Trevor Mulholland, CMP
Chief Event Officer, Beyond Fourth
trevor@gobeyondfourth.com
Number of events in 2025: 20
Types of events: Annual association conferences, including career and technical education events
Average number of attendees in 2025: 2,000
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
As chief event officer, I …
Melissa Auer
Senior Director of Exhibitor Services, MHI
mauer@mhi.org
Number of events in 2025: 2
Types of events: Trade shows
Average number of attendees in 2025: 48,733 & 52,223
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
I manage the operational aspects of the MODEX and …
Kristin Detwiler, CMP, DMCP
Owner and COO, Savannah Destination Management
kristin@savannah-dmc.com
Number of events in 2025: 50+
Types of events: Custom experiences, conferences, sales meetings, incentive travel programs
Average number of attendees
in 2025: 25-1,000+
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
For the destination …
Lauren Ditty
Event Manager, Weddings by Hannah/ Manager, Workplace Experience & Engagements, T-Mobile
lauren@weddingsbyhannahkc.com
Number of events in 2025: 10-15
Types of events: Weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate events
Average number of attendees in 2025: 350
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
While I have a …
Breanna Gallagher
Sales Manager, Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau
bgallagher@irvingtexas.com
Number of events in 2025: 500+
Types of events: Board meetings, corporate events, conventions, and everything in between
Average number of attendees in 2025: 10-15,000
What is your primary role associated with meetings and events?
As national …
Elyse Large
Chief Events Officer, Destination TN Valley
elyse@destinationtnvalley.com
Number of events in 2025: 22
Types of events: Association meetings, corporate retreats, fundraisers, large-scale community programs
Average number of attendees in 2025: 10-400+
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
I am the owner and lead …
Owner & Founder, TLC Marketing & Creative Services Inc.
trish@trishleonard.com
Number of events in 2025: 8
Types of events: Awards, galas, festivals, symposiums, fundraisers, grand openings, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, etc.
Average number of attendees in 2025: 200-3,000
What is your role associated with meetings …
Chris Moody, CEM
Senior Show Operations Manager, Society of Manufacturing Engineers
cmoody@sme.org
Number of events in 2025: 6
Types of Events: Manufacturing technology
Average number of attendees in 2025: 5,000-40,000
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
I lead the operational functions for the Society of …
Heather Pilcher, CSEP, CMP
CEO, Blue Spark Event Design
hpilcher@bluesparkeventdesign.com
Number of events in 2025: 20
Types of events: Incentive programs, corporate conferences, trade shows, brand activations
Average number of attendees in 2025: 200-300
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
As CEO and executive producer …
Narimel Tarver
National Sales Manager, Guilford County/Greensboro Tourism Development Authority
ntarver@greensboro.live
Number of events in 2025: 10+
Types of events: Trade shows, sales missions
Average number of attendees in 2025: 1,500
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
My primary role as national sales manager …
Irina Terrell
Sales & Event Manager, SpringHill Suites Panama City Beach Beachfront
irina.terrell@marriott.com
Number of events in 2025: 150
Types of events: Corporate events and retreats, conferences, social events, weddings, reunions, receptions, holiday events
Average number of attendees in 2025: 50-100
What is your role associated with meetings …
Melissa Trout, CMP, DES
Senior Meetings Manager, Council for Exceptional Children
mtrout@exceptionalchildren.org
Number of events in 2025: 5-6
Types of events: Conferences, conventions
Average number of attendees in 2025: 300-5,000+
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
I handle all the logistics for our …
Kelli Trumbull, CMP
Assistant Director of Conference Services, Stonewall Resort
ktrumbull@stonewallresort.com
Number of events in 2025: 525
Types of events: Conferences, retreats, weddings, reunions, galas, fundraisers
Average number of attendees in 2025: 75-100
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
I supervise the planning, concierge, and …
Dillon Tyler
Executive Assistant & Tour Coordinator, International Civil Rights Center & Museum
dillon.n.tyler@gmail.com
Number of events in 2025: 40
Types of events: Conventions, weddings, arts/performances, corporate/organizational retreats, lectures, panel discussions
Average number of attendees in 2025: 50-500
What is your primary role associated with meetings and events?
