Going the Extra Mile in Style
Taking the extra step for clients can amount to many things. For Jeff Dougherty, the extra step was off the side of a 15-story building. Dougherty, who is the California association sales manager at Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, is known for serving his clients in the most unconventional ways.
During Over the Edge for Brain Injury, an event to raise awareness for those who suffer from brain damage, Dougherty rappelled down the side of Residence Inn by Marriott Sacramento Downtown at Capitol Park. Unlike the other participants, Dougherty descended the hotel in a head-to-toe leprechaun outfit to mark the occasion. Held on St. Patrick’s Day, the fundraiser brought in more than $65,000.
The March event was not the first time Dougherty has dressed up for an event. He regularly makes wacky appearances in full costume, adding some unexpected fun to corporate events. During California Parks & Recreation Society’s 2015 annual conference, he greeted visitors as Mr. Sacramento and led the group to the California State Capitol. Dougherty also dressed up as Mr. Sacramento during a morning 5K run, part of the 2014 Emergence Conference for Religious Conference Management Association. When a conference for California Charter Schools Association fell on St. Patrick’s Day, he donned his trusted leprechaun costume and posed for pictures with attendees.
Steve Hammond, president and CEO of Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, captures Dougherty’s personality best. “Nobody ever forgets Jeff. Jeff’s personality and his enthusiasm for what he does is electric. Jeff’s abundance of energy is why he is a perfect fit for the Sacramento CVB—all necessary to take on the California State Association market.”
Industry Farewell
Visit Anaheim announced the retirement of longtime industry leader Jim Kissinger, its former vice president of sales. Kissinger has been with Visit Anaheim for more than three decades since joining in 1984 as convention sales director. During his career, he has witnessed several changes at the organization and helped secure more than 1 million room nights for Anaheim and Orange County.
Smart Moves
Patricia Herrera
Patricia Herrera was appointed regional director of Southeast and Global MICE convention development for NYC & Company, New York City’s destination marketing organization. Herrera will support the convention development team in the Southeast meetings market, along with international markets in Europe and South America. Herrera brings more than 15 years of experience in hospitality sales, previously working with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and Morgans Hotel Group.
Rachael Palumbo
Nobu Hotel at Eden Roc Miami Beach hired Rachael Palumbo as director of sales and marketing. When the 206-room hotel opens this fall, Palumbo will oversee all marketing and sales activity for Nobu Hospitality’s newest property. She brings more than 20 years of service in luxury hospitality. Palumbo previously served at One&Only Ocean Club in Nassau, Bahamas, The Westin Le Paradis Beach & Golf Resort, St. Lucia and W Retreat & Spa on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico.
Dirk Wakeham
Lanyon announced that Dirk Wakeham is president and chief operating officer of the Dallas-based meetings, events and travel software company. He currently leads Lanyon’s professional services, customer success advisors, customer support and renewal teams with a focus on elevating the user experience. Prior to his appointment, Wakeham served as president of RealPage, a software provider for the rental housing industry.
