Associates located in
Kini
Akaka
Director, Operations
P.O. Box 69777
Los Angeles,
CA
90069
Phone: (323) 655-3848 213
Fax: (323) 655-3849
kini.akaka@conferencedirect.com
Dawn
Aronson
Global Account Executive
3058 Mildred Court
Marina,
CA
93933
Phone: (831) 393-5301
Fax: (831) 319-5000
dawn.aronson@conferencedirect.com
Dawn joined ConferenceDirect in February 2004 and has 20 years experience in the hospitality industry. In 2004 Dawn was awarded “Rookie of the Year” with ConferenceDirect. In 2007 Dawn was recognized with award as “Most Improved”. Having represented Hilton Hotels and Independent brand hotels in her career on the Monterey Peninsula, she has a broad range of knowledge. Dawn served in the California Air National Guard for 12 years in Personnel & Finance at Moffett Field in San Jose, CA. She has been involved in the local community; Chamber of Commerce boards, membership with SGMP, CalSAE, NCCMPI and SVBTA. Dawn is known for her commitment to excellence for her clients and her easy going, gregarious personality.
Jed
Arrogante
Global Account Executive
1272 Peach Grove Lane
Vista,
CA
92084
Phone: (760) 945-7483
Fax: (425) 740-8206
jed.arrogante@conferencedirect.com
Prior to joining Conference Direct, Jed served as the Director of Sales at The Westgate Hotel in San Diego, a 270-room AAA Four-Diamond property. He also opened THE US GRANT ™ - A Starwood Luxury Collection Hotel in September 2006. Additionally he has been in sales at the Claremont Resort and Spa in Berkeley, Sheraton Suites in Fort Lauderdale, Radisson Hotels and Suites in St. Louis, Leading Hotels of the World in Chicago, and IHG properties in San Francisco.
Jed presently serves on the San Diego Asian Business Association board. He is also on the sales committee for the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau. He resides in North County San Diego with his wife, Jennifer and their 2 1/ 2 year old son, Nathaniel.
Beckie
Biedebach
Vice President
74071 Chinook Circle
Palm Desert,
CA
92211
Phone: (760) 346-3719
Fax: (760) 406-5077
beckie.biedebach@conferencedirect.com
Beckie joined ConferenceDirect in October 1999 after spending 16 years in sales with Hilton Hotels: a career that began in 1983 when she was hired to make an impact in the California State and Regional Association markets. Since joining ConferenceDirect in September 1999 Beckie has been a Top Producer every year.
She was rewarded for her efforts in 1995 as Hilton's National Salesperson-of-the-Year. Professionally, she has also been an active member and served on the board of CALSAE and a member of the Southern California MPI Chapter. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the job and is known in the industry as a leader.
John
Botticella
Global Account Executive
1608 Rotary Drive
Los Angeles,
CA
90026
Phone: (213) 210-0174
Fax: (323) 660-2617
john.botticella@conferencedirect.com
John Botticella brings ten years of experience working with Hilton Hotels Corporation. He knows the hospitality industry inside and out. He has built experience from all angles in the hotel business from his start in food and beverage to being Assistant Director of group sales at the Beverly Hilton. He takes with him the know-how in negotiating contracts and keeping solid relationships with his clients. In addition he brings a background of leadership skills from the Marine Corp.
Jeff
Brock
Director, Branding & Special Projects
3450 Sacramento Street #529
San Francisco,
CA
94118
Phone: (415) 614-0445
Fax: (415) 614-0446
jeff_brock@conferencedirect.com
Catherine A
Brown
Executive Vice President
P.O. Box 69777
Los Angeles,
CA
90069
Phone: (323) 655-3848 207
Fax: (323) 655-3849
cathy.brown@conferencedirect.com
Catherine Brown, is Executive Vice President of ConferenceDirect. Cathy has more than 28 years of experience as an association and philanthropic executive. Prior to joining ConferenceDirect, she was Executive Director and then President of the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation from 1998-2009. Upon her departure from CAAF, she received their prestigious Ribbon of Dreams® Award for her leadership on behalf of children affected by AIDS. Her past positions also include senior executive roles with both the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc.
Cathy is a Certified Association Executive and a Fellow in the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). She has served as a past member of the ASAE Foundation Board of Directors, the Center for Association Leadership Board of Directors and the ASAE Board of Directors.
After receiving her undergraduate degree in nursing from Hunter College, Cathy completed a Masters of Science degree in nursing and health administration from the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton School of Business.
Located in the Los Angeles office, Cathy will support the company’s continued growth strategy in several existing and new areas.
