April 2010

Lois McLaughlin Named Director of Event Services At New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
ACOM Member, Lois McLaughlin has been named Director of Event Services at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center – the sixth largest convention center in the nation. In her role as director, she will supervise the planning and execution of all events held at the Convention Center. McLaughlin will head a team of nine event services managers who boast a whopping 136 years experience at the convention center, with five members serving 22 or more years.

A 23-year veteran of the hospitality industry, McLaughlin comes to New Orleans from the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, where she served as Director of Event Services. One of her most notable accomplishments was bringing the departments up to modern standards, which was instrumental in increasing efficiency and response time to the client base.

Leslie Lotten Named Assistant Director of Event Services
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has named ACOM Member, Leslie Lotten as Assistant Director of Event Services. Lotten has served as Event Manager at the Convention Center for 23 years.

In her new role as Assistant Director, Lotten will work closely with the recently appointed Director of Event Services, Lois McLaughlin. Lotten and McLaughlin will oversee the event planning process and guide clients through event set-up to ensure maximum satisfaction.
A native of New Orleans, Lotten was nominated for PCMA’s Distinguished Convention Service Manager of the Year award in 2008, a testament to the high level of service she provides to her clients.

July 2009

Congratulations, José Garcia
José Garcia has been promoted to Director of Event Services at the SMG-managed Albuquerque Convention Center (ACC). José has been a member of the SMG team since they assumed management of the ACC in February 2004. He has been involved with ACOM as a conference attendee and committee member since 2007.

The announcement was made by Carisa Malanum, CMP, Director of Sales and Marketing, who said, "In the past five years, José has proven himself a dedicated professional. His commitment to service above and beyond the call of duty makes him a favorite with our clients and has been instrumental to our success with convention groups. I have no doubt that José and his staff will take the level of service to new heights in the years to come."

May 2009

Congratulations to ACOM Members and Everyone who Received the CMP Designation!
The Convention Industry Council (CIC) announced that 356 individuals passed the Certified Meeting Professionals (CMP) examination after its January exam! This distinguished credential, recognized throughout the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry demonstrates an individual's comprehensive knowledge of meeting management and the next step in their commitment to the meeting profession.

April 2009

Vanessa Kane, CMP, has Received the CMM Designation
The mission of the Certification in Meeting Managerment (CMM) program is to select, educate, and certify management-level meeting and event professionals. Meeting Professionals Internationals (MPI) enhanced the strategic decision-making ability of these leaders to manage and deliver exceptional meetings and events that drive organizational success.

MPI’s CMM is an intensive learning opportunity designed for experienced and highly accomplished members of our global meeting industry community seeking career advancement and professional recognition. The 5 day program enhances the strategic decision-making ability of these leaders, enabling delivery of exceptional meetings and events that drive organizational success. The CMM designation is considered by many to be the most prestigious in the meetings and events industry. Continuously updated and revitalized with curriculum enhancements, upgrades have been made to the curriculum for the 2008 program.

Vanessa Kane, CMP, CMM joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States in July of 1998 as Manager of Meetings & Events. She received her CMP in 1996 and has since successfully been recertified twice.

In 2000, Vanessa was named Meeting Planner of the Year by KCMPI. In 2001, Vanessa was named Meeting Professional of the year by ACOM (Association of Convention Operations Management) and currently is serving her 3rd term as Ex-Officio Meeting Planner Board member for ACOM. Vanessa is also a member of the Heartland Chapter of PCMA.

Congratulations, Vanessa!

August 2008

Kathryn Gleesing, CMP, ACOM member and Past President is graduating with a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Leadership and Management from Ottawa University (Wisconsin campus) with honors on September 10, 2008.

In order to earn the concentration, four electives were taken in a specialty. Earning her degree, Kathryn spent two years going to school full time with no breaks, since Ottawa has four terms per year.

Congratulations, Kathryn!

May 2008

Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau announces new CEO, Jay Burress
The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors announced the hiring of Jay Burress to helm the destination marketing organization during its next phase of growth. He was most recently Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, and will begin his new duties on June 2.

Mr. Burress co-managed convention sales efforts in Dallas where his team of over 21 exceeded goals for the last three years, booking over 865,000 definite room nights in fiscal year 2006-07. He comes to Arlington with extensive tourism sales experience as well, with the department having exceeded goals for business leads, familiarization tours and client services for the last six years.

