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 City, Cheerful Twentyfirst specializes in creating immersive brand experiences and events that engage audiences and enhance brand connection. The award-winning agency focuses on strategic event planning, experiential marketing, and creative solutions to help brands communicate their messages effectively and resonate with their target audiences.  

Need to know: Bringing a more than a decade of expertise in experiential marketing and event strategy to his new role, Rivers previously served as director, experiences and partnerships for Czarnowski Collective, as well as senior strategic business development director and manager for MC² Experience. 

What they are saying: “We are very excited to welcome Joe to our team,” said Steve Quah, CEO of Cheerful Twentyfirst. “His passion for creating meaningful connections aligns very closely with our agencyʼs mission to put the audience above all and inspire people through our work.” 

What he’s saying: “Joining Cheerful Twentyfirst is an incredible opportunity,” Rivers said. “This agency has been on an impressive trajectory in the U.S., especially when it comes to creating audience-centered brand experiences. Having spent some time with the team already, their creativity is unmatched, and I’m thrilled to join such a talented group. I look forward to helping drive the next chapter in North America.” 

Travel Portland

On January 1, Travel Portland welcomed Megan Conway as its new president and CEO. She takes the reins from President and CEO Jeff Miller, who announced his intention to retire in June 2024 after nearly 19 years in the role.  

Since 2020, Conway has served alongside Miller on the executive team as the organization’s chief strategy officer. Her work has encompassed collaboration with Miller, the executive team, and the board of directors to ensure that Travel Portland’s structure and priorities are geared toward the economic success of Portland’s hospitality industry. Alongside this work, Conway has directed communications and public relations, international tourism, the Regional Cooperative Tourism Program (RCTP), policy and research, events and visitor-facing staff, while also managing agency partnerships.  

Conway joined Travel Portland in 2010 as vice president, communications and public relations, before being promoted to the executive leadership team as senior vice president, communications and regional strategy, in 2017. She originally came to the organization in 2003, serving nearly five years as a communications and public relations manager, a role she left for adidas, where she oversaw public relations work in the U.S. for prime time sporting events, including the 2008 Summer Olympics, the 2008 Olympic Track & Field Trials and the 2010 World Cup.  

ASM Global  

Venue and live events company ASM Global appointed Lance Zanett as the new general manager of the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. He is responsible for leading the company’s efforts in elevating the venue’s guest experience and operations, unlocking new opportunities to attract high-profile events, trailblazing sustainability in venues and event management, and delivering significant economic impact to the local community. 

Boasting more than 25 years of experience with the downtown facility, Zanett most recently served as assistant general manager. 

Destination DC 

Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, announced new executive team members and senior staff promotions.  

Joining the DDC’s executive team as vice president, convention services after 35 years at the organization, Dianna Waldroup leads a dedicated hospitality team that provides critical support to meeting professionals to ensure the successful execution of meetings and conventions in the destination. She also oversees a team of more than 120 temporary personnel, known as “Redcoats,” who provide onsite assistance at events. Her new role will enhance customer experience and strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders.   

Also joining the executive team is 17-year DCC team member Letizia Sirtori, who as vice president, tourism and global development, focuses on the tourism development of international markets and the creation of strategic relationships with airlines, corporations and other destinations. Sirtori also manages the international representation offices for Washington, DC in the UK, Mexico, Brazil, China, Australia, India and Japan.  

Alex Gnafakis was promoted to senior creative director following an eight-year tenure at DCC, where she has led the organization’s in-house creative team in the development of award-winning visual content for domestic and international audiences as well as meeting planners and members. Gnafakis’ strategic leadership and branding expertise guided the organization through the development of the award-winning “There’s Only One DC” campaign, the largest and most comprehensive evolution of DDC’s brand messaging and visual style in recent history.  

Joining the senior staff, Lindsay Hill was promoted to director of visitor experience and group tour. An employee of DCC since 2012, Hill’s strategy and vision has led to new programs such as member onboarding, travel agent training, accessibility, luxury, and an extensive university and welcome center portfolio. She is the primary contact for all group tour operators and works with the student market.  

Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority 

The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority in northwest Atlanta named 25-year venue management veteran Charles Beirne as general manager and CEO, responsible for the administrative oversight and strategic growth of the Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Galleria Specialty Shops, and ArtsBridge Foundation. 

Beirne joins the Authority from the Broward County Convention Center Expansion and Hotel Project, where he served as regional general manager responsible for the day-to-day operations of the convention center. He has operated and expanded a variety of other facilities, including the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the convention center, two theaters, and an arena, as well as the Atlantic City Convention Center, where he held a variety of roles, including regional general manager for the convention center and arena.  

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center 

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) promoted Micah Allen-Chambers from assistant director of sales to director of sales, tasked with developing and implementing strategies to promote the Convention Center’s facilities and services, driving revenue growth through business development, client relationship management, and strategic planning. 

In her elevated role, Allen-Chambers will manage account placements around the facility’s $557 million building renovation, ensure service excellence, and work closely with the event services team to maintain database information consistency. She will also participate in the preparation of the annual budget and team travel schedules. 

She brings extensive experience to the position, having previously served as director of sales at the Miami Beach Convention Center and regional director of sales and marketing at the Jackson Convention Complex.  

In Memoriam 

Trade show and tourism industry titan William “Bill” McGowan, Jr. passed away on December 18, 2024, at the age of 89. His leadership as CEO of the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association (ICVA), now known as Visit Indy, from 1984 to 2002, played a pivotal role in shaping Indianapolis into a premier destination for conventions, tourism, and amateur sports. 

During his tenure, McGowan was instrumental in numerous initiatives that transformed the city. He helped bring the NFL’s Colts to Indianapolis, secured the city’s first NCAA Men’s Final Four in 1980, and played a key role in hosting significant events such as the National Sports Festival in 1982 and the Pan American Games in 1987.  

His vision contributed to the development of major landmarks including the Hoosier Dome, the Indiana Convention Center expansion, White River State Park, Circle Centre Mall, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Under his guidance, Indianapolis’ convention and tourism industries thrived, attracting major annual events such as the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC), which remains a cornerstone event for the city. 

According to Visit Indy officials, McGowan leaves behind a significant legacy in the growth of Indianapolis’ convention and trade show industry. His efforts to expand the Indiana Convention Center and develop a network of connected hotels positioned the city as a top-tier destination for large-scale events. 

“We are grateful for Bill’s vision and leadership,” said Leonard Hoops, Visit Indy president and CEO. “Everything we do today was built on his very broad shoulders. Bill championed Indy before, during, and long after his nearly two decades running our destination management organization. His unwavering support and vision for this city are irreplaceable.” 

A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, McGowan began his career in banking before transitioning to lead the ICVA in 1984. His contributions were recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from four Indiana governors and induction into the Destinations International Hall of Fame in 2022. In his honor, Visit Indy established the Bill McGowan Leadership Award to recognize individuals who shape Indianapolis’ tourism landscape. 

Have some corporate event-related people news to share? Please send announcements and high-resolution headshots to lisa.savas@informa.com and danica.tormohlen@informa.com.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!