Jameson Named Fort Worth CVB President, CEO; Wooden Named to Head Los Angeles Bureau
January 2, 2013
Robert "Bob" Jameson has been named the new president and CEO of the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Ernest (Ernie) Wooden, Jr., has been named president and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LA Tourism).
Jameson will be replacing David Dubois, who ran the Fort Worth bureau for five years and now is president of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events.
Jameson takes office effective Jan. 19.
"We conducted an extensive national search through an executive placement firm, bringing qualified candidates from across the country in to meet with our search committee,” said Gary Brinkley, chairman of the FWCVB board and general manager of Stockyards Station. “It was important for us to review a significant talent pool and choose the right candidate for our CEO.”
As president and CEO, Jameson will be responsible for the strategic development of FWCVB initiatives, including meeting and convention business, tourism development and destination promotion, according to bureau officials.
The FWCVB’s mission is to promote Fort Worth as a premier meetings and leisure destination, enriching and broadening hospitality income and quality of life.
Jameson will resign as general manager of the Worthington Renaissance Hotel, which has been managed by Marriott International since 1999.
During his 27 years in the Fort Worth hotel industry, he has twice served as Chairman of the Board of the FWCVB and has been on many volunteer boards in service to Fort Worth.
"I’m thrilled to continue my association with the FWCVB, and take it to an exciting new level as president and CEO,” Jameson said. “The work we do on behalf of our world-class city is critically important to our growth and prosperity.”
Wooden spent more than a decade in senior leadership positions in both global brand management and operations with Hilton Hotels Corporation.
As executive vice president, Global Brand Management for Hilton, based in Beverly Hills, Calif., he led all worldwide branding initiatives for the well-known hotel corporation, working with 3,000 properties in 80 countries.
Currently, he is the CEO of Creative Consulting, a hotel consulting practice providing hotel operation, valuation and brand selection and analysis services.
Prior to forming the consulting practice, he was executive vice president and senior managing director at Alagem Capital Group, a privately owned, diversified investment group, where he was responsible for identifying and exploring potential international hospitality investments.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of the City’s bright future given the many exciting developments on the horizon," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
He added, "Ernie has the industry experience and knowledge to help us grow our convention and tourism business - ensuring Los Angeles is a leading destination of choice for visitors from around the world for years to come.”
Last year, Los Angeles welcomed a record 40.4 million visitors from around the globe, making it one of the most visited destinations in the U.S. and with the second highest share of overseas visitors to the U.S. (13.1 percent).
LA Tourism expects to set another visitation record in 2012, with projected visitation exceeding 41.3 million.
Partner Voices
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
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