…
Shermell Williams
Director of Operations, Messe Frankfurt Inc.
shermell.williams@usa.messefrankfurt.com
Number of events in 2025: 6
Types of events: Large-scale trade shows
Average number of attendees in 2025: 8,000
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
I serve as a strategic leader overseeing the full …
Lori Wulf
Deputy Director, Meetings, Association of the United States Army
lwulf@ausa.org
Number of events in 2025: 100+
Types of events: Trade shows and educational conferences
Average number of attendees in 2025: 55,000
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
I oversee a global portfolio of …
Pablo Zacarias
Program Manager, Bespoke Event Group
pzacarias@bespokeconnects.com
Number of Events in 2025: 20
Types of events: Incentive, nonprofit, experiential
Average number of attendees in 2025: 500
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
I lead the strategy and execution of Bespoke’s global event …
Austin Simar
CEO, The Battle of Byron Festival
chairman@battleofbyron.com
Number of events in 2025: Up to 10
Types of events: Large annual festival and 5-10 smaller community events, including holiday events, outdoor movies, and car shows
Average number of attendees in 2025: 25-5,000+
What is your primary role …
Amanda Salazar
Vice President, Communications & Membership; Manufacture Alabama
amanda@manufacturealabama.org
Number of events in 2025: 49
Types of events: Association committee meetings, quarterly meetings, an annual meeting, annual delegation’s trip to D.C., statewide events, conferences,
golf tournaments, networking events
Average number of attendees in 2025: 25-400
…
The South continues to lead the nation in hotel development—which is exciting news for planners considering Southern locations for their upcoming meetings and events.
According to the Q3 2025 U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report by Lodging Econometrics (LE), 490 new hotels with 57,479 rooms opened …
From bustling cities to charming coastal retreats, the South offers an abundance of possibilities for meeting planners. The region is home to world-class resorts, hotels, and convention centers, all of which are supported by passionate convention and visitors bureaus and destination marketing organizations that take pride in …
Desirea Stewart, CMP, CHSP, CFMP
Arrowhead Conferences & Events
Account Manager
Blountsville, Ala.
desirea@arrowheadconferences.org
Types of meetings and events: Faith-based events
Average number of attendees: 100-600
Describe your current position.
I work with amazing ministry partners who allow me to serve alongside them in assisting with their meeting and …
Association of Medical Directors of Information Systems/KRI
Irvine, Calif.
rodrydell@keeneresearch.com
Types of meetings and events: Healthcare
Average number of attendees: 180
How did you get started in the meetings and events industry, and how did your experience lead to your current position?
I began in the meetings …
The LaCroix Agency
Senior Event Planner
State Park, S.C.
info@lacroixevents.com
Types of meetings and events: Corporate retreats, incentive programs, teambuilding experiences, marriage conferences and retreats, women’s conferences and retreats
Average number of attendees:
200 or fewer
Describe your current position.
I oversee all events for the …
LEO Events
Director of Meeting Services
Manassas, Va.
kjohnson@leoevents.com
Types of meetings and events: Corporate, B2B, incentive trips, event technology
Average number of attendees: 250-2,000
Describe your current position.
As director overseeing the meeting services and event technology departments, I lead strategic planning and execution across both areas. …
Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association CEO
Gulf Shores, Ala.
ngood@astna.org
Types of meetings and events: Board retreats and committee meetings, annual membership meetings, receptions and dinners, education classes, charity 5K runs, opening parties, and offsite events and teambuilding activities
Average number of attendees: 600
Describe …
KBT Creative Support Services
Event Strategist
Brentwood, Tenn.
kbtcreativesupport@comcast.net
Types of meetings and events: Corporate executive retreats, incentive trips, insurance, education, financial, mental health leadership meetings and conferences, global sales summits
Average number of attendees: 10-1,000, depending on the type of event
Describe your current …
PowerSouth Energy Cooperative
Senior Support Services Coordinator
Andalusia, Ala.
wanda.woods@powersouth.com
Types of meetings and events: Corporate meetings, training, conferences, lunches, teambuilding, Youth Tour events
Average number of attendees: 10-400, depending on event
Describe your current position.
I have been employed with PowerSouth Energy Cooperative for …
Elevated Meetings
Global Account Executive
Winter Garden, Fla.
Types of meetings and events:
Consumer Electronic Show, SCALE financial conference, Internova travel conference, Reebok entrepreneurship tour with Joe Foster, real estate conferences, incentive events
Average number of attendees:
300 to 160,000, depending on the event
Describe your current …
Founder & CEO, factor 110
Oklahoma City, Okla.
Types of meetings and events: Annual association conferences, corporate summits, and retreats; grand openings, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, and signature community events; large-scale city events, festivals, and marathons; trade shows, student leadership conferences, general session productions, nonprofit …
The results are in for ConventionSouth’s Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
Based on approximately 7,400 votes, your favorites are represented by 474 total Southern meeting sites and destinations. These winners provide some of the best accommodations, amenities, services, and meeting and event spaces throughout the South.
Congratulations to our winners, …
The editor’s picks are in for ConventionSouth’s Annual Top New or Renovated Awards for 2024.