Mary
Buonaguidi
Global Account Executive
3405 Circulo Adorno
Carlsbad,
CA
92009
Phone: (760) 942-7104
Fax: (760) 753-1951
mary.buonaguidi@conferencedirect.com
Mary brings to ConferenceDirect over 20 years experience in the hospitality industry including Sales, Convention Services, and Food & Beverage Operations. A diverse knowledge in hospitality management has allowed her to assist many customers in the Aerospace, Government and National Association Industries as she help to ensure the success of their events.
As a working mom, Mary has been able to manage a career and family while working for hotel brands including Crowne Plaza, Red Lion and Marriott Hotels and Resorts. She has also represented the Aerospace Industry as an Independent Meeting Planner. She is actively involved with the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau and Society of Government Meeting Professionals as a Contract Planner. She is also involved with the TWMC Motorcycle Club (dirt bikes) and ride in the Southern California High Desert with her family.
Jose
Cardenas
Accounting Manager
P.O. Box 69777
Los Angeles,
CA
90069
Phone: (323) 655-3848 203
Fax: (323) 655-3849
jose.cardenas@conferencedirect.com
Erika
Chesley
Global Account Executive
11717 Harrington Street
Bakersfield,
CA
93311
Phone: (661) 664-8971
Fax: (661) 654-0390
erika.chesley@conferencedirect.com
Erika joins ConferenceDirect with more than 20 years of experience in positions of increasing responsibility within Hilton Hotels Corporation, most recently serving as a Director of Sales & Marketing. She has extensive experience with convention, suburban & airport properties. Throughout her career, she has excelled as a sales professional as result of her attention to detail, product knowledge and fair dealings which fostered long-lasting relationships with association executives and meeting planners. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where she earned a B.S. in Business. Erika is currently residing in Central California with easy access to Los Angeles, the Bay Area and Sacramento. Erika is currently active in CalSAE, SGMP and NCBMP.
Steve
Copeland
Global Account Executive
410 N. Crescent Heights
Los Angeles,
CA
90048
Phone: (323) 655-3845
Fax: (323) 443-3518
steve.copeland@conferencedirect.com
Steve brings over 20 years of hotel sales and operations experience to ConferenceDirect, having worked for a vast array of properties: Starwood Hotels & Resorts as Director of Group Sales for the Hawaii properties, as Director of the National Sales Office for Loews Hotels and National Sales for Stouffer Hotels and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. A Past President of the Southern California Chapter of Meeting Professionals International, Steve also served on the International Education Committee. He is also active with the local chapter of the Society of Incentive Travel Executives.
Glenn
Corner
Global Account Executive
95 Daryl Avenue
Novato,
CA
94947
Phone: (415) 408-3502
Fax: (415) 408-3502
glenn.corner@conferencedirect.com
Glenn joined Conference Direct after 14 years with Hilton Sales Worldwide. Most recently, he was Director of Sales, Technology Markets, specializing in key technology clients on the West Coast. His expertise prior to that was as Director of Sales, International Markets, where his focus was on Hilton’s international hotel product. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe, the U.S. and other regions of the world. His strong customer service skills and years of hospitality experience are a great match with Conference Direct.
Cathy
Dangler
Global Project Manager
P.O. Box 5517
Tahoe City,
CA
96145
Phone: (530) 448-4867
Fax: (530) 583-7717
cathy.dangler@conferencedirect.com
Cathy brings over 25 years of experience and expertise from the hotel, event and convention management industry. She most recently worked as an Associate Producer for e2k, where she was the Director of Speaker Programming for the Professional Business Women of California. She was the Director of National Events for Diageo Chateau & Estates for nearly a decade. Prior to Diageo she was in the hotel industry and has an extensive background in Hotel Management and worked for both Hyatt abd Fairmont hotels . She is dedicated to her work with numerous local foundations; one which raises money for High School Sports and the other that is building a research center at the University of Nevada Reno for Neuro- Immune Disease. Dangler holds an Associate Arts Degree from Nassau Community College and studied Social Work at State University of New York at Brockport. She continued her studies in Hospitality and Tourism at Sierra Nevada College and Napa College. She is currently studying Spanish. Cathy and her husband live in the Reno Tahoe Area where her husband is a Real Estate Developer. They enjoy sports, most notably golf, running and skiing, and biking.
Wendy
David
Global Account Executive
2450 Cerro Sereno
El Cajon,
CA
92019
Phone: (619) 447-7540
Fax: (619) 330-2066
wendy.david@conferencedirect.com
Wendy joined ConferenceDirect in April 2004. She served as a field coordinator for a large destination management company in San Diego. She traveled around California with some of her groups, overseeing every aspect of their convention and meetings. She handled contracts, staffing, catering, tours and special events, always giving her attention to even the smallest details. Wendy graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan University where she helped plan the first International Special Olympics. She is active in her community and has been with the Children's Hospital Auxiliary since 1997.
