Marc Anderson
CEO, Visit San Antonio
Motivating Force: Achieving excellence and inspiring my teammates to do the same is a core value in my career. I often say, if you’re looking for someone to maintain the status quo, keep walking. Excellence goes beyond meeting goals. For a DMO, it’s about creating jobs and driving tax revenues that benefit entire cities. These revenues support not just hotels and convention centers, but also public schools, fire and police departments, infrastructure and more. A focus on excellence gives my team and me a deeper purpose. We aim to create impactful sales, marketing and PR campaigns to boost demand for our cities and stakeholders. We develop membership programs to assist small and minority-owned businesses and implement employee-driven benefits that foster a culture of growth, where people want to stay and build their careers with us.
Approach to Supercharging Experiences: For DMOs, hosting events is about crafting an unforgettable, authentic experience for every attendee. When San Antonio hosted the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW conference in May 2023, Visit San Antonio spent over three years uniting our community to create what was ultimately hailed as the “best all-around” IPW in its history. We achieved this by tapping into the heart of our city’s vibrant culture, engaging our diverse community of chefs, musicians, artists and leaders like never before.
From the moment attendees stepped off the plane, they were greeted by a city ready to showcase not just the significance of the conference, but the soul of San Antonio itself. Our locals exuded a passion and pride that made every guest feel part of something special. Global buyers, media and peers alike shared one resounding message: San Antonio had created an atmosphere defined by storytelling, authenticity and, most importantly, excellence. We did this again when Cvent CONNECT moved to San Antonio in 2024 for the very first time from Las Vegas. I am happy to report we have just secured CONNECT to return in June 2025.
Highlight of My Hospitality Career: While I love working in the DMO space, the highlight of my career was my time spent with The Peninsula Hotels. I learned more during my near-decade with the number one luxury hotel brand in the world, and it also provided me with the opportunity to travel the world promoting both the brand and the United States. My passion for excellence truly began with The Peninsula Hotels, where every detail mattered and every word did too. Details as specific as screw lines being aligned in door frames throughout the hotels. Words that ignited creativity, innovation and motivation in global travelers and teammates, offering a hotel and lifestyle experience that was unparalleled. I learned the importance of diversity, and the value of understanding and appreciating different cultures and languages. Our differences are what truly connect us. The Peninsula Hotels taught me that by taking chances, learning from mistakes, and striving for excellence, success is not just achievable—it’s guaranteed through hard work, dedication, loyalty and collaboration.
Santiago Corrada
CEO, Visit Tampa Bay
Motivating Force: We thrive on innovation and collaboration to drive the meetings industry forward. Smart Meetings Catalyst aligns with our mission to inspire planners with Tampa Bay’s diverse offerings, from world-class meeting spaces to unique cultural experiences. By positioning ourselves as a catalyst for creative, impactful meetings, we empower planners to engage attendees in ways that spark innovation and lasting connections. Tampa Bay’s dynamic landscape, combined with our dedication to service excellence, provides the perfect backdrop for transformative gatherings, making every meeting more than just an event—it becomes a catalyst for success.
Approach to Supercharging Experiences: We have a deep understanding of what makes meetings memorable—engagement, innovation and authenticity. We go beyond offering a venue by crafting immersive experiences that tap into the vibrant culture of Tampa Bay. From exclusive waterfront venues to behind-the-scenes tours of world-class attractions, we provide planners with opportunities to connect their attendees to the destination in unique and meaningful ways. Our commitment to personalization ensures that each meeting is custom-tailored to meet the goals of the event while leaving a lasting impression. We collaborate closely with meeting planners, leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative partnerships to enhance interaction and engagement. Attendees aren’t just spectators—they become part of the experience, whether through hands-on culinary experiences, sustainability-focused activities, or local cultural exchanges. With a dynamic blend of southern hospitality and world-class amenities, we empower planners to exceed their expectations, transforming ordinary meetings into unforgettable, supercharged experiences that resonate long after the event concludes. Tampa Bay isn’t just a destination—it’s a catalyst for connection, inspiration and growth.
