Conference Services International, more commonly known as CSI etc., announced the company has been sold to Kenneth V. Porter. Porter is the former president and CEO of Concept Convention Services, Inc.
A late 20th century, Phoenix-based company which included offices in Tucson, Phoenix and Albuquerque, Concept Convention Services, Inc. was then integrated into Dial Corporation in 1995. In March 2010, realizing he missed the convention business; Porter elected to re-enter the industry as president of CSI etc.
Porter maintains excellent business relations with many Ariz. valley resorts and convention venues. CSI etc is already the official general services contractor for numerous facilities and hotels; with the addition of Porter the sky is the limit.
“We are very pleased to welcome Porter as his vision for the future growth of CSI etc. will allow us to deliver an unfailing service to our clientele as their shows grow and travel throughout the U.S.,” said Karen May, vice president of sales and marketing, CSI etc. “This is great news for our clients and our team.”
In addition, CSI etc. has reinforced its team with industry veteran Steve Ramirez.
Ramirez spent eight years with Arizona Tents and Events (ATE) and eight years with Tri Rentals Event Specialists. Most recently, Ramirez was with ProEm who acquired ATE. Over the last 20 years Ramirez has worked with, and/or operated numerous local events, ranging from 10 to 100,000 attendees. He has serviced such clients as Scottsdale Fashion Week, Bank One Ballpark, FBR Open, McDowell Mountain Music Festival, Fiesta Bowl, and the Super Bowl.
“Steve adds remarkable talent to our team,” said Karen May vice president of sales and marketing, CSI etc. “His resort-rich experience, far reaching knowledge and established track record make him the ideal choice to join our team as we continue growth in order to meet the increased request for top tradeshow management in Arizona.”
