TRAVELING

Thanks for joining us on Episode 10 with our guest Bill Lynch, CEM, Interim President at Specialty Food Association. The Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter). In addition, Bill will share his thoughts on a climbing the association ladder, the evolution of the Fancy Food Show, bridging the face-to-face and virtual gap and forecasting the future of the trade show industry.

Bill Lynch, CEM
Interim President
Specialty Food Association
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wjlynch/

Bio: Bill Lynch has over 20 years of experience in a range of different organizations including event marketing, media and all aspects of a trade association. Over the course of his career, Bill has lead a variety of award-winning trade shows in various industries; created a customer service department servicing over 40,000 customers; ran office operations for a staff of 50+; lead production for an industry-leading magazine; and lead a membership team that produced double-digit membership growth along with new program/service development.

Currently Interim President at the SFA, Bill is accountable for leading an organization that is focused on creating and delivering value for its 4,000+ member companies through increasing members sales and profits while building community and connection to support a thriving specialty food industry.

Bill is passionate about what he does and he cares for the people he works with. An excellent leader and representative for a fantastic organization that is constantly innovating for the $148 billion specialty food industry. Outside of work, Bill is focused on family and their involvement in local community activities.

The Traveling Podcast is Presented by: HIP Network
HIP Network is a B2B digital media company shaping the hospitality industry’s agenda with expertly curated content that fuels growth. To learn more, please visit www.HipNetwork.com

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Thanks for joining us on Episode 9 with our guest Jeff Borman, Founder at travelINNsights. The Traveling Podcast is hosted by Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events and sports. In addition, Jeff will share his thoughts on a recent AHLA owners confidence survey, the role of government protecting hotel foreclosures, hotel supply growth, driving leverage within a buyers market, factors to get large-scale events back and much more.

Jeff Borman
Founder, travelINNsights
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffborman/

Bio: Jeff Borman is the Founder at travelInnsights and has over two decades of global leadership in hospitality, travel and tourism. Previously, Jeff served as VP Asset Management, Revenue Management at Park Hotels & Resorts, VP Revenue Management, Franchise at Hilton, VP Revenue Management Operations at Marriott.

The Traveling Podcast is Presented by: HIP Network
HIP Network is a B2B digital media company shaping the hospitality industry’s agenda with expertly curated content that fuels growth. To learn more, please visit www.HipNetwork.com

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Thanks for joining us on Episode 8 with our guest Michael Dominguez, President & CEO at Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI). The Traveling Podcast is hosted by Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events and sports. In addition, Mike will share his thoughts on how his member network of 250+ luxury hotels are dealing with the new realities of group and business travel, contract liability and risk, booking activity and the media's role in travel confidence. 

Michael Dominguez
President & CEO
ALHI
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdominguez080389/

Bio: Michael Dominguez is the President and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI). He joined ALHI in July, 2019 and has over 35 years of industry experience which includes: Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at MGM Resorts International and Vice President of Global Sales at Loews Hotels in addition to Palm Spring CVB and Hyatt Hotels. He currently serves on the Executive Committee for the US Travel Association & Meetings Mean Business Coalition and served as Chairman of the MPI International Board of Directors from 2013-2014.

The Traveling Podcast is Presented by: HIP Network
HIP Network is a B2B digital media company shaping the hospitality industry’s agenda with expertly curated content that fuels growth. To learn more, please visit www.HipNetwork.com

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Thanks for joining us on Episode 7 with our guest Elliott Ferguson, President & CEO at Destination DC. The Traveling Podcast is hosted by Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events and sports. In addition, Elliott will share how he got started in the destination marketing and tourism industry, his leadership approach at Destination DC and his vision for improving race, diversity and equality as american culture shifts beneath us.

Elliott Ferguson
President & CEO
Destination DC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliott-ferguson-44ba97/

Bio: A 30-year veteran of the travel and hospitality industry, Elliott Ferguson serves as President and CEO of Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC in addition to National Chair for US Travel Association Board of Directors. 

Ferguson leads Destination DC’s efforts to generate economic opportunity for the District through meetings and tourism, overseeing the organization’s convention and tourism sales, marketing, finance and business development operations.

The Traveling Podcast is Presented by: HIP Network
HIP Network is a B2B digital media company shaping the hospitality industry’s agenda with expertly curated content that fuels growth. To learn more, please visit www.HipNetwork.com

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Thanks for joining us on Episode 6 with our guest Joyce Leveston, Senior Vice President, Convention Centers at Spectra. Hosted by Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events and sports. In addition, Joyce will share her story on climbing the industry ladder and managing some of the top convention centers in the country. We'll also dive into race, equality and diversity as she shares stories from her past and extends advice to the younger generation to achieve similar success and create professional opportunity.

Joyce Leveston
SVP, Convention Centers
Spectra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycewatson/

Bio: Joyce Leveston has three decades of experience in convention management, facility operations and event coordination. Joyce has managed some of the largest convention facilities in the country including San Diego CC, George R Brown CC, Miami Convention Center, Walter E. Washington CC, BCEC and Hynes Convention Center At Spectra she optimizes the day to day operations, and spearheads strategic initiatives and resources across all 46 Spectra-managed convention centers.

The Traveling Podcast is Presented by: HIP Network
HIP Network is a B2B digital media company shaping the hospitality industry’s agenda with expertly curated content that fuels growth. To learn more, please visit www.HipNetwork.com

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Thanks for joining us on Episode 5 with our guest Brad Weaber, Founder and Principal at Brad Weaber Consulting Group. Hosted by Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events and sports. In addition, Brad will give us a personal update on contracting COVID-19 and uncovering his cancer diagnoses all within 60 days. We'll spend some time discussing how the industry can rebound, what kind of conversations he's having with his clients during this crisis and how he's proactively navigating race and industry diversity topics with industry leaders.