According to Lodging Econometrics—a leading provider of business development database programs to hotel franchise companies, lodging industry vendors, ownership and management groups, Wall Street analysts, and industry consultants—631 new hotels offering 72,160 guest rooms are …
Our annual Music & Meetings issue and contest are among our most popular offerings each year. For 2024, our contest asked readers to vote on their favorite live-music venues. We narrowed down the long list of music venues all across the South to just three choices in each destination in …
The results are in for ConventionSouth’ s 2024 Fan Favorite Radiant Resorts Contest, and these 15 fabulous Southern properties took top spots. The ConventionSouth team compiled a ballot of 68 visually stunning resorts with abundant amenities and asked ConventionSouth readers and fans to vote for their top …
Director of Strategic Partnerships, Georgia World Congress Center Authority,
Atlanta, Ga.
Describe your job.
My work at the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) focuses on driving key transformational initiatives: sustainability, CSR, diversity, equity, and inclusion. I work to strengthen community support and expand the overall brand visibility …
Founder and Chief Connecting Officer, thrive! meetings & events
New Bern, N.C.
Describe your job.
I have many different roles. As an event planner, I help clients produce live experiences for their audience by either overseeing the entire planning process or managing a specific aspect, such as …
Owner, Ecosystem Events
Unionville, Ind.
Describe your job.
I’m a sustainability consultant and educator focused on the events industry. I help event organizers reduce the environmental impact of their events, with a particular focus on event waste.
What made you choose the meetings and events industry?
I …
Senior Director, Community Impact, Equity & Public Affairs
Visit Dallas
Dallas, Texas
Describe your job.
I currently serve Visit Dallas working to foster relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and elected officials. I also develop and foster relationships with chambers of commerce and state and national associations …
General Manager of Environmental Strategy, Maritz
Wilmette, Ill.
Describe your job.
I oversee the Maritz environmental measurement—carbon accounting, reporting, EcoVadis [a provider of business sustainability assessments and ratings], a Carbon Disclosure Project, and verification. I work with various clients on their organizational and event-level sustainability strategies.
…
Executive Director, Lee County VCB
Fort Myers, Fla.
Describe your job.
I am chief cook and bottle washer! Seriously, I am responsible for leading a team that promotes and attracts visitors to Fort Myers—Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods in Florida. Our role is crucial in enhancing the economic …
Director of Food and Beverage, Omni PGA Frisco Resort
Frisco, Texas
Describe your job.
I lead food and beverage operations for Omni PGA Frisco Resort’s 13 outlets, including more than 127,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The resort’s diverse dining options include Texas barbecue at …
Director of Tourism, Blount Partnership
Maryville, Tenn.
Describe your job.
I am honored to bring visitors to the most beautiful place in the world, be it leisure, business, or convention travel. Blount County is the type of place that makes my job seem easy. The area is …
Manager, Global Accounts, HelmsBriscoe
Sarasota, Fla.
Describe your job.
I specialize in hotel and venue sourcing, helping organizations find hotels for events. I’m like a realtor finding hotels. I put info into the database and all the meeting specs. I receive proposals and get involved with the …
Vice President, Event Services NAACP
Washington, D.C.
Describe your job.
I am the lead in planning and execution of large-scale events, such as the NAACP National Convention, as well as board meetings, trainings, galas, dinners, staff retreats, and activities for the NAACP Image Awards. These events range …
Vice President, Sales and Services, VisitLEX
Lexington, Ky.
Describe your job.
I have the pleasure to market and promote Lexington, Ky., and the beautiful Bluegrass Region to increase visitation to our destination and drive revenue.
What made you choose the meetings and events industry?
I was born …
Senior Director, Arrive Management Group
Chicago, Ill.
Describe your job.
As a result of 20-plus years in meeting management and 20-plus years in public safety, I am a director of meetings, focusing on event safety. I help planners who want to reduce risk and keep their …
Event Manager, Walmart Inc.
Rogers, Ark.
Describe your job.
I manage all aspects of meeting and event planning for Walmart and Sam’s Club (events ranging from 10 to 10,000 people) to include all theme/day of flow, contract negotiations, transportation, food and beverage, rentals, hotel management, registration, travel, …
Assistant Director, Convention Coordinator & Office Manager, Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association & Mississippi Propane Gas Association
Jackson, Miss.
Describe your job.
We are a two-person office, and we operate two associations: one for gasoline distributors and convenience-store owners and the other for propane gas …
Event Specialist, Paragon Events
Boynton Beach, Fla.
Describe your job.
Being an event specialist is like being the ringmaster of a beautifully chaotic circus. I balance tightrope-walking budgets, tame vendor eccentricities, take cross-country and international journeys, and time travel between past, present, and future scenarios. It is …
President and CEO, Visit Tampa Bay
Tampa, Fla.
Describe your job.
My role encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities critical to our organization’s success, including the comprehensive oversight of agency activities, the day-to-day management of operations, and the assurance of an efficiently functioning organization. In my …
Director, Destination Services, OneSpartanburg, Inc.