Mr. Burress joined the Dallas bureau in January 1988, and in addition to executive positions in both convention sales and tourism sales, his experience also includes international marketing, management of five regional offices and member of host committees for National Tour Association, Travel Industry Association's Pow Wow, and Meeting Professionals International's World Education Congress in 2006. He has served on the Dallas Fort Worth Area Tourism Council's Board of Directors and was chair in 2007. He also served on the Texas Office of the Governor's Tourism Advisory Council since 2005, and chaired the Marketing Advisory Committee for the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism in 2002.

Keith Sexton-Patrick, CMP, and ACOM Past President, is serving as the Chair of the 2008 CMP Board of Directors, with the Convention Industry Council. Also on the board, representing ACOM, is Cary Bradley, CMP, CMM.

The Convention Industry Council (CIC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan M. Tinnish as the Director of the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) program, effective April 1, 2008. Since 1996, Sue has been the head of SEAL, Inc., a firm providing facilitation, training and team building services. She is well known in the meetings industry through her speaking and writing for CIC member organizations such as the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and Meeting Professionals International.

April 2008

Greater Lansing CVB Executive Inducted Into Hall of Fame
The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce its Senior Vice President and ACOM Board of Director, Julie Pingston, CMP, was recently voted into the Michigan Meetings & Events Magazine inaugural Hall of Fame. The distinguished group of 2007 inductees has been recognized as best-of-class in the meetings industry and have demonstrated outstanding work and significantly contributed to the industry. Pingston was formally recognized in the category of Best Supplier.

Pingston has been with the GLCVB for 15 years and works in conjunction with the Bureau's President in overall organizational operations. She also has direct oversight over convention services, sports services, membership and special events which are coordinated by the organization. Previously, she worked in Washington, D.C. for the United States Travel & Tourism Administration within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Pingston is an alum of Alma College in Alma, Michigan.

Julie has been an active member of ACOM for 18 years. She is currently on the Board of Directors as well as the Continuing Education Committee Chair. Congratulations, Julie!

Abby Podkul, CMP
Abby Podkul has moved on to new endevours from Event Manager at America's Center to Commodity Classic Manager at American Soybean Association. Abby is responsible for managing their annual convention, called the Commodity Classic. Abby's contact information is:

American Soybean Association
12125 Woodcrest Executive Dr., Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63141
314-754-1345 (direct)
800-688-7692, ext. 1345 (toll free)
314-567-2786 (fax)
apodkul@soy.org
www.commodityclassic.com
Congratulations, Abby! We wish you the best of luck!

February 2008

Melinda Burnett, CMP
ACOM's Melinda Burnett, CMP is taking on new endeavors. Melinda has moved from Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex / Sheraton to Trussville Civic Center as the Event Manager. She is an active member in ACOM and currently serves on the Board of Directors.

November 2007

Felicia Davis
Congratulations to the newest member of the ACOM Board, Felicia Davis. Felicia was elected to the Board of Directors in the beginning of the month to replace Sandra Daudlin, CMP. Felicia will carry out her term until January 2011. We are excited to add such a dynamic person to the Board. Congratulations and welcome aboard, Felicia!

Janice Telstar, CMP
Janice Telstar, CMP, Assistant Director of Convention Services, Philadelphia CVB, received the Distinguished Convention Services Manager Award from PCMA. PCMA honors outstanding members for their contribution to PCMA and the meetings and hospitality industry. All of the winners will be recognized at the 52nd PCMA Annual Meeting January 13-16, 2008 in Seattle. Congratulations, Janice!

Larry Wilson
Larry Wilson and the marketing staff of the SMG-managed John Paul Jones Arena have been nominated for the 2007 VENUES TODAY HALL OF HEADLINES Awards. The final honor goes to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the industry in 2007, making headlines along the way, as chosen by their peers (VT subscribers) and the Venues Today staff. Larry Wilson and the SMG-managed John Paul Jones Arena are being nominated for the successful expansion/development of the entertainment market in Charlottesville, Va., by utilizing techniques such as the “Keeping Up with the Joneses” program. Winners will be profiled in Venues Today Year-End issue.

Lois McLaughlin
Lois McLaughlin returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) as Director of Event Services just as Convention Center expansion gets underway. McLaughlin, an industry professional, served on the inaugural event services team when the PCC opened in 1993. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Event Services Department.

“Lois’ knowledge of the building and extensive experience are assets to the PCC,” said PCC Executive Vice President Ahmeenah Young. “Her focus on customer service and dedication to excellence will help distinguish our Convention Center as a premier destination.”

McLaughlin, a native of Chester, PA, is a graduate of Lincoln University and a member of the ACOM, as well as a Conference track chair for ACOM’s 2008 annual conference in Seattle, WA.

