Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/319926
The San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau (SACVB), considered one of the best convention and visitors bureaus in the nation for its unwavering commitment to hospitality, is consistently looking for ways to make the customer experience even bet- ter. Recent staff promotions and reassignments will help to ensure this success. The SACVB is launching a new initiative called Community Business Development, to be headed by 16-year SACVB sales leader Felicia Madison, CMP. Formerly the director of Sales, Madison will focus on a Backyard Marketing Plan that allows the CVB the opportunity to network and create strong business relationships locally to help leverage partners' association involvement in bringing regional, national and international meetings to San Antonio. Madison brings strong experience from sales and excellent relationships within the local San Antonio community that will assist her in this leadership position. John Vlieger, CMP, CEM, a 13-year SACVB veteran, has been promoted to Convention Sales & Services manager. Vlieger will oversee all aspects of sales activities, having direct supervision of the convention center contracting process, overseeing short-term local sales for the building, and managing the group site inspection process, among many other responsibilities. With Vlieger's exten- sive knowledge of the SACVB and Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, his new position will help to maintain opportune communication between the SACVB and center. Barry David, CMP, has been promoted to Event Services manager. With the City of San Antonio for more than eight years, six at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and two with the SACVB, David has a great reputation with customers. His new role is crucial for convention center success and exceptional client service. Site inspection coordinator, John Sanchez, CMP, was recently reassigned to sales manager handling the Washington, D.C., mid-size market. Sanchez's seven years with the SACVB and proven success with site inspections is an ideal platform for him to cultivate business and build relationships from this target market. Tanya Espalin, CMP, a national sales manager for six years, is taking on the role of site inspection coordinator for the Chicago and Washington, D.C., mar- kets. With Espalin's creativity and knowledge of the city, she will be an integral part of booking major conventions from these key markets. Christopher Havens–Mariscal is taking over the role of sales manager handling 10–300 peak rooms in the Chicago Midwest markets, while Brenna Whitfield is the new senior management coordinator, overseeing the Convention & Visitors Bureau sales and marketing CRM database. B M & T ••• March/April 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 6 SAN ANTONIO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU ANNOUNCES NEW SALES STAFF POSITIONS Milton Segarra, president & CEO, Meet Puerto Rico (MPR), recently announced the appointment of Joyce M. Martínez to vice president, Business Development & Sales at the organization which leads the sales efforts to promote Puerto Rico as a world-class meeting and convention destination. In her new role, Martínez will oversee the organization's long-term selling strategies, as well as manage and supervise MPR's sales team in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Martínez will maintain her activities conducting research analysis of primary and secondary markets for the implementation of business development and sales strategies for the organization. Most recently serving as director of research and business development for the organization, Martínez has a long-standing his- tory with Meet Puerto Rico, as a consultant and as an employee for more than 15 years with Meet Puerto Rico. During her tenure, Martínez served as associate vice president of Strategic Marketing Research, director of Sales and Marketing for the U.S. Hispanic and Latin America Markets, and manager of Member Affairs. For eight years, Martínez worked independently as a sales and marketing research consultant for hotel companies and casinos in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. She also worked on special projects for destinations such as Mexico, Aruba, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. N E W S M A K E R S JOYCE MARTINEZ TAPPED TO LEAD MEET PUERTO RICO'S SALES TEAM •pg_3-11.qxp__BMT_pg3-58 5/20/14 5:39 PM Page 6