Apr 14, 2025
After searching for more than one year for a permanent replacement, Choose Chicago has tapped Kristen Reynolds, who has served as Discover Long Island President and CEO since 2015, as its new president and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 5. She will lead Chicago’s convention and tourism industry, which is a key driver of the city’s economy, generating $19.5 billion in leisure and business spending in 2023, according to the latest research by Choose Chicago.
The position has been vacant since Lynn Osmond stepped down on January 31, 2024. Choose Chicago Board Member Rich Gamble, who… more
Apr 03, 2025
Since February, event industry suppliers across the country have been welcoming new leadership, growing their teams, as well as saying goodbye to industry veterans who are moving on to new ventures.
CEN’s take on the biggest recent move: Visit Baltimore President and CEO Al Hutchinson will be stepping down from his leadership role, effective June 30. Hutchinson will stay on in a consultant role to assist with the transition until his successor is identified, and a committee comprised of several members of the Baltimore Convention & Tourism Board (BCTB) has been established to help… more
Mar 28, 2025
As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we’re proud to spotlight nine extraordinary women who are reshaping the corporate events landscape—leading with innovation, integrity, and unstoppable energy.
Not so long ago, the view of leadership in our industry looked different. Women were fewer at the top, often working twice as hard for a seat at the table. Today, that table is full of bold voices, visionary thinkers, and compassionate leaders who are not just in the room—they’re shaping the future of the room itself.
From global conferences to intimate leadership gatherings, these women… more
Mar 14, 2025
Heather Larson’s journey into the hospitality, tourism, and events industries began at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she developed a strong passion for service, relationships, and travel. After graduating and falling in love with Chicago’s stately old grand hotels, she began her career honing her skills at iconic Windy City properties including The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago (formerly The Bismarck), The Whitehall Hotel, The Drake, and the Fairmont Chicago.
“I started working in hotel sales, where I quickly realized that I thrived in the fast-paced, people-driven nature… more
Mar 03, 2025
What does it take to launch and run a successful event planning company? In a captivating fireside chat with us at Connect North 2025, MJMeetings Founder and CEO Missy Johnson shared her inspiring journey of building a successful event planning business that recently celebrated its 11-year anniversary—despite event industry shutdowns during COVID.
With more than 30 years spent in the events industry, Johnson's experience offers invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, relationship-building, and overcoming challenges. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Corporate Event News recognizes… more
Feb 19, 2025
Black History Month marks a significant moment to celebrate Black leaders in the business events industries as well as spotlight the strategies, experiences, and insights of Black industry professionals—especially during a time when attacks on DEI programs are becoming more prominent across various business sectors.
Eric Kincaid, Vice President, Sales, Choose Chicago, is a travel and tourism industry leader who not only oversees the city’s convention market sales—he’s also a DEI advocate who makes it his mission to celebrate Chicago’s diverse history and offerings, as well as infuse a… more
Feb 07, 2025
In January, the U.S. corporate event industry kicked off 2025 with a multitude of new hires, promotions, and executive appointments. Here’s our monthly jobs report.
Corporate Event News’s take on the biggest move in the last month: Caesars Entertainment promoted seasoned hospitality professional Kelly Gleeson Smith from vice president of sales to senior vice president of sales.
The big picture: Considered a global leader in the gaming and hospitality industry, Caesars Entertainment operates more than 50 properties worldwide, including nine hotel-resorts in Las Vegas. Offering more than 1… more
Jan 28, 2025
The New York Convention Center Operating Corporation (NYCCOC) has selected 30-year convention industry veteran Joyce Leveston as the new CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, following a unanimous recommendation by the executive search committee and approval from the NYCCOC Board of Directors. Joining the Javits team on February 10, Leviston will officially take the helm on March 10.
Hugh Carey, Vice Chair of the NYCCOC Board of Directors and chair of the search committee, expressed enthusiasm for her historic appointment, which marks the first time a woman has held… more
Jan 17, 2025
As 2024 wrapped up, the corporate event industry continued to thrive, actively recruiting and promoting seasoned professionals in preparation for a promising 2025. Here’s a summary of some personnel changes that took place in December.
CEN’s take on the biggest move in the last month: Creative brand experiences agency Cheerful Twentyfirst welcomed Joe Rivers as its new U.S. brand experience director, responsible for overseeing business development and supporting the agency’s wider growth strategy for its North American division.
The big picture: Based in London, Amsterdam, and New York… more
Jan 13, 2025
If you looked up the word “versatile” in the dictionary, you just might come across a photo of Natascha Williams, HMCC (Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate).
Since getting into event planning in 2001, Williams has handled logistical and strategic planning for meetings hosted by pharma companies, medical-device makers, physician societies, and a group that’s close to her heart: Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP).
Currently the account manager for events agency Touch Associates, Williams will tap her wide range of expertise for the benefit of fellow life-science event planners when she… more
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