Industry Happenings
Get ready to burst with laughter at MPI’s 2016 World Education Congress (WEC). The Water Coolers will kick off the industry event’s opening general session with its unique blend of music and comedy about life’s trials and tribulations.
“We’re over the moon about opening up this year’s WEC,” says Sally Allen, executive producer of The Water Coolers. “Even people who’ve seen us before will see something completely new.”
The comedy troupe has entertained corporate audiences around the world with its hilarious takes on everyday occurrences involving smartphone addiction, conference calls, kids and co-workers. WEC takes place June 11–14 at the new Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City Waterfront Conference Center.
In other news, Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) recently named Kathie Eddy, vice president of sales for the South, as the 2015 ALHI Sales Executive of the Year. Eddy has represented the South region for 10 years. ALHI celebrates its 30th anniversary this year as a global sales organization.
AlliedPRA held its Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI) Achievement Awards ceremony in February to recognize the destination management company’s successes. Madelyn Marusa, vice president of industry relations and global sales director, received the ADMEI Lifetime Achievement Award for her 30 years of service to the industry.
Celebrity event planner Mindy Weiss has joined the board of advisors for AllSeated, a collaborative online platform for wedding and event planners. “I am extremely passionate about the need for disruption in the events industry and what AllSeated brings to the table for true collaboration,” she says.
In the Spotlight
Sync Meeting Management is partnering with BMW Performance Center in Thermal, California, to bring the ultimate driving experience to meetings and events. Participants can test their driving skills and zoom around sharp curves under the guidance of a professional driver. Started by Matthew Diefenbach, Matt Dimond and Samuel Thompson, the event management company connects partners and planners.
Smart Moves
Carmen Rosa De Torres
Carmen Rosa De Torres was appointed sales director of Puntacana Resort & Club, a resort and residential community in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. She will oversee marketing and sales initiatives for The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club, Tortuga Bay at Puntacana Resort & Club and Four Point by Sheraton Puntacana Village. De Torres has more than 10 years of hospitality marketing and sales experience.
Sharon Siskie
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts named Sharon Siskie senior vice president of sales. She is charged with leisure and non-leisure sales for domestic Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and will oversee travel operations, as well as sales and marketing organizations for Canada and Latin America. Siskie is an industry leader and Disney veteran who has been with the company for 21 years.
Bill Gibson
The National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia, promoted Bill Gibson to executive director of group sales. He specializes in social, military, educational and government sales at the property. Prior to his new position, he was director of government markets. Gibson originally joined The National Conference Center’s sales team in 1994. He is a native of Washington, DC.