Dennis
DeVoto
Vice President of Global Accounts
36 Pimlott Lane
Mill Valley,
CA
94941
Phone: (415) 389-8661
Fax: (415) 634-1645
dennis.devoto@conferencedirect.com
Dennis joined ConferenceDirect in May 2004, after five years as a corporate meeting planner for EventSource in Sausalito, CA. Dennis began his career in Sales with the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. He later moved to the Mark Hopkins InterContinental as Director of Sales. Staying atop Nob Hill, he joined the Fairmont Hotel San Francisco as Associate Director of Sales. From 1993 to 1998 Dennis was the Director of Worldwide Accounts for Hilton Hotels Corporation in San Francisco when he was awarded the title of “National Salesperson of the Year” for Hilton Hotel Corporation in 1997. Over the years, Dennis has held active memberships with ASAE and MPI. With his combined Meeting Planning experience, as well as Hotel Sales background, Dennis always provides the best solutions and negotiations for his clients.
John
Edwards
Associate Revenue Specialist
P.O. Box 69777
Los Angeles,
CA
90069
Phone: (323) 655-3848 216
Fax: (323) 655-3849
john.edwards@conferencedirect.com
Dawn
Forbes
Global Account Executive
P.O. Box 35
Fawnskin,
CA
92333
Phone: (909) 366-7103
Fax: (909) 366-7103
dawn.forbes@conferencedirect.com
Dawn joined ConferenceDirect in August of 2008. She brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. She has been Director of Sales & Marketing for premiere resort hotels as well as for Convention & Visitor/ Tourism Bureaus. She has also been the general manager of several
high end properties. During her career she has worked with all markets,
Association, Government, Corporate, Non Profit, SMERF & Entertainment. Her clients trust her with meetings from a twenty person executive board retreat to citywide conventions. Dawn is a member of CalSAE and SGMP. Some of her clients include Hallmark, Sideways Production, JR Olympics, West Coast Greyhound Gathering, Planet Ultra, CALED.
Dawn
Frederick
Global Account Executive
8033 W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 542
Hollywood,
CA
90046
Phone: (323) 650-9394
Fax: (323) 386-0700
dawn.frederick@conferencedirect.com
Dawn Frederick has an 11 year background with Marriott International .Dawn has held key sales positions at the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor and the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, “Home of the Academy Awards.” Client focused and relationship driven, Dawn has worked the Corporate, Association and Entertainment markets in the Northeast, the DC/Mid-Atlantic, the Southeast, Mid-West and West Coast . Dawn is an avid traveler allowing her to assist clients with destination options by having a vast first hand knowledge of many cities.
Lisa
Hang
Database and Accounting Administrator
P.O. Box 69777
Los Angeles,
CA
90069
Phone: (323) 655-3848 206
Fax: (323) 655-3849
lisa.hang@conferencedirect.com
Kristy
Heath
Global Account Executive
4972 Park Avenue
Cypress,
CA
90630
Phone: (714) 226-9624
Fax: (831) 299-8534
kristy.heath@conferencedirect.com
Kristy joined ConferenceDirect in April, 2003 after more than 10 outstanding years of sales and management in the Hospitality Industry. She began her hotel career in operations with a chain of franchised hotels. In 1995 stepped up to General Manager with Worley Enterprises Hotels in Somerset, Kentucky. During 1998 she began a new charge as Regional Director of Sales for Lin-gate Hospitality. Since then has represented Marriott, Hilton, and Holiday Inn. Kristy has received honors for her leadership, client satisfaction, and top sales performance. She has been an active member of RCMA, CMCA, and Kentucky Tourism Council. Kristy now resides in Cypress, CA with her husband Dave and three children.
Marcy
Hilecher
Global Project Manager
9729 Belmar Avenue
Northridge,
CA
91324
Phone: (818) 775-4558
Fax: (818) 475-1750
marcy.hilecher@conferencedirect.com
Marcy's career in the hospitality industry began in 1984 as Director of Guest Services at the Airport Marriott in St. Louis, MO. From there Marcy went to work for Martiz Travel Company where she was responsible for planning and developing incentive travel programs for corporate clients. Marcy them moved to California to manage a travel agency and develop the sales department. Most recently Marcy worked at Hilton Hotels Corporation where she was the assistant to the Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Brian Stevens. Marcy received her Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University.
