JUNO Continues Expansion as New Era of Events Emerge

May 14, 2021
JUNO Continues Expansion as New Era of Events Emerge

JUNO, a leading software company distinguishing itself in the virtual/hybrid era, has brought LaDonna Whitaker on board as vice president of sales. The hire is the latest in a series of moves Juno is making to bolster its leadership as the events industry moves past the COVID-19 lockdown and into a new frontier of engagement.

Whitaker arrives at JUNO from Virgin America, a company that rose in prominence under the guidance of her team. Among Whitmaker’s many impressive firsts in a career leading travel’s intersection with technology, Whitaker was the first sales associate hired for Experdia’s corporate start-up division.

With each step, Whitaker has left a positive mark for the company and the involved industries as well. Juno expects her arrival to be a catalyst for even further growth as events reinvent themselves through a blend of innovative tech and experiential in-person gatherings.

“LaDonna’s experience in technology and with events means she can help clients over the barriers they face in confusion over technology, cost of implementation and confidence in making the right choice,” said Josh Hotsenpiller, CEO of JUNO. “She is an ideal leader for the team on a mission to share our brand and how JUNO supports events and associations.”

At its center, JUNO is working toward a solution uniting attendees without borders, geographic or otherwise. It envisions becoming the all-in-one platform for education, networking, events and more.

There is not a moment to lose, Whitaker said.

“I chose JUNO because I believe firmly this company exemplifies values I share and because we have the technology that transforms live events into living ecosystems that connect communities year-round,” she said. “JUNO is the game changer that will disrupt the industry. My ultimate goal is to show the world how JUNO will rock their world!”

Indeed, JUNO has been collecting a veritable all-star team of industry leaders to pave its way forward, Steve Abramson was recently tapped as chief financial officer, a position that will utilize his 15 years of experience in large, global private equity-backed companies, as well as start-ups and fast-growing tech companies.

“JUNO is staying true to its mission while expanding the number of client partners we serve,” said Hotsenpiller. “Steve’s close collaboration with sales and operations teams will allow us to continue accelerating our market share and to continue winning investment dollars to scale smartly.”

Said Abramson, who was most recently vice president of commercial finance at Indigo Ag, a technology startup: “I believe in the people and the culture we are building here at JUNO. We are moving to a future state where virtual events will become more of the norm, and I think it’s super exciting to have the opportunity to help shape what those experiences will look like.”

JUNOMeanwhile, Joel Guthrie was named JUNO’s director of demand generation. He said, "I joined JUNO because of their ruthless desire to innovate. This team does the impossible while still maintaining an incredible culture. I've had the opportunity in my career to be a part of some of the fastest-growing SaaS companies and none of them compare to the rate of growth here at JUNO. JUNO is going to the moon, and I couldn't miss out on that opportunity."

 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.  Remodeled Guest Rooms MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites. Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation. Reinvented Luxury Experiences The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes. New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May. Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.  A “New Wave  for Mandalay Bay A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay. Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center  is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options. From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.