Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1542608
B M & T ••• January/February 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 8 KEVIN HOLLAND IS A TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONAL WITH A PASSION FOR PEOPLE, CULTURE, AND MEANINGFUL CONNECTION. As the National Account Manager for the DMV mar- ket at the Philadelphia Con- vention & Visitors Bureau, Kevin Holland leads efforts to attract large-scale meet- ings and conventions to the City of Brotherly Love. He manages accounts with 500– 1,499 attendees throughout Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as Diversity-focused meetings of 500+ attendees. Known for his relationship-driven approach, Kevin takes pride in showcasing Philadelphia's heart, hospitality, and world-class meeting experience to clients and partners. Kevin's perspective is deeply rooted in his strong hotel foundation. Prior to joining the PHLCVB, he held sales roles with both Hilton and Hyatt, including time at the Grand Hyatt Washington and Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill, where he developed a keen understanding of client needs, operations, and the full lifecycle of successful meetings. He later served as National Destination Sales Manager for Visit Richmond, VA, supporting the Diversity, Faith-Based, Government, and STEM association markets (400+ attendees). With a back- ground spanning hotel sales and destination sales, Kevin brings a strong understanding of how to build meetings that are meaningful, culturally rich, and attendee-focused. Outside the tourism and meetings industry, Kevin—also known as "Coach Kevin"—is an experienced personal trainer who has partnered with leading fitness brands such as Orangetheory Fitness and F45 Training. His passion for well- ness mirrors his commitment to community engagement and professional excellence. When he's not connecting planners to memorable experi- ences, Kevin enjoys exploring cities through their food, cul- ture, and people—always finding new ways to blend hospital- ity with heart. VISIT AUSTIN NAMES ARRON BROOKS VICE-PRESIDENT OF SALES Visit Austin announced recently the appointment of Arron Brooks as its new Vice President of Sales, effective Monday, December 29. Brooks, who brings more than fifteen years of experience across hospitality sales, con- vention sales, and destination marketing, returns to Visit Austin to lead the Con-ven- tion Sales Depart-ment. In his new role, Brooks will be responsible for the man- agement of the Convention Sales Department and ensuring the achievement of its goals and objectives. He will oversee daily sales operations, including the sales team, and the Austin Sports Commission. Brooks will also play a key role in developing sales strategy in partnership with the Austin Convention Center team. Brooks is a strategic sales and marketing leader with a proven track record of driving revenue and leading high-per- forming teams across top Austin hotels. He previously spent over a decade leading sales and marketing efforts for White Lodging, having most recently served as Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing for The Otis Hotel, AC Hotel Austin University, and Moxy Austin University, where he directed a team to achieve record top-line revenue performance. Before his tenure with White Lodging, Brooks began his career with Visit Austin in 2008 and quickly advanced through sales posi- tions, serving as Account Director for the Northeast and Midwest regions. "We are thrilled to welcome Arron Brooks back to the Visit Austin family and into the critical leadership role of VP of Sales," said Tom Noonan, President and CEO of Visit Austin. "Arron's extensive background not only includes a deep under- standing of our organization and our mission, but also proven success in securing top national association and corporate con- vention clients for major hotels in Austin. His familiarity with our city's hospitality community and his demonstrated leader- ship will be invaluable as we continue to market Austin as a premier business and leisure destination and drive economic growth for our community." Brooks is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio. His industry engagement includes having previously served as President of the Gulf States Chapter of PCMA and as a member of the inaugural Destinations International 30 Under 30 class. NEWSMAKERS