Highlight of My Hospitality Career: A defining highlight of my hospitality career has been leading Visit Tampa Bay as President & CEO, where we’ve achieved unprecedented success in both tourism advocacy and visitor growth. One key accomplishment was spearheading a multi-year campaign to position Visit Tampa Bay as a critical player in Tampa’s economic development. By collaborating with hundreds of industry partners and working closely with local media, we reshaped the economic narrative, emphasizing tourism’s vital role in supporting local families and fueling economic growth.
This effort garnered public support for tourism marketing at a time when it faced challenges at the state and national levels. Under my leadership, we achieved a significant milestone by raising the local hotel bed tax, resulting in an additional $2 million annually for tourism marketing. Through sustained marketing efforts in key domestic and international markets, Tampa Bay has become a premier travel destination, with visitor numbers growing over 20% in the past five years. Seeing the tangible impact of this growth—both in visitor numbers and in the community-wide economic benefits—has been a deeply rewarding highlight in my career.
Mike Larragueta
President and CEO, Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority
Motivating Force: I have Nevada roots—I grew up in Winnemucca and this role is an opportunity to serve the Northern Nevada community and build something great. Having a deep sense of place in the destination and watching its transformation over my lifetime is a major motivating force. It’s a career highlight to now be in the position to be part of that change and lead the destination towards even greater positive transformation and share all the incredible things Reno-Tahoe has to offer with the world.
Approach to Supercharging Experiences: I am passionate about exposing customers to the depth and breadth of the destination, illustrating the diversity in culture through first-person experience. From bringing clients through a mural bike tour of Midtown Reno, to enjoying a craft beer at a local brewery, I am keen to continue to create opportunities for local immersion, bringing the personality of the destination to the forefront. While spotlighting the evolving hotel scene and innovation in the meeting space in the destination is still a main priority, I understand the importance of supercharging experiences through authentic local immersion to spotlight the uniquely Reno opportunities that differentiate the destination.
Highlight of My Hospitality Career: I spent 12 years in Vegas and some time in the Bahamas where I had the opportunity to hone my craft and build my skillset to step back into a role that holds a special place in my heart. Now, I’m at the peak of my hospitality career in a place where I can drive the destination toward incredible growth and meaningful change. Most recently, I identified the potential for economic growth and spearheaded the introduction of a multi-million-dollar indoor track facility, creating a ripe opportunity to drive inbound tourism and address the gap in the local tourism economy. This is only just the beginning.
Maura Gast
FCDME, Executive Director, Irving CVB
Motivating Force: Faith. Family. Loving what we do and what it makes possible. Knowing that there’s always a beach out there calling my name.
Approach to Supercharging Experiences: Every customer’s event is their own personal Super Bowl and when we welcome them home to Irving, we want them to leave feeling as though they won their game.
Highlight of My Hospitality Career: The opening—finally!—of the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas in 2011 after 12 looooong years of stops and starts, followed up the openings of the Toyota Music Factory in 2017 and the Westin Irving Convention Center Hotel in 2019, completing our vision for the 40 acres we purchased in 2001. And now, seeing the Wells Fargo campus under construction from our site, as well as the recent openings of headquarters for Christus Health and State Bank of Texas. If you build it…
Joe Marcy
CMP-Fellow, CITP, CMM, Director of Business Development, See Monterey
Motivating Force: I feel so fortunate to represent a destination that leans into innovation and sustainability. In Monterey County, inspiration meets here. With cutting-edge technology, stunning backdrops, award-winning wines and hospitality–my job feels incredibly fulfilling. I also get to work with some of the most talented meeting professionals in the industry. Our clients and partners are passionate and dedicated. Not only are they changing the event industry but they’re changing the world. They’ve made the last fifteen years of my career unforgettable. When we talk about motivation, I turn to our organization’s business development executives, marketing professionals and client service specialists. They are so good at what they do. They’re genuinely creative, naturally intuitive, strategic and proactive. I’ve learned so much from them and they continue to motivate me daily.