Beth
Hoffman
Global Account Executive
70 Springfield
Mission Viejo,
CA
92692
Phone: (949) 510-8580
Fax: (949) 266-9516
beth.hoffman@conferencedirect.com
Joining ConferenceDirect in April 2003, Beth brings 15+ years of recognized sales & account management experience working various vertical markets including medical, technology, and telecommunications. Critical attention to detail, working under strict deadlines, and excellent customer service are keys to her success in business and building strong client relationships. Her personal travel experience extends to destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Indonesia. She is a graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, where she earned a B.S. in Business. Beth is a native of Chicago, residing in Southern California since 1987, where she lives with her husband, and two children.
Jerry
Horan
Chief Operating Officer
3108 Ponte Morino Drive, Suite 120
Cameron Park,
CA
95682
Phone: (530) 677-9188
Fax: (509) 479-4478
jerry.horan@conferencedirect.com
Jerry Horan is Chief Operating Officer of ConferenceDirect. He has been with ConferenceDirect since 1999 and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2008. Previous position he has held with ConfernceDirect include Senior Vice President and Regional Vice President. Prior to joining ConferenceDirect Jerry began his hospitality career with Hilton Hotels Corporation in 1987 in the Hilton Professional Management training program. Jerry held various property sales management positions at the Hilton San Francisco. Jerry also held the position of Director of Marketing for the Pointe Hilton Resorts in Phoenix, AZ.
Jerry is a graduate of St. Mary's College of California where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
Lori
Jenaire
Global Account Executive
4200Laurel Canyon Blvd., Suite 304
Studio City,
CA
91604
Phone: (818) 753-0889
Fax: (818) 753-7535
lori.jenaire@conferencedirect.com
Lori joined ConferenceDirect in February 2005 with 18 years experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to ConferenceDirect, Lori spent seven years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts - her last position as Global Account Director for the Washington , DC National Sales Office where she assisted with the companies Diversity Initiative and was an active member of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners.. Lori has served in a variety of Sales & Marketing positions for an array of hotel brands from independent historic hotels to task force marketing for Marriott Hotels. Over the years Lori has been active in PCMA, ICPA, ASAE and NBTA.
Joanna
Jeronimo
Global Account Executive
P.O. Box 7443
Stockton,
CA
95267
Phone: (209) 460-1051
Fax: (209) 320-0656
joanna.jeronimo@conferencedirect.com
Joanna joined ConferenceDirect in February 2003. Previously, she was at the Starwood Hawaii at The Westin Maui, where she worked with Corporate, Association, Major Sports, and Incentive clients. Exceeding expectations, she was named a Starwood North American Division Star in 2001, and her sales team was named Sales and Marketing Team of the Year. Before joining the Hospitality Industry, Joanna was a University Lecturer and Consultant, teaching Sales and Negotiations. She has spoken on hundreds of American campuses, including M.I.T. Tufts, and University of California. Joanna has been active in ASAE and MPI.
Brian
Johnson
History Collection Specialist
P.O. Box 69777
Los Angeles,
CA
90069
Phone: (323) 655-3848 210
Fax: (323) 655-3849
brian.johnson@conferencedirect.com
Elaine
Kady
Global Account Executive
11603 Mirrow Circle
San Diego,
CA
92131
Phone: (858) 693-3236
Fax: (858) 430-3128
elaine.kady@conferencedirect.com
Elaine Kady joins ConferenceDirect with over 20 years experience and knowledge within the Hospitality Industry. Her diverse background includes hotels, working prestigious brand properties such as Marriott, Ritz Carlton and Westin Hotels & Resorts. Her next progression was representing destinations. As a National Sales Director she worked many Association and Corporate clients for San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, and then opening a Western Regional Office for Hawaii. Her next opportunity brought her to meeting planner, working with innovative and well respected companies like, Balboa Meetings & Incentives, and Concepts Worldwide. Professionally, she has been an active member of San Diego MPI where she served on the Board of Directors, MPIOC, SITE, and ASAE. In her personal life, she’s involved and supports Susan B. Komen for the Cure and resides in San Diego with her husband Ed and her fifteen year old daughter, Taylor.
Elaine’s strengths in understanding all aspects of our industry will certainly contribute to the success of your next meeting.
Amber
Kidd
Global Account Executive
2019 Olive Street
Paso Robles,
CA
93446
Phone: (805) 227-0286
Fax: (805) 227-0286
amber.kidd@conferencedirect.com
Amber joined ConferenceDirect in September of 2004 after having spent nearly ten years in the hospitality industry both in hotel sales and as a corporate and non-profit meeting planner. Having planned meetings ranging from 10-5,000 attendees in a myriad of venues, destinations and genres, her experience in site selection, contract negotiation and event management is all encompassing. Having spent time in hotel sales, she fully understands this aspect of the vendor-customer relationship and is able to use her knowledge and experience to better service her clients needs. Amber graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in Diversified Liberal Arts.
