Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1459281
11 B M & T ••• March/April 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com N E W S M A K E R S DESTINATION DC WELCOMES WILLIAM ADAMS AS NEW DIRECTOR OF CONVENTION SALES Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, recently announced William Adams's appointment as director of convention sales. In his new position, Bill will attract convention business and develop sales policies and pro- grams to bring meet- ings of all sizes to DC. His work will drive local hotel room nights and economic impact from business events, which is a crucial ele- ment of pandemic recovery. He will also oversee DDC's con- vention sales team and work alongside DDC's vice president of con- vention sales and serv- ices, Melissa A. Riley. "Bill's leadership experience and customer-centric approach to sales will undoubtedly continue to elevate Destination DC initiatives as well as the city's presence within the meetings and conventions realm," said Riley. "I've seen Bill's talent over the years, as I had the pleasure of working with him many years ago in DC and our paths crossed regu- larly at industry events. Now I couldn't be happier to work together to achieve the same mission as the DC meetings and events industry recovers." Bill joins DDC with more than 15 years of experience in the attraction, tourism and hospitality industry and a success- ful career in convention sales. In his most recent role as national sales manager with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Bill oversaw 800 active accounts and gen- erated 16 percent growth while bringing in business with an economic impact of $473 million, which represented nearly one million hotel room nights. He also spearheaded LVCVA events, sales missions, site inspections and fly-ins that con- tributed to the overall environment for hotel partner success. "I'm thrilled to join the Destination DC team," said Adams. "Early in my career, as a member of the group sales team at the Newseum, working with DDC was a huge part of the strategy for attracting visitors. So to have the oppor- tunity to represent my hometown of Washington, DC is a full circle moment in my professional career. I truly look for- ward to serving our hotel community and the many cus- tomers seeking the perfect home for their next meeting, con- ference or convention." Bill has had several other roles in the industry. He promot- ed Norfolk, VA as a national sales manager for Norfolk Convention & Visitor's Bureau where he focused on associa- tions. He has also led sales efforts for conventions, meetings and group accounts with the Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Annapolis Convention and Visitors Bureau. Bill lives in Bowie, Maryland with his wife and three kids. He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and enjoys playing basketball and spending time outdoors. DESTINATIONS INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER Destinations International the world's largest resource for official destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), recently announced Sophia Hyder Hock has joined the association as the chief diversity officer, effective February 22, 2022. Destinations International is committed to transforming destination communi- ties through thought leadership, best prac- tices and tool-based ini- tiatives on equity, diver- sity and inclusion (EDI) principles so their destinations are true reflections of their c o m m u n i t i e s . D e s t i n a t i o n s International firmly stands by its belief that the travel and tourism industry should be open to everyone for opportunities and growth and that it is critical for destination organizations to commit to implement- ing an EDI strategy to drive a vision for change within their communities. In this new role, Hock will provide leadership, coordina- tion and strategic direction for the design and implementation of an overall strategy within the association, across member organizations and the broader tourism industry. She will play