people and development

People News: ELX, CEMA and More Welcome Seasoned Leaders and Staff

Who’s moving up at event-related organizations and companies throughout the U.S. and abroad? Take a look at our latest roundup of industry professionals making career moves in the corporate events industry.

Event Leaders Exchange

The Event Leaders Exchange (ELX), an invite-only community for global heads of events from the world’s largest corporations, appointed Nicola Kastner as its new CEO.

Women at the Helm: Kaitlin Eskelson, President & CEO, Visit Salt Lake

Ask about Visit Salt Lake (VSL) President and CEO Kaitlin Eskelson’s long and accomplished career in the travel and tourism industry and prepare to be impressed. As the organization’s youngest chief executive and only the fourth person to hold the leadership role in its 36-year history, she has made her mark through passionately crafted programs and strategies designed to secure a strong future for business events and tourism in Salt Lake City and Utah.

People News: Connect, Louisville Tourism, GlobalMeet and More Embrace New Talent, Seasoned Professionals

The U.S. meetings industry is continuing its steady pace of hiring and promoting, with meeting and event-related companies elevating and appointing staff as business forecasts signal a positive outlook for the coming year. Here’s our latest recap of new hires and promotions.

Emerging Leaders: Stefanie Rowe, Director of Venue Marketing, Sodexo Live!

Like many event professionals, Stefanie Rowe did not follow a direct path into the hospitality and events industry. If anything, she imagined opening her own dance studio and performing company. While teaching dance classes post-graduation while serving at a local high-end restaurant inside a hotel, Rowe was recognized by a hospitality leader who noted her natural abilities in sales and negotiation and encouraged her to consider hospitality sales and marketing as a possible career.

People News: InVision Communications, VISIT DENVER and More Expand Leadership Teams, Welcome Experienced Professionals

An array of CVBs, hotels, event agencies and industry associations have been steadily hiring and promoting staff, as well as padding their executive teams as they anticipate a busy 2024. 

InVision Communications 

Full-service event marketing agency InVision Communications recently appointed 25-year event marketing and leadership veteran Angie Smith as its new CEO, effective Jan. 1.

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is more