Spartanburg, S.C.
Describe your job.
I would describe my job as being a destination concierge. I focus on welcoming meetings and sports groups to Spartanburg, S.C., and connecting them to experiences that make their time here unique. I also work with our …
President and CEO, Meet Meetings
Verona, Wisc.
Describe your job.
Meet Meetings is a third-party, full-service meeting planning and sourcing company. Owning your own company involves many day-to-day operational needs and managing clients and partners. There is no set to-do list or job description. I truly strive …
CEO and Co-owner, Q&A Events
Atlanta, Ga.
Describe your job.
As the CEO and co-owner of Q&A Events, my job is to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization and to develop and manage the programs we produce. I work with our clients on the vision …
The results are in for ConventionSouth’s Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
After 8,000 readers and fans voted, this is our elite list of the top 448 meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations to our winners and remember to look for them in our 2023 December Annual Awards Issue!
…
CEO, National Hispanic Corporate Council & Latino DEI Collective
Chicago, Ill.
Describe your job.
I am responsible for day-to-day operations including the design, implementation, and execution of organizational development strategies at the Washington, D.C.-based National Hispanic Corporate Council (NHCC) along with its affiliate brands: The Latino DEI …
Special Events Sales Manager, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta, Ga
Describe your job.
I lead a sales team and do many things, including providing guidance, training, mentorship, setting quotas and goals, creating sales plans, and analyzing data. My role here is a dream job because the Atlanta Botanical …
Director of Meeting and Convention Sales, Explore Branson
Branson, Mo.
Describe your job.
As director of meeting and convention sales for Explore Branson, I manage and oversee sales operations with one main goal: to drive and increase the economic impact of meetings and conventions in the Branson …
Executive Director, Visit Kenner
Kenner, La.
Describe your job.
I promote the City of Kenner, La., in every way possible. From attending tradeshows and conferences to sending out leads for meetings and events, posting on social media, and producing and assisting with events in Kenner such as …
Manager, Global Accounts, HelmsBriscoe
Orlando, Fla.
How did you get started and what got you from there to the meetings and events industry today?
I earned a bachelor’s degree in international business and marketing from Ohio Dominican University and a degree in hospitality management and tourism from …
Director of Client Services & Events, Arlington CVB
Arlington, Texas
Describe your job.
I like to say the essence of my job is bridging people and ideas to make great things happen. As director of services for the Arlington CVB, I help planners execute their meetings in …
Senior Sales Manager, Destin-Fort Walton Beach CVB
and Convention Center
Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Describe your job.
As the senior sales manager, I lead a staff of three sales managers plus a sales and events specialist to bring new business to Okaloosa County. I specifically …
President, Procurigence, Inc.
Houston, Texas
Describe your job.
I am responsible for coordinating our relationships with our internal team of experts as well as our supplier community. I help our venue finders and other experts build their sourcing and consulting practices to maximize their revenues.
What …
Senior Sales Manager, Visit Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem, N.C.
Describe your job.
I am a passionate promoter of Winston-Salem, N.C. As a senior sales manager, I have the pleasure of attracting groups of all sizes in the national association and corporate markets to our sophisticated Southern city. I accomplish …
Meetings & Events Services Coordinator, Visit Galveston
Galveston, Texas
Describe your job.
Meeting and events services coordinator is my official title, but I like to say, “I’m your gal for all things island.” My daily goal is to assure planners bringing their meetings to our shores have …
Convention Sales Manager, Fayetteville Area CVB
Fayetteville, N.C.
Describe your job.
My job is selling the city of Fayetteville and Cumberland County in North Carolina and its attractions to meeting planners far and near. Meetings and events held here have a positive financial effect on our local …
COO, Destinations International
Little Rock, Ark.
Describe your job.
Destinations International, based in Washington, D.C., is the world’s largest resource for destination organizations, CVBs, and tourism boards. The professional association is a forward-thinking collaborative of more than 7,000 members and partners from more than 650 destinations in …
Founder and CEO, JulNet Solutions, LLC
Huntington, W.Va.
Describe your job.
For the past 25 years, I have worked closely with our clients to plan events that serve a number of different purposes—whether a small committee meeting of 10 or a convention for 1,000 and everything …
Founder and CEO, Soundings
San Diego, Calif.
Describe your job.
I am the founder and CEO of Soundings, an innovative talent platform connecting event and marketing professionals with companies that are in search of the most relevant talent for their organization, either freelance or full-time, in the …
Destination Sales Manager, Visit Pensacola
Pensacola, Fla.
Describe your job.
I serve as the sales representative to the group and leisure market to generate a positive economic impact for Escambia County. Every day is a new day and new obstacles. I catch up with the team on …
CEO, Rhanee Palma & Co.
Sacramento, Calif.
Describe your job.