Approach to Supercharging Experiences: One of the greatest assets we have is our ability to listen. And when we do so, we can customize an unforgettable experience. Not only are we creating inspired moments but we’re doing it responsibly. We take personal responsibility to protect our destination’s incredible natural assets and pristine landscape, recognizing the importance of sustainability and giving back to the community. This mindset extends to how we conduct our events and conferences.
With over 220 lodging facilities and 11,800 rooms you will find a wonderful variety of venues for all budgets and service levels. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table sustainable produce, fresh seafood and wines from more than 175 vineyards, over 60 wineries and tasting rooms and 32 varietals. In the heart of downtown, the Monterey Conference Center offers 85,000 sq. ft. meeting space. Attendees enjoy easy access and walkability to the waterfront Fisherman’s Wharf and more than 60 restaurants. Attendees enjoy whale watching, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 21 public and private golf courses, including world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links, and many world-class automotive, art, culinary, golf and music events.
Highlight of My Hospitality Career: I’m focused on motivating hospitality professionals, elevating partner relationships and maximizing sales efforts. It’s been an honor and a privilege to increase visibility for Monterey County across the globe. I’m a Certified Meeting Professional, Certified Incentive Travel Professional, and Certified Meeting Management professional. I’m serving my second term on the Global Board of Trustees for Meeting Professionals International. As Co-Chair of the US Council, I work closely with the board to fund grants, scholarships and industry research in support of the global meeting and event industry. I served as President of MPI Southern California in 2017 and was later recognized as Global Member of the Year in 2019 (RISE Awards).
I’m passionate about LGBTQ+ causes and DEI initiatives. I’ve volunteered with the Human Rights Campaign, the P.S. I Love You Foundation and The Trevor Project. I’ve also given back to my hometown of Manhattan Beach, CA where I’ve organized the local fair and championed a rainbow crosswalk. My career has been incredibly fulfilling and I’m indebted to my mentors, bosses and colleagues who invested and believed in me.
Anne Marie Mourhess
Director of Group Sales, Visit Greater Palm Springs
Motivating Force: My greatest motivation comes from a deep desire to take care of others. I have a genuine love for hospitality and a passion for the destination I work in. I strive to evoke the same warmth and sense of community that I have experienced living here. There is nothing more rewarding than anticipating needs and exceeding expectations and I am fortunate to work in a place where this commitment to care and service is not only embraced but encouraged.
Approach to Supercharging Experiences: My greatest motivation comes from a deep desire to take care of others. I have a genuine love for hospitality and a passion for the destination I work in. I strive to evoke the same warmth and sense of community that I have experienced living here. There is nothing more rewarding than anticipating needs and exceeding expectations and I am fortunate to work in a place where this commitment to care and service is not only embraced but encouraged.
Highlight of My Hospitality Career: I’ve been lucky to enjoy a well-rounded career in hospitality, starting right after college and never looking back! I’ve spent half of my career in events and the other half in sales, soaking up invaluable experience from both sides. Now, I truly feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. I love working closely with my customers, showing off this amazing destination and experiencing it through their eyes. The relationships I’ve built with my partners are just as rewarding; they’re fun, creative and collaborative, making every project a true team effort. For me, this mix of teamwork, discovery and creativity is what makes my career so fulfilling—and so much fun!
