People News: Meet AC’s New CEO, Plus Fresh Hires at Reed Exhibitions, 42Chat and More
June 25, 2020
While this summer’s hiring news isn’t as busy as in other years, companies in the events industry are expanding where they can to help gain a cutting edge for events as they begin to return. Here’s the latest news.
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On June 22, Meet AC, Atlantic City’s group sales and marketing organization, named industry veteran Larry Sieg as its new president and CEO. He replaces Jim Wood, who departed the agency at the end of 2019. Bringing nearly three decades of tourism, sales and hospitality experience to his new role, Sieg will officially take the reins on July 13.
"Being someone who lives, works and plays in Atlantic City, I understand it has always been a place of great importance regionally,” Sieg said. "I look forward to the challenge we face as we settle into a new normal and have our destination be top-of-mind for meeting planners throughout the country.”
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After 22 years with the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, President and CEO Larry Alexander will retire from his position, effective Dec. 31. Over the past two decades, he’s played a pivotal role in the economic metamorphosis of the city, and also helped to guide transformation of TCF Center to attract larger meetings and events to Detroit.
“When it comes to attracting conventions and visitors, at one time Larry had one of the most challenging jobs in the country, and in the tough times he was there with creative strategies and steadfast advocacy for our community,” said Marla Drutz, chairman of the CVB’s board of directors. “As Detroit began its rebound, Larry was always one step ahead in presenting metro Detroit as a phenomenal location for events and visitors. His work ethic, command of complex issues and client focus are also exemplary.”
A nationwide search is underway for Alexander's successor.
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Petra Cullmann and Bernd Jablonowski have been appointed heads of the operative business division at Messe Düsseldorf in Germany. Cullmann has been with the company for nearly 30 years, most recently serving as global portfolio director for plastics and rubber; while Jablonowski has 25 years under his belt and was previously global portfolio director for packaging and processing.
“Their many years of trade fair expertise in Germany and abroad, their outstanding knowledge of the industry in Messe Düsseldorf's portfolios and their leadership experience make them ideal candidates to position our company for the future,” said Werner M. Dornscheidt, president and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf. Dornscheidt will retire on June 30 and be succeeded by Wolfram N. Diener, who will take over as CEO of Messe Düsseldorf effective July 1.
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Reed Exhibitions this week announced Jamie Harrison as new vice president of product development, replacing Richard Remington, who left the company to join sister company Elsevier as managing director of submissions systems and analytics. Harrison has been with Reed for 11 years and will now oversee product development focusing specifically on customer-facing services, including the web platform Atlas.
“[Harrison] has been the driving force behind the development of our global website platform, Atlas, which is adding value and improving customer experiences across more than 500 of our events, with rollout on target for completion by the end of 2020,” said Brian Brittain, chief technology officer.
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Utah-based tech company 42Chat, which creates text AI chatbots for live events, has added three to its sales team: Ray Baum, who was most recently with Core-apps; Collin Tokosch, also from Core-apps; and Mike Flynn, who’s worked with event companies Balluun, DMB Events and UBM.
"We know that events of all types will come back strong post-COVID, but likely with far fewer staff, requiring better tools to deliver a superior attendee, exhibitor, speaker and staff experience,” said Chuck Elias, CEO of 42Chat. “These proven professionals will help event managers and organizations of all types take advantage of our products to deliver a more responsive, personal and meaningful experience both during the event and throughout the year.”
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LaGrange, Georgia-based Association Services Group has two new hires. Chris Butts has joined the company as account executive for the Forest Products Society and the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, having previously served as executive director for the Georgia Green Industry Association. VJ Mayor has also joined as account executive for the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors, having most recently served as senior director of communications for the National Confectioners Association.
Have People News to share? Send an email to kogletree@tsnn.com for a chance to be featured in next month's edition.
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
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