(Left to right: Jerry Horan, President & CEO, ConferenceDirect; Brian Chisolm, VP of Global Accounts, ConferenceDirect; Maura Gast, Executive Director, Visit Irving; Segi Desta, VP of Global Accounts, ConferenceDirect; Brian Richey, Executive Vice President, ConferenceDirect)
submitted by ConferenceDirect
The Annual Partner Meeting (APM) is one of ConferenceDirect’s annual signature partner and associate events. The Annual Partner Meeting connects our most valued Partners with our Associates in one convenient event. Partners attending have the opportunity to meet and conduct business with over 200 qualified ConferenceDirect Associates.
APM was held at the brand-new Loews Arlington that opened its doors in February 2024. The meeting included a warm welcomed by Alex Tisch, President & CEO of Loews Hotels & Co.
One of the highlights of the conference was the Eclipse Party held on Monday, April 8th, offering attendees a unique opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring “path of totality.”
The conference featured a lineup of industry leaders and speakers, headlined by Chris Cassidy, a former NASA astronaut and inspirational leader known for his remarkable achievements in space exploration and leadership.
On Sunday, associates participated in a CSR activity benefiting American Cancer Society building luminaries that were displayed during the solar eclipse event. ConferenceDirect donated $5,000 to American Cancer Society and presented the check to Brian Sherwood, Senior Director, Relay for Life. ConferenceDirect also made a donation of $15,000 to Destination International Foundation for the HBCU and Hospitality Scholarship. The check was presented to Maura Gast, Executive Director, Visit Irving and former chair of Destinations International.
APM showcased ConferenceDirect and Loews Arlington’s commitment to sustainability and wellness efforts. Attendees had access to wellness activations including guided walks, yoga and HIIT workout classes. Name badges and lanyards are produced with recycled materials and all communications are sent through Mobile App and AI Event Bot to reduce waste. Meeting materials and printed graphics are donated to the The Welman Project at the end of the event. With the support of New Orleans & Company, carbon offsets will be purchased to mitigate the carbon footprint of attendee travel to the event.
On Wednesday, ConferenceDirect welcomed students from Tarrant County College for a special student workshop.14 college hospitality students participated in the workshop led by Brian Richey, Executive Vice President, ConferenceDirect and Cara Banash, SVP, Enterprise Solutions, ConferenceDirect. Students gained invaluable insights into career development and innovative strategies for success in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. The student workshop also featured engaging programming that included a Hilton Lunch which offered a mentorship program with the Embassy Suites brand aimed at nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals.
About ConferenceDirect
ConferenceDirect, headquartered in Folsom, California, is a full-service global meetings solution company. Our diverse portfolio of services includes Virtual/Hybrid Meetings, Site Selection & Contract Negotiation, Conference Management, Housing & Registration Services, Event Technology, Strategic Meetings Management Programs, Incentive Programs, Cruise Services, Experience Design, Green Meetings, Vendor Management, and Marketing Support. With over 450 associates managing more than 13,000 meetings, conferences, and events for over 4400 customers, ConferenceDirect is committed to delivering innovative and professional solutions. For more information, visit www.conferencedirect.com.
