Meeting Pros

Julia Spangler – Ecosystem Events

Julia Spangler

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 …

Gerardo (Gary) Sanchez – Equity & Public Affairs

Gerardo (Gary) Sanchez

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 …

Rachael Riggs – Maritz

Rachael Riggs

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.

Tamara Pigott – Lee County CVB

Tamara Pigott

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 …

Severin Nunn – Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Severin Nunn

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 …

Kim Mitchell – Blount Partnership

Kim Mitchell

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 …

Marissa Lee – HelmsBriscoe

Marissa Lee

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 …

Gina Lawrence – NAACP

Gina Lawrence

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 …

Marci Krueger – VisitLEX

Marci Krueger

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 …

Alan Kleinfeld – Arrive Management Group

Alan Kleinfeld

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 …


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