Lisa
Kleist
Global Account Executive
11447 Rolling Hills Drive
El Cajon,
CA
92020
Phone: (619) 441-7306
Fax: (619) 923-8003
lisa.kleist@conferencedirect.com
Lisa Kleist joined Conference Direct in 2007. She has spent the last 25 years in the education field as a teacher, curriculum writer and most recently as a Regional Operations Manager for Newton Learning. Lisa brings to Conference Direct her love of travel and education management to provide her clients personalized attention to detail and destination needs
Lisa is a graduate from University of San Diego and holds a Masters Degree from San Diego State University. She has served with numerous school boards as well as philanthropic service organizations.
Kerry
Kuhl
Global Account Executive
6241 Brookshire Drive
Rocklin,
CA
95677
Phone: (916) 601-8234
Fax: (916) 632-6717
kerry.kuhl@conferencedirect.com
Kerry brings over 17 years of hotel sales and operations experience to ConferenceDirect, having worked for a vast array of properties: Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Maui Marriott, Hyatt Hotels Hawaii, Stouffer Maui Hotels, Prince Resorts Hawaii. In addition Kerry has also worked for an Incentive Company based in San Francisco called By Design.
Kerry has specialized in National Associations, Corporate and Incentive Markets. She also has extensive experience In the Wholesale and Asia Markets. Having opened the Maui Marriott and spending 12 years with the property she was able to work all markets as well as focus on The West Coast Region. Kerry was Marriott’s first Regional Account executive based in a National Sales office for a specific property. Her strong customer service skills and years of hospitality experience are a great match with Conference Direct.
Beverly
Laing, CMP, CTC
Global Project Manager
880 N. Alameda Street , Suite 417
Los Angeles,
CA
90012
Phone: (213) 221-7091
Fax: (213) 271-1535
beverly.laing@conferencedirect.com
Beverly brings over 18 years of corporate & association meeting management experience to ConferenceDirect. Most recently Beverly was Senior Account Manager for JNR Incorporated, a boutique travel company specializing in high level corporate meetings and incentive programs. Beverly’s other past employers include the United States Golf Association (8 years), as championship manager overseeing national and international golf championships, executive committee meetings, workshops and special events. She was the staff person in charge of the administration and operations of the US Women’s Open, Curtis Cup Match, and assisted with the US Open Championship. Beverly organized large scale trade shows as Western Division Manager for the International Council of Shopping Centers and was Director of Meetings & Incentives for Carlisle Travel Management. She is a Certified Meeting Professional, Certified Travel Counselor, member of MPI and SITE and is proud to serve as Vice President of Education on the Board of Directors for the Southern California Chapter of MPI. Beverly was awarded “Planner of the Year” by MPI SCC in 2008 for her outstanding industry achievements.
Brian
Landers
Vice President/ Team Director
P.O. Box 69777
Los Angeles ,
CA
90069
Phone: (310) 859-7068 x 201
Fax: (310) 861-5599
brian.landers@conferencedirect.com
Brian joined ConferenceDirect in March 1999 after serving as Director of National Sales Administration for Hilton Hotels. Prior to that, he was with the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau promoting it as a citywide convention destination. He also served in national sales for Ritz-Carlton Hotels and the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau. Brian is a member of PCMA and MPI. He has held positions on MPI's International Chapter Leadership Committee and as President of the San Diego Chapter of MPI. Brian is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he received multiple degrees in Psychology, Public Relations & Business Communications. Brian is a winner of the 2008 ConferenceDirect Associate of the Year Award.
Deana
Linderholm
Global Account Executive
4802 Tiara Drive #103
Huntington Beach,
CA
92649
Phone: (714) 465-9367
Fax: (714) 333-4100
deana.linderholm@conferencedirect.com
Deana comes to ConferenceDirect with over 15 years of conference management, marketing and production experience within a variety of industries.
She has a diverse marketing background in the areas of experiential, print, radio, TV and film.
During her years at Warner Bros. Entertainment she produced theatrical trailers and one sheet media for such feature films as The Matrix, Harry Potter and Million Dollar Baby. In addition to theatrical marketing Deana worked on accounts for Barbie and American Honda Motor Corp. She has owned and directed the Southern region of the National Teen Scholarship Pageants. Deana is a member of NAFE (National Association for Female Executives)
A Deana volunteers as the production director/choreographer to the Miss Huntington Beach Pageant. She also activity participates in mentoring young women to achieve their dreams and goals through church and community programs.