Stacy Ritter
JD, CDME, President and CEO, Visit Lauderdale
Motivating Force: At the core of my motivation is a set of deeply held personal values centered on diversity and inclusion. I believe that every person deserves equal opportunity and respect. My deepest beliefs suggest that varied perspectives and experiences enrich our lives, foster innovation and create stronger communities. I strive to foster environments where everyone feels valued and heard. It’s not enough to recognize diversity; inclusion ensures everyone has a seat at the table. Those values push me towards goals that create meaningful change to embrace openness and understanding. My drive stems from a vision where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is the norm, not the exception. Ultimately, my motivating force lies in living a life of purpose, driven by values and goals that make a lasting contribution. Whether it’s a certain level of career success, contributing to meaningful causes or fostering a legacy of service, mine is a values-led motivation.
Approach to Supercharging Experiences: Being intentional is very important in supercharging experiences. It makes everything we do—whether attending an event, engaging with a community or taking on a new challenge—more impactful. Surrounding yourself with a range of perspectives enhances an experience. The more variety in who we engage with, the more we learn and grow and when we learn and grow, we turn that experience into an opportunity for development.
My go-to in supercharging experiences, though, is to take bold, calculated risks. I am a big believer in leaning into big, bold initiatives which can have huge payouts. Those experiences which were risky, but which paid off are the one most memorable and the ones where I created meaningful relationships.
Highlight of My Hospitality Career: I have been so fortunate to have several truly outstanding highlights in this chapter of my career. Celebrating our diversity in the Rose Parade on 1/1/24 was amazing. The recognitions of my work championing diversity and inclusion in a hostile political environment in Florida. I think the highlight, however, has been rebranding Visit Lauderdale. Our tagline became “Everyone Under the Sun” which speaks, obviously to the tourists who come to our destination from literally around the world, but equally to our greatest stakeholders: our residents.
Broward County is home to 2 million people representing 170 nations and speaking over 100 languages. Yes, everyone under the sun visits here, but everyone under the sun also lives here, making my home of 50 years a beautifully woven tapestry of culturally diverse threads from all over this earth. We are a truly unique place to be and sending that message out, having it embraced by those within and without this destination. Seeing it blossom and grow has been the premier highlight of this awesome stage of my professional life.
Julie Saupe
CDME, President and CEO, Visit Anchorage
Motivating Force: I am thankful for the trust that the board of directors have placed in me. Keeping their trust and respect motivates me every day. And I am ridiculously motivated by my coworkers. I believe that Visit Anchorage’s staff is second to none in their passion, knowledge, creativity and energy. The pride they have for their work and for our destination motivates me to show up and to be the best steward possible for the organization. As we approach Visit Anchorage’s 50th anniversary, I’ve become more introspective about that responsibility and am grateful that our work takes place within a tourism community that supports our efforts with enthusiasm.
Approach to Supercharging Experiences: Many of the core strengths of our destination serve to supercharge events. First among those strengths is the authentic, charismatic and hospitality-centered Alaskans we work with. It may seem like a simple recipe but sprinkle these ambassadors into an event filled with curious meeting planners, travel advisors or potential visitors and it’s all but guaranteed to produce interesting and supercharged conversations. Even better is when the event takes place in Anchorage and the city’s natural beauty is the backdrop.
Authenticity with a focus on hospitality reliably produces successful events. We work to provide the fun, relaxed and authentic experience that allows people to connect. Success comes when those connections allow strangers to become clients, vendors, advocates or, better yet, friends.
Highlight of My Hospitality Career: In the late 1990s, I was part of a small team tasked with a significant reorganization of Alaska’s statewide marketing structure to create a more efficient and stronger program. The year-long effort required education, advocacy and the dissolution of three entities, including a government office, a public/private partnership and the existing statewide trade association.
While my role was limited to researching other models, reviewing funding formulas, and contributing to the white paper, it remains a highlight because it was an honor to work with those leading the charge. Twenty-four years later the resulting agency, the Alaska Travel Industry Association, remains an effective marketing partner and trade association for Alaska’s tourism industry. Despite my limited role, the experience taught me many lessons in the value of a consistent vision, critical conversations, persistence and teamwork.
