for the Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas, announced these new hires and promotions:  Zac Craig, DOS, previously with LXR Luxury Resorts;  Kelly Wildfong, sales manager, previously in pharmaceutical sales with Healthpoint;  Diana Steele, CMP, senior conference planning manager, previously with Hilton Hotels, Gaylord Texan and Hyatt Hotels; and  Ilse Murff, sales manager, recently promoted  from express sales manager to group sales manager.

Lauren Dunnaway has been promoted to director of sales for the Double Diamond and is now overseeing the group sales operations for all of their properties nationwide.

lewisville /  Dee Lincoln of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House fame has opened a casual marina restaurant, The Dinghy Bar & Grill, at Pier 121 on Lewisville Lake.

Lewisville hotel news includes:  TownePlace Suites in Lewisville is currently ranked #1 in the TownePlace Suites brand for overall guest satisfaction;  the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson – Lewisville was presented with a 2009 Country Inn & Suites President’s Gold Award, and Hampton Inn and Suites Lewisville/Vista Ridge Mall will open in June 2010 with 105 total rooms, including 31 suites and meeting space for 100 people.

plano /  The Plano CVB announced that Cissy Aberg has joined their team as the sports marketing sales manager.  Cissy, a former sports journalist and athlete, comes to the Plano CVB

from Victor Credo.

Plano Centre was named the “Best Meeting and Event Venue” in Texas by the Official Best of Texas 2010 committee.

Omar Carrasco, formerly with the Embassy Suites Dallas Galleria, has joined the Hyatt Regency North Dallas as DOSM.

frisco /  Hilton recently honored Homewood Suites by Hilton Dallas/Frisco with six awards including the 2009 Connie Pride Award of Merit and the GM of the Year Award of Merit.

Mindy Dennis has joined the Comfort Suites/Frisco Square as general manager.

grapevine /  Great Wolf Resorts announced that Ken Broom has been promoted to assistant GM of Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine.  As DOSM, Ken was on the pre-opening team for the Grapevine property and prior to joining Great Wolf Lodge, he worked with Marriott Hotels.  The resort announced that James Keaveny has been named as the new DOSM.  Before joining Great Wolf Lodge, James was the VP of sales with the Hunt Conference Group.

The Cowboys Golf Club has announced Erin Lucia as event sales coordinator.  Erin formerly was with Ferrari’s Italian Restaurant.

paradise /  Jennifer Wasserman, CMP, DOS for the Garrett Creek Ranch, announced that the ranch recently won “Outstanding Facility” in the Business-Excellence Awards by the Decatur Economic Development Corporation, co-hosted by the Decatur Chamber of Commerce.

 

southlake /  Renee Vincent, director of sales & catering, announced that the Hilton Southlake Town was named “The Best of the Best Hotel” in the Fort Worth Star Telegram.

westlake /  Benchmark Hospitality International, selected by Deloitte earlier this year to operate Deloitte University, has named Creston Woods as GM for the state-of-the-art learning and leadership development facility currently under construction.  Deloitte University is scheduled to open in 2011 and will serve as a proprietary meetings facility for Deloitte.

denton /  Dana Lodge has been promoted to director of sales for the Denton CVB.

lake whitney /  Michael Winter has joined White Bluff Resort on Lake Whitney as group sales manager.  Michael was previously with The Retreat Golf Club in Cleburne.

fort worth /  Richard A. Ross has just been named the director of sales and marketing for the Hilton Fort Worth.  Richard previously was the DOSM at Buffalo Thunder in Santa Fe.

galveston /  The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center announced the addition of Francie Syron as a regional director of sales which includes The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center, Hilton Galveston Island, Holiday Inn Resort on the Beach and the Galveston Island Convention Center.  Richard See III, most recently with The Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, has joined The San Luis as director of room operations.

The Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center has appointed Brian J. Kohlweck as the new food and beverage director.  Brian most recently served as the GM of GreenLinks Golf Resort & Conference Center in Naples, Florida.

Hawthorn Suites Galveston has completed the final phase of a multimillion-dollar, three-phased renovation.  According to director of marketing, Pamela Matlock, the hotel began many of the renovations before Hurricane IKE, including guest suite and exterior renovations.  All meeting rooms will be undergoing total renovation following the summer season.

Hotel Galvez & Spa, A Wyndham Grand Hotel, has unveiled its new second floor guest rooms.  In preparation for the hotel’s 100th anniversary in 2011, hotel owners George Mitchell and the Mitchell family are updating all guest rooms with a new décor.  When Hotel Galvez opened in 1911, Galveston had just completed its 17-foot seawall and its grade raising project to protect the Island from storm surges.  The causeway had been completed, connecting Galveston Island to the mainland.  These accomplishments were part of the Island’s recovery following the Great Storm of 1900.

houston /  Meeting Professionals International announced that Randa Becker, president of R-Events, Inc. has become a Certified Meetings Management recipient.