My job is to equitably bring brands to life through the power of events. As a business event strategist and curator, I work with company leaders to use events to accomplish goals and generate growth. I also …
Executive Producer, Bishop-McCann
Las Vegas, Nev.
Describe your job.
As an executive producer for Kansas City, Mo.-based Bishop-McCann, I produce live, virtual, and hybrid show productions for our corporate clients. I work closely with our clients, production, and creative team to ensure that the productions meet messaging …
Director of Sales, ASM Global, Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center
Mobile, Ala.
Describe your job.
As director of sales for the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, I am responsible for promoting and booking events. I work with our clients to convey their needs to our …
Director of Beverage, Choctaw Casino & Resort—Durant
Frisco, Texas
Describe your job.
I am the strategic leader of beverage operations for 15 bars, a 3,000-seat concert venue, and a resort pool with 50 cabanas at the 1,700-room Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Okla., just over …
Senior Event Strategist, ESN, Maritz Global Events
Lexington, Ky.
Describe your job.
I live up to the words in my bio on the company website. As a contractor for Maritz Global Events, I oversee key clients and build relationships on dependability. My clients know they can rely …
After hundreds of nominations and an editorial review, this is our elite list of the top 52 new or renovated meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations to our winners and remember to look …
In addition to the winners of RCA awards, we received a number of write-in recommendations for this year’s ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Awards.
While we receive write-in votes every year, the properties listed below received multiple write-in votes, which qualified them for our Honorable …
The results are in for ConventionSouth’s Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
After more than 8,500 readers and fans voted, this is our elite list of the top 416 meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations to our winners and remember to look for them within our 2022 December …
GULF SHORES, Ala. (February 21, 2022) — The results are in for ConventionSouth’s Radiant Resorts, and 15 fabulous Southern properties took top spots. In February, ConventionSouth editors compiled a Facebook ballot of 75 visually stunning resorts with abundant amenities. From those resorts, ConventionSouth readers and Facebook fans voted for …
Owner and chief event officer, The Event Lounge
Dallas, Texas
Describe your job.
Since I started the company 11 years ago, my talented in-person and virtual event team has produced more than 5,000 meetings, conferences, events, and activations around the globe. We offer live and virtual …
Andre Wells
Owner, Events by Andre Wells
Washington, D.C.
Describe your job.
I own an event design and planning firm in Washington, D.C, and work throughout the United States and abroad. We produce and design corporate, political, and social events, in addition to high-profile weddings.
How did you …
CEO, Conference Catalysts, LLC
Gainesville, Fla.
Describe your job.
In addition to my CEO responsibilities, I have directly served as a conference manager for more than 150 conferences, meetings, and events over the past 15 years. I currently oversee all company operations and am intensely involved in …
Principal & Creative Director, Magnolia Bluebird design + events
Gaithersburg, Md.
Describe your job.
I oversee day-to-day operations, manage a small but mighty team of planners, and design and plan social, corporate, and life events. So, I get to do cool things with and for cool people, …
Director of Sales, Rutherford County (Tennessee) CVB
Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Describe your job.
I promote and sell Rutherford County as a premier destination for conventions, corporate meetings, association conferences, sporting events, reunions, and tour groups. I’m responsible for sales lead distribution, hotel history, and revenue reports for …
Vice President, Magellan Management
Boca Raton, Fla.
Describe your job.
I currently oversee all meeting and event logistics within our company. This includes sourcing, contracting, planning, and then through final execution. My main focus is to ensure our clients’ goals and objectives are not just met, but …
Chief Experience Officer, ViewStub.com, Event Masters
Richmond, Va.
Describe your job.
I help businesses and brands plan, manage, and coordinate small- and large-scale concerts, festivals, and conferences.
How did you get started and what got you from there to today?
Several of my jobs back in …
President/General Manger, e2 Destination & Event Management
Orlando, Fla.
Describe your job.
As the owner of e2, I wear many hats. I use whatever time and skills I have to ensure our events are the best they can be, picking up different roles in marketing, oversight, …
Co-founder, Solomon Group
New Orleans, La.
Describe your job.
I focus on Solomon Group’s strategic initiatives, a responsibility that has resulted in our national success and expansion.
How did you get started, and what got you from there to today?
I started out in theater production, …
President & Chief Event Strategist, Every Last Detail Events
Atlanta, Ga.
Describe your job.
I’m a professional “connector.” I create optimized spaces and opportunities for people to come together, virtually or in person. Also, I connect questions to answers, problems to solutions, needs
to …
Manager, Global Accounts and Site Selection Specialist, HelmsBriscoe
Houston, Texas
Describe your job.
I am a site selection specialist or, as it is commonly known, a third-party planner for HelmsBriscoe. I help event planners find hotels for their conferences, meetings, and events that require group sleeping room …
Event Specialist, KBT Creative Support Services
Brentwood, Tenn.
