Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1476179
11 B M & T ••• July/August 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com THE GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (GMCVB) ANNOUNCES NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF CONVENTION SALES Leading Destination Marketing Organization Appoints Alex Batista as New Vice President notably through omni-channel marketing efforts including Philly Live Weekends, a collaboration with NBC Philadelphia; a Black- and Brown owned business initiative, "Shop Black Business Friday;" and Pack Light. Plan Big for Philly, the TV campaign marking the phased reopening of the region. "With her deep knowledge of the tourism industry and extensive experience promoting our great city, Angela Val is a terrific choice to succeed Jeff Guaracino. I know she will continue to build upon his legacy of innovation and inclusive- ness," said Mayor Jim Kenney. "Having worked closely with Angela in her roles at the 2016 DNC Host Committee, PHLCVB and Ready. Set. Philly!, I've seen her passion for Philadelphia firsthand. I'm confident her commitment to col- laboration and ability to develop strategic initiatives will fur- ther position Philadelphia for a strong tourism rebound after the pandemic and create new and exciting opportunities." Val's hiring reflects the organization's continued commit- ment to recruiting the best talent and being welcoming to all. VISIT PHILADELPHIA employs the same values-based processes in staff hiring as it does with its Board of Directors selection, vendor, advertising decisions and more—ensuring a reflection of Philadelphia itself. The organization remains well-positioned to continue achieving its mission: building Greater Philadelphia's image, driving visitation and boosting the economy. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) has appointed Alex Batista as the next Vice President of Convention Sales. In his position, Alex will be responsible for positioning Miami & Miami Beach as a premier destina- tion by managing the daily sales activ- ities of the organization. He will assist Senior Vice President of Convention Sales & Services, Carol Motley, in developing and implementing strategic plans to drive meetings and conven- tions to Miami and Miami Beach. "I am thrilled to welcome Alex to the sales team," said Carol Motley, Senior Vice President of Convention Sales & Services. "He brings a wealth of hotel sales and marketing experi- ence to the GMCVB. I am a firm believer that diverse perspectives such as Alex' will help us to continue to problem solve, innovate, and make wise business decisions. Alex Batista brings to the GMCVB nearly 26 years of hospitality experience in leadership roles for several globally recognized hotel brands in Miami, Caribbean, and Latin American markets. Most recently, Alex served as the Complex Director of Sales & Marketing for the Eden Roc and Nobu Resorts in Miami Beach, where he led efforts focused on building customer, employee, and ownership satisfaction while repositioning these iconic brands post- pandemic. Alex has additional experience in Sales and Marketing key leadership roles in the Miami and Miami Beach area with Marriott, Hilton, Kimpton, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. "I am delighted to join the GMCVB's Convention Sales & Services team to further promote Miami and Miami Beach as a world-class destina- tion," said Alex Batista, GMCVB Vice President of Convention Sales. "I look forward to working alongside our team's Senior Vice President, Carol Motley, and the rest of this amazing and top-notch organization to help expand our portfolio and drive even more meetings and conventions to our area. With the newly reimagined Miami Beach Convention Center at our finger- tips, we are confident Miami and Miami Beach will not only be known as a top- tier tourism destination, but also a favored location for premier business meetings, events, and trade shows." Alex holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration and Management from Miami-Dade College and recently completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Barry University. He cur- rently resides in Miami Shores with his wife, Maria Cecilia, and their 11-year-old daughter Ana Victoria.