The Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) welcomed Denise Reid as its new president at its 2023 annual conference in Pittsburgh.
Reid, who is an award-winning event planning manager at Hyatt Centric French Quarter (HCFQ) in New Orleans, will focus on rebuilding the association’s membership to pre-pandemic levels, while ensuring ESPA is an inclusive advocate for all stakeholders in hospitality.
“In 2023, I will continue to introduce ESPA as a valued asset to professionals in the event service industry, specifically my hotel colleagues nationwide,” Reid says. “Moreover, I intend to present myself as an ESPA mentor to a fresh wave of event service professionals who have joined the most exciting and rewarding professional organization designed for professionals in the event service industry. I hope that the life lessons I have gained throughout my 30+ year career can be a source of support and guidance as they navigate the amazing educational tools that ESPA has to offer.”
Reid’s pledge is that ESPA be an advocate that recognizes the genuine sense of inclusiveness as part of a larger DEI conversation that will lead to an environment specifically accessible to all stakeholders.
During her career, Reid has received numerous awards, including the 2022 Smart Women in Meetings (Visionary Award), 2018 HCFQ Manager of the Year, 2018 HRI Properties National Manager of the Year and 2018 ESPA Member of the Year.
In addition to ESPA, she is a member in Women@Hyatt, Hyatt B.L.A.C.K. Diversity Business and Resource Group and Loyola University New Orleans Alumni Association.
Aside from delivering memorable event service, Reid keeps busy. As a classically trained mezzo-soprano, she has performed with the Gulf Coast Opera Théâtre and the Keesler Air Force Base production of Handel’s Messiah, Biloxi, Mississippi. She also enjoys international travel, volunteering in her local community and serving as youth choir director at her church.
ESPA’s mission is to prepare event and convention services professionals for pivotal roles in innovative and successful event execution. As a forum for CSMs and an educational and networking resource, ESPA advocates for the role and impact that event service professionals have on the success of events and destinations, hotels and convention centers.
ESPA is grateful for the service of outgoing president Paola Bowman, CMP, CMM, who is the destination services manager at the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau in Arlington, Texas, for her unparalleled leadership, as well as outgoing directors Kristen Turner, CMP, DES, Allegheny Conference on Community Development and Victor Sanchez, CMP, Isleta Resort & Casino, for their devoted service.
Also, ESPA will welcome the following new board members and a new officer:
- Carol A. Gagnon, CMP, CEM, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, ascends to the office of Treasurer
- Tammy Jeffries, CGSP, Greater Raleigh CVB
- Michelle D. Moon, CMP, CTE, CPCE, CTA, Visit San Antonio
- Brynn Showalter, Tampa Convention Center
