President and CEO Al Hutchinson has announced he will not renew his contract with Visit Baltimore. In eight years of Hutchinson’s leadership, Baltimore experienced a record-breaking 27.5 million visitors in 2023, generating $4 billion for the city’s economy. The city also won the bid to host the American Society of Association Executives’ 2023 Annual Meeting and Exposition, developed a Tourism Improvement District to provide resources for marketing and sales efforts, and created initiatives to highlight Baltimore’s rich Black history and culture.
“Under Al’s transformative leadership, Baltimore’s tourism industry has thrived, bringing visitors, investment and new opportunities to our city,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We are grateful for Al’s many contributions to Baltimore. His commitment to telling positive, community-focused stories that showcase the breadth and diversity of our neighborhoods has set the stage for a bright future.”
Staying on as a consultant until his successor is announced. A committee of members from the Baltimore Convention & Tourism Board will oversee the transition.
“Serving as president and CEO of Visit Baltimore has been the opportunity of a lifetime,” commented Hutchinson. “It has been the most challenging job that I’ve ever had, and also the most fulfilling. Baltimore’s potential as a premier destination continues to flourish, and the foundation we’ve built over the past several years ensures that our city’s tourism industry will continue to thrive.”
Hutchinson was President and CEO of Visit Mobile in Alabama prior to Baltimore. For more information about Visit Baltimore visit their website www.baltimore.org.
Aoife McCrum and Gráinne Ní Ghiollagáin are taking over as Managing Partners of SoolNua, a Dublin based specialist business events advisory group. The company founders, Patrick Delaney and Pádraic Gilligan, the founders of Sool Nua, will remain in different capacities. Delaney will be in an advisory role, contributing to key projects, and Gilligan will continue as part of the operational team, providing strategic direction and mentorship.
A graduate in advertising and marketing, McCrum joined SoolNua from the beginning and helped shape the company’s brand. Ní Ghiollagáin who joined SoolNua five years ago, became a pharmacist to gain industry experience in the supply and demand aspects of the industry.
“We’re honoured to take ownership of SoolNua, building on the extraordinary legacy created by Patrick and Pádraic,” said McCrum. “With a fresh perspective and a renewed vision, we are excited to be shaping the future of SoolNua, driving innovation, and delivering exceptional value for our clients.”
For more information about Sool Nua see their website www.soolnua.com.
Sue O’Shea has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing at Visit Anaheim. Since joining the organization in 2016, O’Shea has been instrumental in driving success and innovation within the marketing team. O’Shea had been Director of Marketing at Integrated Insight, Inc for nearly four years prior to joining Visit Anaheim. Other organizations she has been with include Knott’s Berry Farm, Honda Center, Montage Hotels & Resorts, and the Disneyland Resort. For more information about Visit Anaheim see their website www.visitanaheim.org.
Veteran Hyatt Hotels executive Daniel Kuperschmid has been named the new President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. He is stepping in for Julie Coker, who left in December to become President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions.
Kuperschmid was Hyatt’s Vice President of Global Asset Management prior, and served as Area Vice President and General Manager of the Grand Hyatt San Diego for more than six years, during which he oversaw eight hotels in the Southern California market, including four in San Diego.
“Daniel’s experience and leadership will further unite our tourism community and elevate our destination, strengthening San Diego’s position as a world-class destination,” said Shawn Dixon, COO of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and chair of the SDTA.
Kuperschmid served as chair of the SDTA board of directors from 2019 to 2023, and was instrumental in the selection of Julie Coker, who led the organization from 2020 to 2024. For more information about the San Diego Tourism Authority visit their website at www.sandiego.org.
Dean Creazzo has joined LVE as Account Manager. Previously, Creazzo was Account Manager at Chicago Exhibit Productions. For more information about LVE see their website www.lvexpo.com.
