Meeting News - June 16, 2008 - (Page 18) People Making News continued from page 16 with him with the hope of helping others in this great profession. I look forward to contributing any way I can,” said Peeper. An industry leader, Peeper serves as treasurer of the Travel Industry Association of America and is a former chairman of Destination Marketing Association International. He was recognized by MeetingNews as one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, and 2006. for a community of people who share similar interests. Liz understands the importance of fostering a vibrant community and knows instinctively how to bring people together.” s HVS Executive Search, the executive search and compensation consulting firm for HVS’ global consulting and services organization specializing in the hotel, restaurant, retail, and gaming industries, has tapped Juliette Boone as vice president. Boone brings a wealth of experience in her 18-year hospitality industry career. She has a diverse professional background, including hotel food and beverage operations, culinary arts, catering sales and operations, contract food service, concept development, hospitality education, hotel valuation, and food and beverage consulting. Her experience is complemented with a master’s degree in hospitality management and bachelor of science from Cornell University. “Success in the hotel, gaming, restaurant, and retail industries is based on the ability to attract, retain, and motivate superior talent. Juliette has already proven to be an asset to the growth of HVS, and I am looking forward to working with her on executive search and compensation consulting projects,” said Keith Hefgen, HVS’ executive search president. Juliette will be located out of HVS’ Boulder, CO, office. Murai as convention services manager for its corporate, meetings, and incentives division. Her primary responsibilities are supporting the destination travel needs of convention groups utilizing HVCB’s services and assisting with the marketing and promotional activities conducted by HVCB’s regional sales directors nationwide. Murai brings 17 years of Hawaii convention and hotel services experience to her new role at HVCB, most recently serving as catering sales manager for the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa since 2005. ‘Rainmaker’ Liz Ware Turns to New Horizons Liz Ware, chief rainmaker in charge of DC-based ASAE & the Center’s sponsorship programs, industry relations, development, and special events, will depart to become a senior vice president of Chicago-based IEG LLC—the world’s leading provider of independent research, advisory services, training and analysis on sponsorship—at the end of this month. Her new duties will comprise strengthening IEG’s relationships in the association, convention center, and tourism bureau/destination sectors, in addition to other new business initiatives. Ware has been with ASAE & the Center for 12 years. She has played key roles in many areas including in developing the association’s award-winning publications, and in developing ASAE & the Center’s Partnership Program in 2006. “The association and industry partner community has been my second family for many years. I am indebted to the outstanding staff and volunteer leaders of ASAE & the Center for the opportunities afforded to me over the past 12 years. I look forward to being an active member of ASAE & the Center in my newly created role at IEG,” said Ware. “Liz is a superstar. It has been wonderful working with her for 12 years since I hired her at GWSAE. She is the ultimate relationship builder and has surpassed expectations throughout her tenure,” said Susan Sarfati, president and CEO of the Center and executive vice president of ASAE. “Associations are really a ‘people business,’ in the sense that they serve as the professional home 18 MeetingNews June 16, 2008 DMCs ME Productions announced that Sarah Gabel, recently joined the company as new executive sales and event manager. Prior to working with ME Productions, Gabel served as a regional manager with Helms Briscoe, performing worldwide site selections searches to assist corporations, associations, and government groups with their off-site meetings. She is based in the company’s Central Florida Orlando office, where her responsibilities include developing new business and supporting the needs and requirements of area hotels. ME Productions also named David Berkoski as director of sales, upon which he oversees the corporate sales efforts at the special events and production company, which operates in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Naples, FL. Prior to joining ME Productions, Berkoski enjoyed a successful career in hotel sales, holding sales management positions with Peabody Hotels, Gaylord Hotels, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Stouffer Orlando Resort, and Hilton Hotels. Shout Outs Associations Pawleys Plantation in Pawleys Island, SC, has announced that director of sales Kay Grant has been named Supplier of the Year for the Carolinas Chapter of MPI. In addition, Kay was nominated and inducted for two years to the board of directors for MPI. Nominees for the Supplier of the Year award were judged on industry contributions and community service, awards/professional recognition, and professional/career advancement. The winners were announced at the annual meeting on May 19 at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel in Asheville, NC. Hotels The JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. Live has announced the appointment of Javier Cano as the general manager of the property. Born in Los Angeles, Cano brings more than 32 years of hospitality experience to his role, with 29 of those years spent in the Marriott family. As general manager, he will oversee all aspects of the 878-room hotel’s operations, including guest relations, front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, finances, teambuilding, and staff development. r www.meetingnews.com CVBs The Hawaii VCB has appointed Josette http://www.meetingnews.com
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