In an effort to get to know our members better, we have a new feature on the ACOM web site called the Member Spotlight.
Our spotlight is on Susan Schwint, Director of Convention & Visitor Services
Visit Charlotte, Recipient of the 2009 CSM of the Year
Please provide a brief overview of your position / venue.
In my position as Director of Convention & Visitor Services, I oversee three areas: convention services, convention housing, and our visitor information centers. Visit Charlotte has three services managers, one coordinator, and two housing managers. We also operate two main visitor centers: one in Center City and one at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport; in addition we have a satellite visitor center at one of the museums and are considering opening two additional sites in the very near future.
How long have you been with your venue?
I began with Visit Charlotte, known then as the Charlotte Convention & Visitors Bureau, when the bureau was founded in 1984. I began working in sales and then moved to convention services when I realized how much I missed the hands-on work with the client that I experienced when I worked in a hotel.
Where did you work previously, and in what positions?
I started my hospitality career with the Radisson Hotel (now Omni) in Charlotte in 1979 and then was transferred as director of sales to the new Radisson in Lynchburg, VA when it opened in spring of 1984. I missed Charlotte too much, so I was lucky to obtain a position with the new CVB in the fall of 1984. Prior to that, I worked in real estate and in the retail industry.
How did you become involved in the meetings industry?
It is a fairy tale! I didn’t even know that hotels had sales people when one of my neighbors who was the food and beverage director at the Radisson told me I’d be good in sales and asked me to interview for an open position. I went to the interview as a favor to him! Who knew I would be walking into my ideal career??
Have you received any special honors, awards and/or recognition within your field or by your employer?
I have received various accolades from my clients and been named employee of the quarter, an internal recognition that we have; and have also received a local award called Excel in Service. But the highlight was being named Convention Services Manager of the Year from ACOM and Successful Meetings this year!
Are you affiliated with industry and/or professional organizations/associations in addition to ACOM?
Not currently. I am a former president of Charlotte Sales and Marketing Executives and have been active in Association of Executives of North Carolina as well as MPI-Carolinas Chapter. Occasionally I am a guest speaker for classes at Johnson and Wales University here in Charlotte.
What has been your personal involvement with ACOM to date?
I have attended the annual meeting somewhat regularly over the years, but cannot always come as January can be a very busy month for us. I am currently serving on the Program Committee.
What is your favorite thing about ACOM?
Meeting other service managers from cities like Charlotte; learning what works in other cities.
Where did you receive your higher education and what was your main field of study?
I attended Methodist College and UNC at Charlotte. My major fields of study were general business and Spanish.
What are your leisure-time talents, hobbies, community involvements or interests that you would like to share?
I enjoy gardening, volunteering for events; and hiking, canoeing and fly-fishing with my husband. And of course, playing with our 7 grandchildren! |