The Westin Galleria Houston has just completed a $10 million renovation of the lobby, guest rooms and meeting space of the 487-room property located within The Galleria shopping complex.  The hotel’s lobby and all of its 77,000 square feet of meeting space has been completely renovated with a fresh Westin look and feel including new furniture, artwork, carpeting and lighting.

Mercedes Dixon, sales manager at the all-new Hyatt Regency Houston, received the Supplier Scholarship from the Society of Government Meeting Professionals – Houston Gulf Coast Chapter.  This scholarship provides Mercedes with an all-expense paid trip to the SGMP 2010 National Conference.

The HSMAI Greater Houston Chapter recently won the Frank W. Berkman Best of the Best Chapter Award for Collegiate Chapter Interaction during the HSMAI Leadership Conference in St. Louis.

The HSMAI Greater Houston Chapter proudly announced that they presented the HSMAI University of Houston/Conrad N. Hilton College Cougar Chapter the Frank W. Berkman Collegiate Chapter of the Year Award during the college’s 40th anniversary- celebration.  Meagan Tomlin serves as president of the Cougar Collegiate Chapter.

Ninety-one years after Conrad Hilton opened his first hotel in Texas. the hotel at a Houston college bearing his name re-opened following a $12.5 million renovation.  Hilton University of Houston, the teaching hotel for the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, opens its doors as an upscale, contemporary hotel serving Houston’s business and leisure travelers. 

Three years after announcing a $1.5 million gift to the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston, alumni Nick and Vicki Massad celebrated the opening of the Massad Family Library Research Center and Hospitality Industry Archives.  Ironically, it was a $1.5 million donation from Conrad N. Hilton which founded the school in 1969.

John Oakley, formerly DOS for the Westin Galleria and Westin Oaks, has joined InterContinental Hotel Houston as DOSM.

The 97-room Hotel Alden in downtown Houston has been acquired by Northwood Investors, a privately-held investment advisor and will be managed by a subsidiary of Northwood Investors.  Hans Schmitt, formerly with Hotel Derek has joined the staff as GM and managing partner.

James Carroll, COO of Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc. announced the appointment of Michael Broadhurst as GM for the Hotel Derek in Houston’s Galleria area.  Michael joined Crestline Hotels & Resorts in 2006 as the director of operations for the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village, Princeton, NJ, and was then promoted to complex hotel manager for the Westin Reston Heights and Sheraton Reston Hotels, Reston VA.

In memoriam … Pam Warner, a 30 year member of Houston’s hotel community, passed away April 6th.  Pam, most recently a sales manager at the Houstonian Hotel, had a career spanning through many management and executive positions in Houston.  Clients and hoteliers alike knew Pam as having class, a quick wit, and a big heart.  Mark Lupton, DOSM at the Houstonian stated, “She sent an email to me a week before she left us.  It stated;  ‘Mark, I’m trying to bust outta’ here and get back to work!’  She always had her wit, and the Houston hospitality community has lost a superstar. We miss her.”

Starwood’s Memorial City Complex announced the addition of some key team members. They include: Vicky Morales, Westin Houston Memorial City, the director of catering and convention services, most recently at the Westin Galleria and Oaks;  Michelle Rayburn, complex corporate group sales manager, most recently at the St. Regis Houston; and Brian Crumby, Westin Houston Memorial City, social catering sales manager, most recently at Sheraton Brookhollow and Hotel ICON.  Also, the Sheraton Houston West was named 2009 Hotel of the Year for the Sheraton Brand in all of North America.

Silvia San Martin, DOSM for the Omni Houston Galleria, announced two new

group sales managers, Angela Parish and Meghan Moreo.

Hilton Americas-Houston announced that assistant catering director Matthew Finnan has been recognized by Hilton Worldwide’s Circle of Excellence program, which rewards sales, catering, and events services professionals in the top ten percent of each brand.  The Circle of Excellence represents the best of Sales, Catering and Event Services team members within the Hilton Worldwide family.

Teresa Cardin has joined the Hilton Houston Post Oak as the small meeting sales manager.  Teresa’s past positions include Pine Forest Country Club and the Warwick Hotel and Club Corporation as catering manager.  Anna Hernandez joined the Hilton Houston Post Oak as SMERF sales manager.  Anna was previously with the St Regis Hotel and the Hilton San Francisco.

Mary Grace Gray, GM of the Hotel Granduca, announced the appointments of Ray Guyton as director of sales, Renato De Pirro as executive chef and Sandy Walding as controller. 

The Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks is pleased to introduce Kavana Healing Arts Spa.  The spa is located near the pool and has a couple’s room as well as a single massage room.

Four Seasons Houston has completed a three-year, $25 million renovation.  The new guest rooms at Four Seasons Houston boast all the modern conveniences with interior features and finishes that define the fashion forward hotel industry today.  The neutral color palate – with its accents of soothing blue grays, walnut woods and matte silver touches – provides guests with a peaceful space to unwind and delight in the unparalleled level of service and attention to detail for which Four Seasons is renowned around the world.

