People News: Suppliers, Show Management Companies Grow Their Rosters
April 8, 2016
The first quarter of 2016 saw a busy hiring period, with companies ranging from audio-visual to for-profit show management to convention and visitors bureaus.
Surf Expo, the largest and longest-running boardsports and beach/resort lifestyle trade show in the world, has named Rod Tomlinson as sales manager for the Surf Category of the show. He is replacing Ryan Nettleton.
Tomlinson was most recently a sales executive for Interbike, the largest bicycle trade event in North America, also owned and operated by Emerald Expositions.
“Surf Expo is excited to bring Rod Tomlinson to our sales team," said Roy Turner, Surf Expo vice president and show director.
He added, "Rod’s background in sales combined with his knowledge and passion for surf makes him the perfect fit. Rod will be working out of our San Juan Capistrano office, close to many of our Surf category clients.”
Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitors Association, has hired Morgan Natzke to join its destination sales team as a sales account executive.
Natzke brings more than 8 years of experience in the hospitality industry to the job, serving most recently as the executive meetings manager at the Marquette Hotel in Minneapolis.
In her new role at Meet Minneapolis, Natzke will promote and sell Minneapolis as a premier destination for conventions and meetings, primarily handling association and corporate accounts headquartered east of the Mississippi River with 10-200 peak room nights.
Colette Fairchild, CEM, CMP, has joined FirstSource Events, and its parent company, International Conference Development LLC.
As event director, she will play an integral role in the development of a series of new and existing hosted buyer events, networking conferences and tradeshows.
Fairchild brings more than 25 years of experience in several different industries, including pet, dental, beauty, agricultural and pharmaceutical.
SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals has brought on three new employees.
Laura A. Longo joined SmartSource as account executive in the New York region. She will be responsible for developing new business opportunities in the Business Solutions Channel, including the Entertainment, Legal and Staffing general business rentals verticals.
Mark A. Decker also was added to the SmartSource team as an account executive, serving in the District of Columbia metropolitan area. He will be responsible for driving new business opportunities across the trade shows, professional conference, and meeting and events markets.
Thomas Sentell also will join the SmartSource team as an account executive, serving as an in the Los Angeles region. He will be responsible for working with clients across the trade show and event organizer markets.
John S. Henderson has joined the Fixation Marketing team in the newly created role of vice president Industry Relations & Strategy.
Henderson brings to Fixation - and Fixation’s clients - an extensive background in trade association management with a particular expertise in developing and enhancing member outreach and education.
Most recently, Henderson spent 7 years at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) as vice president, Education, Training and Professional Development.
Jan Tonkin, managing director of Auckland-based The Conference Company, will take up the presidency of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers.
Tonkin was elected at the association's annual General Assembly in Cape Town in February, and takes over from outgoing President Michel Neijmann for a two-year term.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment