Awards

Eduardo Arabu – National Hispanic Corporate Council & Latino DEI Collective

Eduardo Arabu

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 …

Naomi Badhwa – Atlanta Botanical Garden

Naomi Badhwa

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 …

Mariya Baker – Explore Branson

Mariya Baker

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 …

Carolyn Barrett – Visit Kenner

Carolyn Barrett

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 …

Emiko Beck – HelmsBriscoe

Emiko Beck

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 …

Paola Bowman – Arlington CVB

Paola Bowman

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 …

Chianti C. Cleggett – Destin-Fort Walton CVB and Convention Center

Chianti C. Cleggett

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 …

J. Grant Caplan – Procurigence, Inc.

J. Grant Caplan

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 …

Alexandra Collins – Visit Winston-Salem

Alexandra Collins

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 …

Haley Follett – Visit Galveston

Haley Follett

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 …