On the Move
Workin’ It
The Greater Reading (Pa.) Convention & Visitors Bureau launched its new website, www.readingberkspa.com. ProStage, an event technology company based in Orlando, Fla., announced that it purchased over 1.5 million dollars worth of additional equipment assets, adding substantially to the company’s inventory. Malta-based Corinthia Hotels International announced the signing of a long-term management agreement with Golden Sands Hotel Co. LLC of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for the operation of the 371 all-suite Ramada Hotel & Suites Jumeirah Beach. The exclusive property is set to open in January of 2008. New York-based Rose Brand, a provider of theatrical and event fabric, custom sewn drapery and production supplies, launched its new full-service website, RoseBrand.com. The site boasts new, intuitive product navigation featuring images and swatches for over 5,000 items. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center announced that it sold its one-millionth room a record 10 months before opening. The property will debut on April 25, 2008.
On the Job
Benoit Beylier, cofounder of Airstar America, will take the reins as CEO of Airstar Worldwide and relocate to its offices in France; David Mohen has been promoted to Airstar America’s executive vice president and will oversee U.S. operations from the company’s new headquarters in Orlando. Bixel & Company, a Los Angeles-based event production and destination meeting management company, announced the appointment of Elizabeth Kadlubak as sales manager. Chris Healy joined face-to-face marketing services company Exhibitgroup/Giltspur as an account manager; Andrew Callen also joined the Pittsburgh team as an account manager; Jennifer Howe joined the Boston team as an account manager. Josh Haynie joined Freeman’s Washington, D.C., national sales office as national sales manager. Connective marketing and communications company TBA Global announced the appointment of Jim Cavanaugh to the position of executive vice president for sales. In his new role, Cavanaugh will help TBA’s account teams provide solutions in B2B communications, learning and performance improvement, consumer marketing and branded entertainment. He will work out of the company’s New York office.
Awards and Achievements
Maria Herring, the Norfolk (Va.) Convention and Visitors Bureau’s government sales manager, received the Sam Gilmer Supplier of the Year Award from the Society of Government Meeting Professionals. Pinnacle Exhibits’ Rocawear exhibit at World Shoe Association was recognized with a Gold Astrid Award and a Bronze Award in the BMA Tower Awards. Its Leupold Tactical Optics exhibit received the Silver Astrid Award. Carolyn B. Davis, CMP, senior sales manager for ACCESS Destination Services, San Diego was recognized as 2007 Supplier of the Year by the San Diego Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). The Association of Destination Management Executives awarded Deborah Martin, CMP, chief operating officer of PRA Destination Management, the Destination Management Certified Professional classification. GEP Philly won the 2007 Liberty Award for Best Corporate Event at the annual awards gala of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the International Special Events Society. The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre won the Best Exhibition and Convention Centre in Asia award at the TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2007. MPI Arizona Sunbelt Chapter honored Rochell Planty, CMP, of Rockin R Meetings & Events LLC as the Planner of the Year at its annual awards gala.