Brad Weaber
Founder and Principal
Brad Weaber Consulting Group.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-weaber-a6a92415/

Brad Weaber is the founder and Principal of the Brad Weaber Consulting Group, a firm focused on professional board and panel facilitation, speaker coaching for live and virtual events  as well as management efficiencies and event strategy review for all market segments.

The Traveling Podcast is Presented by: HIP Network
HIP Network is a B2B digital media company shaping the hospitality industry’s agenda with expertly curated content that fuels growth. To learn more, please visit www.HipNetwork.com

Support the show (http://www.hipnetwork.com/traveling-podcast)

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Thanks for joining us for Episode 4 with our guest Tracy Judge, MS, CMP, Founder and Chief Connector at Soundings Connect. Hosted by Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events and sports for July 14, 2020. In addition, Tracy's will expand on her vision for the future of freelance marketplace in the live events industry, the process of how freelancers find work, education opportunities, the effects of COVID 19 on our industry and the types of talent are organizations looking for now.

Tracy Judge, MS, CMP - Professional Bio:
Founder and Chief Connector, Soundings Connect
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyjudge/

Tracy Judge is Founder and Chief Connector of Soundings Connect an Innovative Network of Freelance Talent supporting the Meeting and Event Industry and Member of the Board of Directors for Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Previously, she help leadership positions within Cadence and Martiz Travel and has Master Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from San Diego State University.

The Traveling Podcast is Presented by: HIP Network
HIP Network is a B2B digital media company shaping the hospitality industry’s agenda with expertly curated content that fuels growth. To learn more, please visit www.HipNetwork.com

Support the show (http://www.hipnetwork.com/traveling-podcast)

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Thanks for joining us for Episode 3 with our guest Erik Moses, Former XFL Team President, DC Defenders. Hosted by Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events and sports. In addition, we'll connect with Erik Moses about being recruited by the XFL for the DC Defenders Team President position, Enhancing the Live Event and Fan Experience, The Perception of the Professional Sports Community in Washington, D.C. and discuss Race and Diversity within the Live Event/Sports Industry.

Erik Moses - Professional Bio:
Former XFL Team President, DC Defenders
Current Of Counsel at Fisch Sigler LLP
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-a-moses-9b06054/

Erik Moses is an Attorney and Accomplished C-Level Executive with a long history growing and leading teams - Including CEO of DC Sports & Entertainment Commission, SVP & Managing Director at Events DC and most recently XFL Team President of the DC Defenders

The Traveling Podcast is Presented by: HIP Network
HIP Network is a B2B digital media company shaping the hospitality industry’s agenda with expertly curated content that fuels growth. To learn more, please visit www.HipNetwork.com

Support the show

Thanks for joining us for Episode 2 with our guest our guest Tony Lorenz, Founder at HeadSail. Hosted by Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the Top Ten industry news stories on July 1, 2020, connect with Tony Lorenz about Bridging the Physical and Virtual Event Gap, Content Distribution and Monetization and how serendipity led to one of his most professional rewarding moments.

Tony Lorenz Professional Bio:
Founder, HeadSail
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonylorenz/

Prior founding HeadSail as a platform for value creation, Tony’s most recent four year journey, as CEO of PRA (PRA), based in Chicago, IL, transformed the business, and drove significant change in the overall sector PRA continues to lead in North America, and now beyond.

PRA is a market-leading event management firm in the Business Events industry, with 28 locations throughout North America . Tony began his chapter as CEO in January, 2016 under prior private equity owners, Core Capital, based in London. He then led an 18-month process of strengthening the business through strategic plan development, acquisition of several franchise locations, a substantial out of network acquisition , and technology changes made in anticipation of further growth.

Tony led the sale process with JEGI , at which point PRA was purchased by CI Capital Partners, delivering a strong return to prior ownership. As a capital partner and CEO of PRA, Tony then led a transformation of the management team, which together with the team drove a move of the HQ to Chicago , a full technology platform buildout, brand refresh , global strategic partnerships , global sales expansion, and other strategies to drive significant profitable growth. PRA is now on track to more than double corporate revenue over the previous 28 months given double digit sustainable organic growth, and several core sector acquisitions in Nashville , Miami , New York , the Rockies , and adjacent sectors of the business. PRA is now well positioned to extend its clear  leadership position in the marketplace, and tee up Tony’s next purposeful chapter of value creation.

Prior to PRA, Tony was a Founder and/or CEO of three successful event-focused businesses, including an award-winning online platform, BOB.tv – Best of Business , later acquired by Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) for the technology, content and other resources in PCMA’s global online strategy.

Previously, Tony founded, and then in 2007 sold his successful business event marketing firm, ProActive, to Freeman . Over four years post sale, Tony led strategy and creative at this global industry leader, building a foundation for what is now a strong creative team at Freeman.

In 2001, Tony was a founding principal of rEvolution , now one of the largest independent sports marketing firms in North America, with John Rowady serving as founder and CEO today.

In addition, Tony holds a deep financial background and extensive experience in acquisitions and integration to drive aggressive and profitable growth. Tony is recognized as one of the 25 most influential people in the global meetings industry . He is a graduate of Harvard Business School – Owner/President Management program, holds a BS in Accounting from the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University, and has been an active Board member across several leading industry and civic organizations throughout his career.

The Traveling Podcast is Presented by: HIP Network
HIP Network is a B2B digital media company shaping the hospitality industry’s agenda with expertly cu

Support the show