Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau has expanded its sales department with the addition of a national sales manager and a business development coordinator.
“Cincinnati USA is experiencing an incredible time of growth in both our urban core and region-wide, which only strengthens our ability to be a world-class destination for meetings and conventions. As these developments continue, it is imperative that we prepare our CVB team to meet the changing needs of our community and keep Cincinnati top-of-mind in the industry,” said Dan Lincoln, president and CEO, Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Coming to Cincinnati from Cleveland, National Sales Manager Kariuki Epps is a seven-year veteran of the industry where he claimed the role of senior sales manager. Recognized by Rejuvenate Magazine as a member of the “40 Under 40” award recipients in 2012, Epps will bring new conventions to Cincinnati as well as enhance the region’s reputation as a top national meetings destination, using his experience in the religious, fraternal and ethnic meetings segments.
Prior to his work in Cleveland, Epps also served as the convention center sales manager for the Radisson Hotel/Valley Forge Convention Plaza and as destination sales manager at the Akron Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Coming to the Cincinnati USA CVB from the Greater Cincinnati Sports Corporation (GCSC), an affiliate organization of the CVB, Business Development Coordinator Ryan Smeltzer served as an event manager, promoting Cincinnati as a premier sports destination. As new and renovated hotel properties increase Cincinnati USA’s offerings in 2014, Smeltzer’s position was created to address the changing landscape within the Cincinnati hotel community.
“With their background and industry expertise, Kariuki and Ryan are great additions to our team. I am confident that they will be key players in the success of our thriving region,” said Lincoln.
