Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1539265
B M & T ••• September/October 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 19 S ince June 16, 2025, when Dan Williams started as President & CEO of The Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, something electric has been happening in the heart of Alabama's largest city. Selected from a comprehensive national search, Williams was formally Chief Sales Officer of Experience Columbus since 2015 and instrumental in its positioning as the fastest growing city in America. It's not just about a new leader stepping into a prominent role, it's about a movement. Today the excitement is palpable, the energy undeni- able, the GBCVB is witnessing the first signs of a future built on collaboration, people-first leadership, and inno- vation. This is The Daniel Williams Way, and it's quickly becoming the guiding philosophy for not just the CVB, but for the entire Birmingham community. 1. COLLABORATION, ALIGNMENT, AND PARTNERSHIP: GROWING BIRMINGHAM TOGETHER The heartbeat of Dan Williams' leadership is the belief that alignment fuels success. Under his direction, The Greater Birmingham CVB is on a mission to create seam- less, organic partnerships across the private, public, and corporate sectors making sure the organization is truly aligned with the community in the spirit of collaboration to do big things and key to that is demonstrating how beneficial the hospitality industry is as a catalyst for eco- nomic transformation. Already, there is an infectious sense of optimism at GBCVB. Soon corporate leaders, community advocates, and local entrepreneurs alike will rally around his mis- sion, energized by the opportunity to work alongside an organization who sees their shared vision as the path for- ward to make Birmingham the sought after premier des- tination for sports, events, meetings and conventions, not only in the Southeast, but nationally. Williams' dynamic approach to collaboration isn't just a blueprint for the CVB—it's a call to action for the entire Birmingham community. 2. One of the most striking aspects of Dan Williams' leadership is his unwavering belief that people are the true power behind progress. His leadership philosophy isn't about hierarchy or titles. It's about people first, work life balance, and effective hard work as a team. "Covid made me realize that numbers aren't the most important thing " — "and if you support your people by making sure that they're good mentally and physically, that their families are good, and all of that is in place, they will be more impactful and effective employees." This people-first mindset is already transforming the culture within The Greater Birmingham CVB. Within just 45 days of taking office, Williams rolled out a hybrid work schedule and introduced one-on-one meetings with staff members, not just to explain his leadership approach, but to listen and understand how each person envisions their own success and most importantly to ensure each individ- ual is doing what they must to maintain a healthy mind and body. And it's paying off. Staff morale is high and everyone—from the most senior executive to the newest A C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H D A N W I L L I A M S BY TONI WALKER