Describe your job.
As an independent conference and meeting planner, I plan, manage, organize, and source conferences, meetings, retreats, summits, incentives, symposia, events, and venues for nonprofits, corporate, association, education, and government organizations.
How did you get started …
Corporate Meeting and Event Manager, EVisions
Orange County, Calif.
Describe your job.
As a corporate meeting and event manager for a software company, I deliver on-brand meetings and events that display our company culture and values. I plan, manage, and execute internal and external conferences, trade shows, …
LeAnna Toups-Bennett
Marketing Representative, Louisiana Economic Development
Baton Rouge, La.
Describe your job.
I am a government meeting planner for Louisiana Economic Development (LED), a state agency. It is my duty to plan and execute all agency events, taking responsibility for all the creative, technical, and logistical elements, including …
President & CEO, Paragon Events
Delray Beach, Fla.
Describe your job.
My job is anything from cleaning the toilets to leading a team of enormously talented people. Our events and clients range from international incentive programs to corporate conferences, grand openings, trade shows, and VIP networking events. …
CEO, Innov8 Events Agency
West Palm Beach, Fla.
Describe your job.
My work is rewarding and never boring. It’s given me the opportunity to lead and learn from a group of creative individuals. It also provides me with the opportunity to be a part of the creation …
Project Manager, Texas Floodplain Management Association
Austin, Texas
Describe your job.
Being in a small office of only two full-time and one part-time employees, my job entails a good understanding of all aspects of association management for a nonprofit. My primary responsibilities are conference/event planning, professional …
CEO & partner, Shiraz Creative
Miami, Fla.
Describe your job.
I oversee the growth and image of the brand, along with creative for selected projects and upper management decisions.
How did you get started, and what got you from there to today?
Over 20 years ago, I …
Founder/CEO, iSocialX
Atlanta, Ga.
Describe your job.
I’m an entrepreneur, and I have been an independent planner for several years. My business at iSocialX focuses on a suite of products and services that foster empowerment in strategic planning, participant engagement, and technology confidence. However, my job …
Sales Manager, Galveston Island CVB
Galveston, Texas
Describe your job.
As the social, military, education, religious, fraternal (SMERF) sales manager, I promote and sell Galveston Island. I strategically sell the destination to clients and organizations to increase visitor business, generate overnight stays, and maximize the economic impact …
Senior Sales Manager, Associations, Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort
Panama City Beach, Fla.
Describe your job.
In my role as a senior sales manager specializing in association groups at the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort, I bid on large conventions, …
Senior Sales Manager, St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission
Mandeville, La.
Describe your job.
I am responsible for promoting St. Tammany Parish as a tourist destination for the corporate, association, and SMERF markets. I work to generate new sales leads, maintain existing customer relationships, and …
In addition to the winners of RCA awards, we received a number of write-in recommendations for this year’s ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Awards.
While we receive write-in votes every year, the properties listed below received multiple write-in votes, which qualified them for our Honorable Mention recognition.
…
After hundreds of nominations and an editorial review, this is our elite list of the top 54 new or renovated meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations to our winners and remember to look …
The results are in for ConventionSouth’s Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
After more than 8,000 readers and fans voted, this is our elite list of the top 415 meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations to our winners and remember to look for them within our 2021 December Annual Awards …
ConventionSouth Magazine Releases Its 2021 List Of
“Small Towns With Big Sound”
Based on Reader & Fan Votes
GULF SHORES, Ala. (Sept. 7, 2021) – This August, ConventionSouth magazine, a national print and digital resource for organizers who plan events the South, asked …
Zondra White Jones, Senior Sales Manager
Louisiana Northshore/ St Tammany Parish Tourist Commission
Mandeville, La.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I started working in tourism as a front desk clerk at the Holiday Inn Covington in 1995. Immediately I felt like …
Valerie Pagan, Director of Sales
Playa Largo Resort & Spa
Key Largo, Fla.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I have been in the hospitality industry for 25 years in nearly every department of a hotel, which give me a very …
Tarshi McCoy, CMP, CHSP, TMP, Executive Director
New Bern Riverfront Convention Center
New Bern, N.C.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I have been in the industry for more than 25 years between working at several hotels and working at the New Bern …
Warren D. Isenhour, President
Isenhour International
Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I have fifteen years in the industry working with a myriad of clients and events. I began in sports management and transitioned over to an independent meeting planner …
Tara Zeravsky, CMP, Senior Association & Conference Manager
Meeting Expectations
Atlanta, Ga.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I entered the hospitality industry 22 years ago as a registration coordinator for Tupperware Brands. I then became a planner for the same …
Tami Maynard, Executive Assistant, Agency Operations
Council on Occupational Education (COE)
Atlanta, Ga.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I have been involved with meeting planning for the past 21 years with the same company arranging annual events for conferences, board …
