Industry Veteran Julie Coker Graham to Co-Chair Meetings Mean Business Coalition
October 17, 2017
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition has appointed Julie Coker Graham, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, as its next co-chair.
Coker Graham will join Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International, in leading the coalition and promoting the value of face-to-face meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions.
“We are very excited to have Julie be the first CEO of a convention and visitors bureau to co-chair MMBC,” Van Deventer said.
He added, “Her insights, experience and passion for our industry will be invaluable assets to the coalition, as we expand our reach among frontline industry professionals and destination leaders.”
Coker Graham is the first woman to lead the PHLCVB and the only African American woman to lead a destination marketing organization in a top U.S. market.
Under her direction, MMBC will continue to advocate the industry’s value story among a diverse group of stakeholders, including meeting professionals, business leaders and elected officials.
The coalition also will continue to reinforce the economic impact of face-to-face meetings in cities such as Philadelphia, where in 2016, meetings and conventions booked by the PHLCVB generated an estimated $989 million in economic impact.
“I am looking forward to serving alongside Paul Van Deventer and the entire MMBC team as we advocate for the meetings and convention industry,” Coker Graham said.
She added, “You cannot deny the value of face-to-face meetings – they are the foundation for generating positive results across all industries while also creating economic benefits for local communities across the country.”
Coker Graham will assume the leadership position previously held by Richard Harper, executive vice president at HelmsBriscoe.
Harper has co-led MMBC since 2016 and has been an ardent supporter of the coalition since its inception. Under his leadership, MMBC has highlighted the role of face-to-face in an election year through its Worth Meeting About campaign; illustrated the stories of third party validators and C-suite executives through its Business Leader video series; rallied the industry for the second annual Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID); and expanded engagement with grassroots industry professionals through the MMBC Ambassador network. With his guidance and support, MMBC has grown to house more than 60 members and continues to shape discussions around some of the meetings and events industry’s most critical issues.
“I want to thank Richard for his passion and dedication to MMBC since its inception. His contributions over the last two years as co-chair have helped grow the coalition’s reach and impact,” Van Deventer said.
Coker Graham will begin her term on Jan. 1. As president and CEO of the PHLCVB, she will continue to oversee all of the organization’s departments and operational duties. Prior to her current role, Coker Graham served as the senior vice president of convention sales at the PHLCVB and managed a staff of 25 sales and services professionals responsible for selling the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Philadelphia’s hotel package to customers across the country.
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.
Add new comment