Meeting Professionals to Watch

Meetings are thriving, and judging from the record number of nominations ConventionSouth received for our Meeting Professionals to Watch in 2024, so are meeting pros! In poring over the qualifications and accomplishments of our nominees, it was heartening to see so many outstanding planners, CVB staff members, and other meetings and events industry professionals. Thank you to everyone who called our attention to so many deserving and exceptional changemakers from all corners of the country.

The hard part was narrowing down the crop of standouts to just 20 winners. Through careful consideration, our editorial team chose this year’s honorees for their demonstrated vision and leadership, passion and creativity, and dedication and commitment, all of which made them rise to the top.

This year’s winners are a well-rounded group of fresh phenoms and seasoned practitioners, from a CVB pro shepherding her destination through the aftermath of a natural disaster to an enthusiastic cheerleader for an area that recently made headlines with the fastest post-pandemic rebound in tourism and convention business. Many of our impressive winners are taking on big challenges, such as an accomplished chef who directs F&B at a sprawling new golf hub with more than a dozen eateries. Our select group includes a law-enforcement veteran who specializes in event safety, a passionate DEI consultant, a food expert who promotes belonging and waste reduction, green-meetings and sustainability specialists, an avid advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a planner for the world’s largest retailer.

Their stories resonate with inspiring journeys, amusing anecdotes, and sage advice that applies to all aspects of life.

Congratulations to our winners!

Know a meeting professional the industry should be watching for? Nominate them now for our 2025 Meeting Professionals to Watch!