IN BRIEF INDUSTRY PULSE
DALLAS, TX — Freeman recently joined live events leaders from across the United States to form Go LIVE Together, a coalition of 80 founding partners — representing over 4,000 companies with U.S. operations — supporting legislative action to aid the industry’s recovery from COVID-19. “While our concern is first and foremost supporting the suppression and mitigation efforts around COVID-19, live events will be an integral part of accelerating the U.S. and global economic recovery,” says Bob PriestHeck, CEO of Freeman. “A fundamental aspect of the industry are that trade shows and events enable companies to grow, educate and innovate. Protecting the industry means protecting key economic and social drivers that not only impact jobs today, but also the development of the next generation of businesses. As the largest live events producer, Freeman is proud to unite with other industry leaders to form a coalition to make this possible.” The group will advocate for funds both to offset the added costs of hosting an event post COVID-19 and to incentivize people to attend live events when it is safe to do so. For more information, visit golivetogether.com. KANSAS CITY, MO — In late April, MMGY Travel Intelligence, in partnership with Destinations International Foundation, 4
released the findings from the fourth wave of a series of biweekly tracking surveys of North American destination professionals. The survey, which assesses how organizations in this sector are impacted by and reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed that respondents’ outlook on their local tourism economies has started to improve. The percentage of destination professionals who expect their local economy to worsen fell sharply from 72 percent in Wave III of the survey to 41 percent in Wave IV, indicating expectations are starting to stabilize. A small but growing percentage of respondents (14 percent) even expect their local tourism economy to show improvement in the next 30 days. This is up from just 2 percent of respondents in Wave III. “Many organizations are now starting to proactively plan their shift from informational communications campaigns to promotional ones in the next 60 days,” said Chris Davidson, Executive Vice President, Insights & Strategy at MMGY Global. “But, there won’t be one moment where it all turns back on for everyone. Cities, even within the same state, may be on totally different time tables and with differing restrictions and protocols.” The survey was conducted among employees of destination organizations
representing U.S. cities, regions and states. LAS VEGAS, NV — GES Executive Vice President of Industry Development John “Jack” Patronski retired from the company on June 30. “Jack has been a major contributor to GES including early acquisitions in the U.S. and Canada, leading the National Sales group, major
John Patronski
labor negotiations, service initiatives and training,” commented GES Executive Vice President of Exhibitions Jeff Quade. Among Patronski’s distinctions include serving as Chairman of the PCMA Foundation in 2006, receiving the PCMA Foundation’s Visionary Award, and being inducted into the EIC’s Hall of Leaders in 2016. Patronski began his events career in 1976 as Director of Operations for the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. In 1978, he joined Andrews Bartlett, which GES acquired in 1993. NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (CVC) recently appointed Jennifer Sullivan to the sales team as Director, Mid-Atlantic Regional Office. She will serve as an in-market rep for Washington, DC-based clients interested in booking
Jennifer Sullivan
Nashville as a convention destination. Sullivan previously worked for Destination Cleveland in the Washington, DC market. Her DMO and onproperty hotel experience includes positions with Visit Baltimore and Kimpton Hotels Baltimore. “Jennifer will be a great fit with our Nashville team, and her experience in the Washington, DC market is exactly what’s needed as we look toward Nashville’s future in the meetings industry,” said Adrienne Siemers, Senior Vice President of Sales at the CVC. PHILADELPHIA, PA — Last month, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) Board of Directors unanimously voted to appoint Gregg Caren as
Gregg Caren
President and CEO. Caren most recently served as the Continued on page 6
FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS 2020 SUPERBOOK