Kathy
Luckey
Global Account Executive
1604 Reggio Aisle
Irvine,
CA
92606
Phone: (949) 502-5714
Fax: (949) 266-9048
kathy.luckey@conferencedirect.com
Kathy Luckey brings over 15 years of sales and marketing experience to ConferenceDirect. During her career, she’s had leadership and direct sales roles with Marriott and Hyatt Hotels in regional and property sales. Her career also includes senior regional positions in sales and marketing in major corporations, including AT&T, Comcast, and Cablevision.
Kathy served on the Anaheim Chapter of HSMAI and is a member of PCMA and RCMA. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s from Columbia College Chicago. Originally from Chicago, Kathy now resides in Irvine CA.
Karen
McLoughlin
Global Account Executive
6944 Blue Orchid Lane
Carlsbad,
CA
92009
Phone: (760) 802-2822
Fax: (619) 839-3805
karen.mcloughlin@conferencedirect.com
Karen has been with the ConferenceDirect team since April 2001. Prior to joining, she was a corporate meeting planner. Karen was responsible for planning meetings and conventions ranging from 50-10,000 people. She is knowledgeable in contract negotiations, site selection and has the organization skills and detail to plan an event of any size and on any budget. Her career began at the Hyatt Regency San Diego and focused on all areas from banquets and catering to customer interaction. Karen graduated from Rutgers University in New Jersey with a bachelor's degree in Communication.
Leah
Meadows, CMP
Global Account Executive
8762 Lemas Road
Sacramento,
CA
95828
Phone: (916) 760-7817
Fax: (916) 520-3945
leah.meadows@conferencedirect.com
Leah joined ConferenceDirect in January 2010, after almost 12 years of working in Hotel Sales. Starting out as a Guest Services Agent, Leah's worked her way up to become a Senior Sales Manager. She earned her CMP designation in 2008 and has represented both Corporate-owned and/or managed, as well as franchise and independent limited and full-service hotels to various market segments including Corporate, Association, Government and Labor/Union and member of PCMA, ASAE, SGMP and CalSAE.
Darla
Methey, CMP
Global Account Executive
1451 Brahham Street #708
El Cajon,
CA
92019
Phone: (619) 825-9556
Fax: (619) 330-2818
darla.methey@conferencedirect.com
Darla proudly brings 14 years of experience in the event and meeting planning industry. Prior to ConferenceDirect, she held the position of National Account Director for Plann-It Meeting & Events. She was in charge of site selection, contract negotiation, housing and event management for some of our Nation's top companies and organizations. In addition, she was the owner of an event planning business that specialized in producing reunions and social events. Darla has received various honors in the industry and is extremely proud of earning the respected title of Certified Meeting Professional. She currently resides on the Board of Directors for HSMAI San Diego Chapter and is an active member of MPI and San Diego Chamber of Commerce.
Sloan
Moore
Global Account Executive
1348 Manhattan Ave, Suite B
Hermosa Beach,
CA
90254
Phone: (310) 266-3111
Fax: (310) 861-5615
sloan.moore@conferencedirect.com
Jeff
Muehl
VP of Operations
P.O. Box 69777
Los Angeles ,
CA
90069
Phone: (323) 655-3848 x 204
Fax: (323) 655-3849
jeff.muehl@conferencedirect.com
Jeff joined ConferenceDirect in 1998 as the Director of Client Relations. In 1995, Jeff began working at the Hilton Corporate Headquarters office in Beverly Hills where he was the National Sales Analyst. In 1993 Jeff was transferred to Hilton Los Angeles Airport working in front office operations. He began his career with Hilton in Chicago at the Palmer House working in Operations and Management. Jeff graduated in 1987 from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Cristina
Palmieri, CMP
Global Account Executive
3515 Santoro Way
San Diego,
CA
92130
Phone: (858) 401-0237
Fax: (858) 225-0577
cristina.palmieri@conferencedirect.com
Cristina joined ConferenceDirect in September 2008 as a National Account Manager. Prior to this she served as National Sales Manager for the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau for 20 years. She worked in the hotel industry as a Director of Sales for two of Atlas Hotels, LLC at the Pacifica Hotel in Culver City, California and the Hanalei Hotel (now the Crowne Plaza) in San Diego. She is a Certified Meeting Planner and with her extensive hospitality sales experience and passion in developing a working relationship with her clients, she can assure that your meeting or convention will be her first priority with guaranteed results.
Cristina was born and educated in Colombia, South America and is bilingual in both Spanish and English.