Steve Glen, GM of Renaissance Houston Greenway Plaza Hotel, announced that the hotels has received the AAA Four Diamond rating for the eighth consecutive year.

Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops, located lobby-level inside the downtown Hilton Americas-Houston hotel, is sizzling with excitement as Chef Kyle Dennis and general manager Jimmy Leija team up to take over the culinary reins at the luxury restaurant and introduce a new menu.

clear lake /  Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake announced that Lance Currey has joined their team as corporate group and business travel sales.  The hotel is adding 4,700 sq. ft. of meeting and breakout space and will have new granite and terrazzo tile lobby and a new Precor fitness center that overlooks Clear Lake.

rosenberg /  Carolyn Kagy, formerly with the Granbury CVB, has joined the City of Rosenberg as their civic center manager.

woodlands  /  Benchmark Hospitality International has named Ted A. Davis VP of sales & marketing.  Most recently, Ted was VP of sales and marketing for Noble House Hotels & Resorts.

Benchmark Hospitality International has appointed John Davies as VP marketing.  John will be the first to hold this newly created position at Benchmark.  He was previously head of his own hospitality marketing firm and prior to starting his company, John served as VP marketing for Noble House Hotels & Resorts.

Kim Lowe, sales manager at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, has won the Smart Supplier Award for sales creativity and excellence in client care at The Smart Meeting, a three-day educational conference for tourism and meeting planner professionals.

A new team building venue, the Riva Row Boat House, has opened in The Woodlands where meeting attendees can test their skills in single and tandem kayaks right on The Woodlands Waterway.  The venue is ideal for groups of all sizes, according to Casey Snyder, GM of The Woodlands CVB.

midland /  Christopher M. Havins is the new convention sales manager for the Midland CVB.  Before joining the bureau, Christopher served as the executive director for the George W. Bush Childhood Home.

Midland has built eight new hotel properties over the past three years including the Courtyard by Marriott, Sleep Inn & Suites, Residence Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Value Place, Country Inn & Suites, and Best Western.

san antonio /  Pam Hudec, DOSM for the Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade, has a senior sales manager who has been with the hotel for 15 years.  She is a “shining STAR” and her name is Melissa Janda.

The Hotel Contessa has been awarded Four Diamonds in 2010 by AAA.

 

Rebecca Peterson was recently promoted from sales manager to GM of Norris Conference Centers - San Antonio.

Nina Elaine Santellanes has been named director of group sales of the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa.  Formerly the DOS at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort, Nina will serve Midwest group clients and will oversee incentive business and third party planners.

Hotel Indigo announced the opening of its second property of 2010 across from the historic Alamo in San Antonio.  The property joins the Hotel Indigo San Antonio Riverwalk as the second Indigo in the San Antonio market.  The 100-year-old Gibbs Building has been renovated into a 91-room property, including seven suites, while still retaining all of its original wood work and marble.

new braunfels /  Through an outreach effort by the San Antonio Sports Foundation, the Haitian national soccer team arrived on April 14 at the T-Bar-M Resort and Conference Center for a more than two-week stay – offering a chance for the team to train for upcoming tournaments in the comparative tranquility of New Braunfels. The resort gave them a place to be away from it all for a little while and focus on being a team. In addition to the housing and food, uniforms, shoes, and practice balls have all been donated. Doctors have volunteered to tend to the aches and pains practice brings.

tyler /  Justin Turner is celebrating his 8th year as the VP - tourism and director of marketing at the Tyler Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Previous to his arrival in Tyler he was with the Galveston CVB.  Justin currently serves on the TTIA Membership board.

The City of Tyler recently honored Earl Campbell (1977 Heisman Trophy Winner and star running back in the NFL) with a street naming.  The Tyler City Council voted unanimously to rename the extension of New Sunnybrook Drive to Earl Campbell Parkway in honor of the native Tylerite. 

wichita falls / The Wichita Falls CVB welcomed its new convention sales manager, Stacia Murphy.  Stacia is a fairly new “Texas transplant” after moving from Florida last year.

The Wellington Banquet & Conference Center opened last fall.  The 9,300 square foot facility offers luxury surroundings plus a 2,300 outdoor terrace with stone fireplace and is located adjacent to the Holiday Inn Express.

Karin Alvarado is president of LP Meetings, a hotel and venue selection company based in Northwest Arkansas.  Karin reports the Arkansas news. 

alvarado.karin@gmail.com

Kelly Ball is a Dallas-based regional director for HelmsBriscoe, a leading meeting services firm, and reports the Dallas area news.
kball@helmsbriscoe.com

Eva Bourret is a veteran sales &
marketing professional within the hospitality industry. Eva reports
the San Antonio and Hill Country

news.
emebourret@yahoo.com

Glen Parnell is regional director for HelmsBriscoe, a leading meeting services firm in Houston and reports Houston news. gparnell@helmsbriscoe.com

Marti Jenkins is regional director for HelmsBriscoe, a leading meeting services firm.  Marti reports the Oklahoma news. mjenkins@helmsbriscoe.com