October 2007

Larry Wilson
Congratulations go out to Larry Wilson who has just been selected to serve as one of the board members of the Charlottesville Albermarle Convention & Visitors Bureau. Larry Wilson currently serves as the General Manager of the John Paul Jones Arena at the University of Virginia and ACOM Past President.

Corinne Pass
Corinne Pass has returned to the New Orleans CVB as Director of Membership. Corinne is a past board member of ACOM. We wish you the best in your new position!

Beverly Totten
ACOM would like to also congratulate and wish the best to Beverly Totten. Beverly retired from her position as Vice President, Services from the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission at the end of September. Beverly will be relocating to Houston where her two daughters and two wonderful grandchildren are living.

August 2007

Marilyn Healey, CMP
ACOM’s Own Marilyn Healey, CMP is taking on new challenges. Marilyn has made the move from the Hyatt Regency Orange County to the Hyatt Long Beach. Marilyn is going on her 10th year of being an ACOM member. She currently holds the position of Second Vice President on the ACOM Board of Directors.

Your friends at ACOM wish you the very best in your new endeavors!

JOHN PAUL JONES ARENA
Larry Wilson, General Manager of the University of Virginia’s John Paul Jones Arena, announced the appointment of Jason Pedone as Assistant General Manager for the facility. “We are delighted to introduce Jason and feel fortunate to have attracted such an experienced individual to our organizational team,” Wilson said.

Pedone will negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers and promoters for necessary services and activities at the facility. He will also oversee the long term development and plans of various departments, including operations, event services, marketing and finance.

May 2007

Sandra Daudlin, CMP
Please join ACOM as we wish Sandra Daudlin, CMP with Tourism Toronto best wishes with her new endeavors as Director of Meetings for a US Association. Sandra did an awesome job and played a predominant role in the planning and execution of ACOM's 2007 Annual Conference in Toronto. She was recently elected to the ACOM Board. She was also the recipient of Successful Meetings / ACOM's CSM of the Year Award in 2006. Congratulations Sandra and best wishes in the future! Your friends and colleagues at ACOM will truly miss you!

April 2007

David Whitaker
Tourism Toronto, the Toronto Convention and Visitor Association, announced recently that David Whitaker will join the organization as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 30, 2007. In this role he will assume strategic leadership of destination marketing and sales for the Toronto Region and to grow the economic and social contribution tourism makes to the region.

Mr. Whitaker comes to Toronto following 17 years in senior leadership roles with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. He was an influential leader in transforming Miami's global image over the past decade to become a premiere leisure and business travel destination. Like Toronto, Miami attracts significant visitors from overseas and offers a strongly international, cosmopolitan visitor experience.

"David knows how to sell cities. I am confident that David's record of success in attracting new U.S. and international visitors can help ensure a thriving tourism industry in Toronto," said Lyle Hall, Chair of Tourism Toronto's Board of Directors.

Mr. Whitaker was selected following an international search led by Tourism Toronto's Vice Chair Charles Cutts and a search committee that included members of the Board of Directors and members at large.

Chad Wilke
Chad Wilke, Senior Event Coordinator at The Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome, was elected as new member of the ACOM Board. Chad is filling the position of Marie Lou Coupal, who is now the Director of Group Sales at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. Congratulations and welcome aboard, Chad!

February 2007

Marie Lou Coupal, CMP
Please join ACOM as we say congratulations and good luck to Marie Lou Coupal, CMP from Fairmont, The Queen Elizabeth!

As of February 1, 2007, Marie Lou will be the Director of Group Sales at Fairmont, The Queen Elizabeth. Marie Lou has many years of hotel industry experience. She started her career in 1981 at The Queen Elizabeth where she held various positions, among them customer service agent. She went on to the Four Seasons Hotel in Montreal as Convention Services Manager, Chief Concierge (and became the first woman in Quebec to obtain the Cles d'Or), as well as Banquet Coordinator. In 1991, she accepted a new challenge as Banquet Director and Sales Director at the Loews Hotel Vogue in Montreal. She later went to become General Manager of the Sheraton Four Points Hotel, and then in 1999, returned to Fairmont, The Queen Elizabeth as Director of Convention Services & Catering, the position she has held with success to date.

Marie Lou attended Cornell University where she studied Sales and Marketing. She also studied business management at l'Universite du Quebec a Montreal. She is a CMP and has sat on the Board of Directors of ACOM.

Unfortunately, this means Marie Lou will be stepping down from the ACOM Board. "I am both excited and a little sad, as I must leave ACOM to pursue this new chapter in my career. ACOM will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope to see you again soon, perhaps in Seattle next January." All of her friends and colleagues at ACOM will truly miss her; however, we wish her the best of luck in the future! Congratulations!