David
Perez
Associate Revenue Specialist
P.O. Box 69777
Los Angeles,
CA
90069
Phone: (323) 655-3848 205
Fax: (323) 655-3849
david.perez@conferencedirect.com
Frances
Sarabia
Regional Project Manager
P.O. Box 69777
Los Angeles,
CA
90069
Phone: (323) 655-3848 211
Fax: (323) 655-3849
frances.sarabia@conferencedirect.com
Frances Sarabia joined ConferenceDirect in September 2007 as Regional Project Manager working directly with Brian Landers and the SW team to build better relationships with their customers.
Frances’ experience in the hotel industry is primarily with Hilton Hotels Corporation. She worked the past 22 years supporting various levels of Hilton’s sales organization. From 1985 until 1995 she worked on property as, Conference Center Manger, Executive Business Service Manager and Conventions Services Manager. Following that, she moved into National Sales where she has held the positions as Sales Project analyst and most recently as Sales Administrator which supported the Director of Sales – Preferred Partnership Accounts. Frances’ forte is in Special Events Planning, as well as organization and administration of customer related needs.
Kristy
Sartorius
Regional Vice President
5190 Glenhaven Avenue
Riverside,
CA
92506
Phone: (951) 544-1882
Fax: (951) 346-3488
kristy.sartorius@conferencedirect.com
Kristy joined ConferenceDirect in June 2000, following a 16-year career in the Hospitality Industry. Kristy is considered a Hospitality expert with verifiable contributions to sales management, new business growth and staff development. She is also known as an influential and credible leader with a special talent for building cooperative and productive work environments. During Kristy's 16 years in the Industry she has represented Wyndham International, Walt Disney World Company, HIS Hotels and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Kristy has also been honored to be the recipient of several management and leadership awards over the years.
Brian
Stevens
President & CEO
P.O. Box 69777
Los Angeles,
CA
90069
Phone: (323) 655-3848 x 202
Fax: (323) 655-3849
brian.stevens@conferencedirect.com
Brian D. Stevens is President and CEO of ConferenceDirect. Stevens began his career with Hilton Hotels Corporation in 1978 in Sales at the Oakland Hilton. Working his way up the corporate ladder, Brian achieved the distinguished title of Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Hilton. In 1998, after 21 years of loyalty and dedication, Stevens left Hilton to establish ConferenceDirect with co-founder Brian Richey.
Mr. Stevens attended St. Mary's College in Moraga, California where he received a Degree in Business. He received his MBA from Golden State University in 1986. Brian was named "Alumni of the Year" by St. Mary's College in 1997. In 1998, Brian became a member of the Board of Regents of St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, California.
Brian has been extremely active in the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), serving on the association board for three years and the Foundation Board for 19 years. He was named chairman of the Foundation Board in 2003. He has also served as Chairman of the Affiliate Advisory Committee and has received the Wizard Award and the Distinguished Leader Award. He started the Partner Summit and the Annual Foundation Dinner at the Hilton Washington.
Active in the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Brian served on the Foundation Board of Directors for 15 years and served as Chairman in 1999. He was the first Co-Chair of ASAE's Five-Star Weekend. He also started the ASAE's “Club Energy” and founded the ASAE Foundation Partner Awards Dinner. He was inducted into the first class of ASAE Associate Fellows. He currently serves on their selection committee.
Stevens served on Meeting Professionals International’s (MPI) International Foundation Board of Directors from 1997-2000 and served 3 three-year terms on the MPI Foundation from 1995 – 2004.
Brian has long served on the Board of Directors for the Serra Project, a Los Angeles AIDS homeless shelter. In 1998 he received the "Compassion Award" from Cardinal Roger Mahoney for his dedication and service. He has also served on the Board of St. Vincent de Paul's Shelter for the Homeless in San Diego. Brian is also the founder of CharityDirect.
Stevens became a Knight of Malta in 1990 and in 1996 was inducted as a Knight of the Holy Sepulcher. 1999-2005, Stevens has been named among Meeting News’ Top 25 Most Influential People. Brian is also co-founder of SearchWide, a hospitality-consulting firm. In 2000, Brian was inducted into the Convention Industry Council’s Hall of Leaders. In 2007 Stevens received ASAE’s highest supplier award the Academy of Leaders award.
James
Threlkeld
Director of Global Accounts/ Team Director
816 Almaden Court
Livermore,
CA
94551
Phone: (925) 392-3399
Fax: (925) 215-2056
james.threlkeld@conferencedirect.com
James joined ConferenceDirect in February 2003 and brings over 10 years of hotel sales and operations experience to ConferenceDirect. Before joining ConferenceDirect, he worked as Regional Account Director for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. James is bilingual in Japanese and began his hotel career as Japanese Guest Services Manager at the Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort & Spa. His other hotel management experiences include Catering/Convention Services Manager, Senior Sales Manager and Regional Account Director. James is active in the Northern California Chapter of MPI, as well as Toastmasters International.
Joseph
Vina, CMP
Vice President, International
2348 Larimar Avenue
LaCosta,
CA
92009
Phone: (760) 602-8537
Fax: (760) 602-8547
joe.vina@conferencedirect.com
Viña’s passion for the travel and meetings industry began in 1991 in San Francisco. Since then, he’s enjoyed a variety positions in sales, marketing, and leadership with global brands such as Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt International, and Marriott International, recently representing a cluster of off-shore resorts in Latin America. His experience in direct selling includes strategic account development with Fortune 500 companies in several major markets in North America such as, California, Florida, Chicago and Washington D.C.
Joe is a collaborator, loyal partner, and problem solver. He thrives on providing creative solutions to his customers better and faster than anyone else. He has enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience with others wanting a career in the hospitality industry by teaching Certification in Meeting Planning courses at San Jose State and San Diego State Universities. Joe has been an active member of several industry related associations including Meeting Professionals International (MPI), American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and Society of International Travel Executives (SITE) where he has dedicated more than 12 years of volunteered time to board appointed positions.
Joe’s main focus in his role with ConferenceDirect will be establishing the ConferenceDirect brand in Latin America, Europe, Asia and Middle East/India Regions to new global customers, developing new associates, and strengthening hotel partnerships throughout all of these geographical areas of the world. Although his specialty will be International, Joe will continue to work with his domestic clients and partners based in North America.
Being the first American born in his family of Cuban decent, Joe is fluent in Spanish and values the importance of family. He and his wife, Gina, have a son and reside in
San Diego, California USA.
Thom
Ward
Global Account Executive
414 Mason Street, Suite 602
San Francisco ,
CA
94102
Phone: (415) 271-0570
Fax: (415) 480-1685
thom.ward@conferencedirect.com
Alison
Winston
Global Project Manager
9431 Tiki Circle
Huntington Beach,
CA
92646
Phone: (714) 968-5286
Fax: (731) 256-1532
alison.winston@conferencedirect.com
Alison was a corporate event planner for over 10 years including corporate events/ meetings, nonprofit meetings and corporate tradeshows. She managed all aspects of site inspections, food/beverage/menu selection, ground transportation, entertainment, VIP'S and volunteers. She worked closely with vendors, convention centers, hotels, DMC's and CVB's regarding logistic details, entertainment and large and small groups.
Alison maintained budgets and client management during all phases of meeting/corporate event to the end of the event. She is professional, fair and honest within all areas of staff and client management.
Anny
Wu
Global Account Executive
837 43rd Avenue
San Francisco,
CA
94121
Phone: (415) 992-2475
Fax: (415) 520-0357
anny.wu@conferencedirect.com
Anny Wu comes to ConferenceDirect with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge from various areas of hotel operations, meeting planning, and corporate training. Anny’s previous position with Procurepoint included meeting planning for nationwide Microsoft seminars, and database research for the Procurepoint company website. Having started her hotel career in front office operations with Holiday Inn Hotels, Anny moved onto group management at the Mark Hopkins InterContinental in San Francisco. Anny further added to her industry experience with Hotel Information Systems, leading projects of hotel staff training and computer software installations of property management systems in luxury hotels across North America.
Eunice
Yuh
Global Project Manager
P.O. Box 71157
Los Angeles,
CA
90071
Phone: (213) 254-0332
Fax: (213) 254-0335
eunice.yuh@conferencedirect.com
Eunice has 10 years of hospitality experience starting with attending a Hotel Management School in Europe. She worked in various operations departments at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 3 different cities. Most recently she worked at Claremont Resort and Spa in Berkeley as Conference Services Manager. Eunice been an active member of NACE and MPI.
She also has BS in Business Administrative and concentrated in Marketing. She worked in Silicon Valley as a Business Analysis for 3 years before making her career move into Hospitality.
Raghda
Zacharia
Global Account Executive
31 Creekwood Square
Rohnert Park,
CA
94928
Phone: (707) 586-9043
Fax: (707) 586-9043
raghda.zacharia@conferencedirect.com
Raghda started her hospitality career in Dallas with Hawthorn Suites, Marriott Hotel and Holiday
Inn. Moved with her family to California, continued her passion to servicing her clients at Red Lion
and Hyatt. Ragdha holds a Bachelors Degree in Business with 15 years of experience handling
Corporate accounts and events. She has three children and committed to volunteering in afterschool sports programs which keep them out of trouble build their self esteem and become part of a Team.