NORFOLK, Va. – Wayne Callis, sales manager for VisitNorfolk, has been honored by the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) with the 2021 Sam Gilmer Supplier of the Year Award.
A native resident of Norfolk, Callis joined VisitNorfolk in 2015 after working for several hotel brands in the city.
“We are incredibly proud that Wayne was recognized for his hard work,” said Kurt Krause, president and CEO of Visit Norfolk. “He is a huge asset to our community, and we are lucky to have him on our team.”
Each year, the SGMP honors founder Sam Gilmer’s contributions with a banquet celebrating the outstanding efforts of its members with three awards: Planner of the Year, Supplier of the Year, and the President’s Award. Additional awards for excellence in communications and programming are presented to outstanding chapters.
Recipients of the Sam Gilmer Supplier of the Year Award are selected by a panel of former winners in recognition of the members exhibiting outstanding service and significant contributions to the organization’s growth and development.
This award marks the second accolade for the VisitNorfolk team, making them the only CVB to win more than once. Maria Herring, now the vice president of sales and services for VisitNorfolk, accepted the prize in 2007.
