People News: New Hires, Promotions Are Full Speed Ahead Closing Out 2015

December 9, 2015

Whoever said December was a slow month, might have been wrong when it comes to end of this year’s new hires and promotions, with several companies bringing people on before kicking off a fresh start in 2016.

Global Experience Specialists recently named Wendy Gibson as executive vice president of global marketing.

Gibson is an accomplished B-to-B marketing leader with a high-tech background and brings 25 years of managing all aspects of marketing, including branding, lead generation, product marketing, corporate marketing, digital, social and business development.

As executive vice president of global marketing, Gibson is responsible for driving GES’ global brand and marketing strategies, including leading MarketWorks, GES’ strategy and marketing advisory service.

“I’m excited to have Wendy lead our global marketing team,” said GES President Steve Moster. “Wendy’s impressive results leading marketing for fast-paced, high-growth companies, and her unwavering focus on the voice of the customer, make her the ideal person to lead our global marketing efforts.”

The OFFPRICE Show recently hired Melissa Witnik as sales and operations coordinator.

Witnik’s main responsibilities include assisting the sales and operations teams with executing the OFFPRICE Show. She will create and modify sales reports, reach out to buyers to inform them of event details, layout and manage the floor plan, and assist in coordinating event sponsorship.

She previously worked at White Lodging Services as the Banquet Manager at the Marriott Milwaukee Downtown, and as Food & Beverage Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn Lake Forest.

Witnik is a 2013 graduate of Michigan State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Business.

VisitPITTSBURGH, the official tourism promotion agency for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, recently hired Dawn Holden as vice president of partnership development.

Holden brings to the position extensive management and destination marketing and partnership development experience.

Previously, Holden was a sales executive for Hargrove Inc., selling custom rental exhibits to C-Suite executives at associations, destination marketing organizations, corporations and organizations.

From 2005 to 2013, she was employed by Destination DC as the partnership and alliances manager, strategically presenting the benefits of partnering with Destination DC to prospective and existing members. 

SmithBucklin promoted James McNeil to executive vice president and CEO of SmithBucklin's Business + Trade Industry Practice, effective Jan. 1.

McNeil previously served as senior vice president of SmithBucklin's Business + Trade Industry Practice, providing oversight for client organizations headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Earlier this year, he was promoted to president and publisher of Information, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SmithBucklin that delivers high-impact, customized, cost-effective digital content solutions. McNeil will retain his responsibilities with Information, Inc.

In his new role, McNeil will lead all aspects of the Business + Trade Industry Practice, including strategy, client organization service delivery and performance, new client development, talent development and acquisition, operational excellence, financial management and thought leadership. McNeil will be replacing Matt Sanderson, who becomes president and CEO of SmithBucklin Jan. 1.

Chuck Keller has been added to the position of sales account executive at NexxtShow.  

This position combines the roles of sales and account management. Keller will be focused on driving new sales opportunities and ultimately managing those opportunities and others.

Keller has 15 years of experience in the trade show and event industry - both selling and managing large portfolios of shows. 

"We are excited about adding Chuck to our team. His industry experience will make him a valuable resource for our clients," said President Fred Buonacorsi. "This addition is another example of the commitment of our senior leadership to the continued growth and development of NexxtShow and to providing outstanding service to our customers."

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact