People News: Ungerboeck Names Chandak New Prez/CEO; CTIA’s Rob Mesirow Goes to PwC

May 18, 2016

People hirings and promotions seemed to be happening at warp speed as winter turned into spring, with suppliers and show management companies strengthening their ranks.

Ungerboeck Software International’s Manish Chandak, who was CTO of the company, was named president and CEO.  

“Manish possesses the unique ability to translate vision and strategy into world-class execution,” said Ungerboeck founder and chairman of the board, Dieter Ungerboeck. “This will move us forward with the speed required to capitalize on the opportunities in front of us.” 

Prior to joining Ungerboeck, Chandak served as vice president of professional services of a global software company. Before that, he was the president of a national systems integrator, which he led to growth and eventual acquisition of the company. 

Rob Mesirow has joined PwC as a principal based in Washington, DC. With nearly 20 years of experience, Mesirow will be focused on helping PwC’s clients think through and execute on their mobile and business growth strategies.

He joins PwC’s technology, information, communications, media and entertainment (TICE) practice focused on risk and regulatory matters.

Prior to joining PwC, Mesirow was vice president with the CTIA, the international association for the wireless industry, where he was responsible for strategic planning, development and oversight of six separate business units, many of which he had conceived and launched, including its premier event, CTIA WIRELESS®, the largest wireless event in the world.

Michelle Barton has been named executive vice president and CFO of AmericasMart® Atlanta and its AMC, Inc. parent entity by action of the AMC Board of Directors, according to Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., vice chairman, president and chief operating officer.

Her advancement affirms Barton’s sustaining contributions to AmericasMart’s continuing growth over her 18-year AMC, Inc. tenure, in which she most recently served as senior vice president and chief financial officer, according to AMF officials. 

“Michelle’s impeccable financial stewardship is a singular hallmark of our corporate governance,” Portman said.  “As AmericasMart’s global franchise and influence continues to expand, her deep experience, expertise and world view play a huge role in helping to accelerate that growth.”

Before joining AMC, Inc. in 2003 as vice president and controller, Barton served as corporate controller of New World Communications Group before its acquisition by News Corporation.  She began her career at Ernst & Young in 1986, where she rose to the level of Audit Manager.  Barton is a Certified Public Accountant.

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Chair Bob Lander President and CEO Don Welsh have added to their executive team with two new appointments.

Melissa Cherry joins DMAI in the newly created position of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).   Cherry joins the DMAI team effective May 9 and will be based in Washington, DC. 

Nina Winston will join DMAI effective June 1, 2016 in the newly created position of executive vice president, Membership and Partner Relations, also based out of Washington, DC.

“Don’s overall approach to building the best leadership team in the industry is already delivering results,” Lander said. “We continue to hear from so many of our members and partners that they are excited about what the future of DMAI holds for not only for their respective organizations, but for the industry overall.  Surely, there are many great days ahead.” 

Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitors Association has hired Savannah Wroge to join its Minneapolis Convention Center sales team as a sales account executive. Wroge comes from the Doubletree St. Paul, where she was a corporate sales and catering manager.

Nick Hawley joined Visit Seattle as the newest member of the organization’s marketing team, effective March 10. 

As director of marketing, Hawley is responsible for aligning brand messaging across all audiences. He will work closely with Publicis to continue to develop new and innovative ways to promote Seattle.

Additionally, Hawley will work on the 20th Annual Taste Washington, a celebration of the region’s incredible wine and food scene.     

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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