Rachel Keyes, Site Selection Manager
Meeting Expectations
Atlanta, Ga.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I majored in Restaurant, Hotel and Meetings Management at The University of Alabama with a concentration in Meetings and Event Planning and minor in General Business. …
Stephanie A. Watson, Luxury Meeting, Travel & Event Planner
DZS Luxury Meetings & Events
Southfield, Mich.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I have 25 years of experience as an independent meeting, event, wedding and travel planner. As the principal planner …
Robin Lockett, CMP, Director, Global Meetings
TTI/VANGUARD
New York, N.Y.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
My career path after graduating from was catering management trainee to catering manager at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, project manager at a boutique incentive house, working …
Selina Mirza Cooper, Project Manager
Texas Floodplain Management Association
Cedar Park, Tex.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I started with the Texas Academy of Family Physicians (TAFP) in Austin, Tex. as a secretary for the education department. My role evolved within a …
Patti Colley, Chief Strategy Officer
Oklahoma Restaurant Association
Oklahoma City, Ok.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
In 1985, I joined the staff of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, which also manages the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and Oklahoma Travel Industry …
Natalie Fleet, CMP, Senior Vice President, Meetings
American Association of Airport Executives
Alexandria, Va.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I’ve been with AAAE since January 1998. I started out as a meetings coordinator, quickly realizing meetings was my passion. I …
Megan Levin, Executive Director
Refrigerated Foods Association
Marietta, Ga.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I fell into association management right out of college, and never left. I’ve worked with the Refrigerated Foods Association for 28 years, give or take a …
Mark Freeman, Meetings Manager
Meetings Alliances
Washington, D.C.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
While working as an executive assistant to several health care executives I was asked if I would be interested in assisting with the meetings team and their …
Marjaneh Majarwitz, CMP, President
MarjaNET Inc.
Jacksonville, Fla.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I have been in the event industry as an independent meeting professional since 2009. My prior background included project management and engineering. Skills gained from these careers, including negotiation, …
Latisha Dutch, CEO/Association Manager
TMD Management
Raleigh, N.C.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I have been working in the meetings industry for 20 years in varying industries to include sports and entertainment, healthcare, safety, human resources, and nonprofit. The past decade …
Kowana Ragland, CMP, Senior Director
Meeting Expectations
Charlotte, N.C.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I have been a meeting professional for almost 30 years. I am currently a senior director at Meeting Expectations, where I have a multi-faceted role that includes leading …
Kimberly M. Bean, Events Specialist
KBT Creative Support Services
Brentwood, Tenn.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
My career has included working as a PR account/event coordinator, and volunteering for 16 years producing fundraising events for my alma mater at Lipscomb …
Keshena Patterson, Manager, Global Accounts
HelmsBriscoe
Houston, Tex.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I am what is considered a third-party planner who sources hotels and other venues worldwide for clients who plan group meetings and events which is at no …
Joan Orentlicher, CMP, Assistant Vice President, Meetings, Conferences and Travel
LOMA and LIMRA
Atlanta, Ga.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I was born a meeting planner, starting with managing my youth group events, and continued when I was a gopher …
Jennifer Watson, Senior Director, Global Accounts
HelmsBriscoe
San Diego, Ca.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I started in food and beverage service at 16 and after college, then left food and beverage for marketing events in the music industry. …
Jennifer Clark, Owner
Emerge Events
Hattiesburg, Miss.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I started my event management company, Emerge Events, in February of 2011. For the last 10 years we have produced a variety of events, including expos, …
Elizabeth Pardillo, CMP, Meeting & Event Strategist
Maritz Global Events
St. Louis, Mo.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I first started working as a meeting professional during my college years at the University of Central Florida, as an event coordinator for …
Janice Pauline, Director, Business Events
National League of Cities
Washington, D.C.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I started in the meetings industry in 1990 working for the Senior Executive Association (SEA). After few years later, I then was at a crossroads …
Jan Levine, CTC, President
JSL Meeting & Event Group, Inc.
Morrisville, N.C.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I have more than 30 years of experience in the meeting, travel and event production industries. I began my career as a travel agent …
Dawn E. Vinson, Executive Director
University Aviation Association
Memphis, Tenn.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
Since leaving aviation and joining associations, I started in the education departments, and education means meetings. Lots of meetings—whether its seminars, workgroups, testing sessions, …
David N. Bruce, MMP, HTS, Managing Partner
CMP Meeting Services
Granbury, Tex.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I was fortunate to start my hospitality career on the hotel side in both operations and sales. After 14 years in the hotel …
Brett Sterenson, President
Hobby Lobbyists
Washington, D.C.
Can you provide some of your background as a meeting professional?
I spent my first nine years in the industry as a supplier, in sales for Millennium Hotels in Boston, Ma., and then Kimpton Hotels in Washington, D.C. …
Annette Zarriello, CMP, CMM
ABC Supply Company
Alpharetta, Ga.
Why did you choose to become a meeting professional?
I think it chose me. For many years I provided administrative support for corporate meetings and events in the company I worked for until I was presented with the …
After hundreds of nominations and an editorial review, this is our elite list of the top 59 new or renovated meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations to our winners and remember to look for …
In addition to the winners of RCA awards, we received a number of write-in recommendations for this year’s ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Awards.
While we receive write-in votes every year, the properties listed below received multiple write-in votes, which qualified them for our Honorable Mention recognition.
…The results are in for ConventionSouth’s Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
After more than 8,000 readers and fans voted, this is our elite list of the top 380 meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations to our winners and remember to look for them within our 2020 December Annual Awards …
GULF SHORES, Ala. (March 9, 2020) — The results are in for ConventionSouth’s list of the Top Remarkable Resorts. In early-March, ConventionSouth Editors compiled a Facebook ballot with a list of 60 remarkable resorts that exceed expectations. From those resorts, ConventionSouth readers and Facebook fans were asked to vote for …
The results are in for ConventionSouth’s Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
After more than 7,000 readers and fans voted, this is our elite list of the top 337 meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations to our winners and remember to look for them within our 2019 December Annual Awards Issue.
…The editor’s picks are in for ConventionSouth’s Annual Top New or Renovated Awards for 2020.
After hundreds of nominations and an editorial review, this is our elite list of the top 58 new or renovated meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations to our winners and remember to look for them …
In addition to the winners of RCA awards, we received a number of write-in recommendations for this year’s ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Awards.
While we receive write-in votes every year, the properties listed below received multiple write-in votes, which qualified them for our Honorable Mention recognition.
The Following Are State-by-State 2019 Honorable Mentions:ALABAMA
Montgomery …
ConventionSouth Magazine Releases Its 2019 List Of
“The South’s Top 8 Hidden Tracks of the Southern Music Scene”
Based on Reader & Fan Votes
GULF SHORES, Ala. (Sept. 16, 2019)—This September, ConventionSouth magazine, a national multimedia resource for those who plan events held within the …
GULF SHORES, Ala. (May 13, 2019) – After a review of our entire 16-state coverage area, our editorial team selected an elite group of ten hot spot cities for winter events. We then asked our readers to vote for the hottest meeting sites within these hot spots, determining the …
GULF SHORES, Ala. (April 4, 2019) —
The results are in for ConventionSouth’s list of the Top Resorts with Style. In mid-March, ConventionSouth Editors compiled a Facebook ballot with a list of 50 stylish resorts that exceed expectations. From those resorts, ConventionSouth readers and Facebook fans were asked to …
The results are in for ConventionSouth’s Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
After more than 7,000 readers and fans voted, this is our elite list of the top 320 meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations to our winners and remember to look for them
In addition to the winners listed above, we received a number of write-in recommendations for this year’s ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Awards.
While we receive write-in votes every year, the properties listed below received multiple write-in votes, which qualified them for our Honorable Mention …
The editor’s picks are in for ConventionSouth’s Annual Top New or Renovated Awards for 2019.
After hundreds of nominations and an editorial review, this is our elite list of the top 79 new or renovated meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations to our winners …
GULF SHORES, Ala. (May 15, 2018) – After a review of our entire 16 state coverage area, our editorial team selected an elite group of ten hot spot cities for winter events. We then asked our readers to vote for the hottest meeting sites within these hot spots, determining …
The editor’s picks are in for ConventionSouth’s Annual Top New or Renovated Awards for 2018.
After hundreds of nominations and an editorial review, this is our elite list of the top 66 new or renovated meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations to our winners …
The results are in for ConventionSouth’s Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
After more than 6,000 readers and fans voted, this is our elite list of the top 300 meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations to our winners and remember to look for them
In addition to the winners listed above, we received a number of write-in recommendations for this year’s ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Awards.
While we receive write-in votes every year, the properties listed below received multiple write-in votes, which qualified them for our Honorable Mention …
Based On Reader & Fan Votes
This September, ConventionSouth magazine, a national multimedia resource for those who plan events held within the South, asked readers and Facebook fans to vote for the cities they felt were the best places to enjoy music and to …
The Results are in for ConventionSouth’s Annual Top New or Renovated Awards for 2016.
After more than 5,000 readers and fans voted, this is our elite list of the top 50 new or renovated meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations …
The Results are in for ConventionSouth’s Annual Reader’s Choice Awards.
After more than 5,000 readers and fans voted, this is our elite list of the top 180 meeting sites and destinations in the South.
Congratulations to our winners and remember to look …
