metroConnections, a designer of themed events and meetings and a conference program logistics provider,announced that Sam Thompson, founder and CEO, will retire effective Dec. 31.
David Graves, president of metroConnections, will assume the role of CEO, effective immediately. Thompson will continue to serve metroConnections in a part-time capacity to assist with the transition through the rest of the 2013, as well as serve as an ongoing member of the board of directors. Thompson is leaving metroConnections after 30 years in the industry to spend more time with his family and pursue other business endeavors.
“It is time to pass the baton to the next generation of leaders,” said Thompson. “The strategy is in place and the momentum is strong, which will carry metroConnections into its next chapter.”
A native of Minnesota with a passion for Twin City tourism, Thompson started metroConnections in 1984 in hopes of improving the tourism experience in the Minnesota area. Under Thompson’s ownership and leadership, metroConnections has grown into a $16 million per year conference and event services company that has received numerous awards including “Best Destination Management Company” and “Best Innovative Event.” It has also been designated a top 25 destination management company (DMC) by Special Events Magazine every year since 2006.
Thompson has been a strong advocate for tourism and has successfully operated the Twin Cities Highlights Tour for more than 27 years. He is also a past president of the Association of Destination Management Executives International, the international voice for the DMC Industry.
“Thompson exemplifies strong leadership characteristics and encourages metroConnections employees to serve on councils, committees and boards just as he has for numerous years, further supporting the growth of the industry,” said Graves. “We look forward to his ongoing advisory role as a member of our board as we continue to carry on his vision of being the premier conference, event, stage production and transportation services provider in the industry.”
Having joined metroConnections in 1988, Graves led the growth in event management and team building services for the company and quickly became Thompson’s business partner. As president, Graves is currently responsible for ensuring that the company is operating efficiently and he directly leads the award-winning event services and production services divisions. Prior to joining metroConnections, Graves spent six years with the Marriott Corporation in conference management and sales. In 2006, Graves was named Meetings and Events Magazine “Hall of Fame – Event Planner of The Year.”
Renee Splittgerber, director of transportation services for metroConnections, has served under Thompson for more than 23 years, and will now oversee the transportation services division.
“Renee has been running our transportation operation for the last few years and will continue the exceptional service based on the principals that Sam had put in place years ago,” said Graves. “She continues to also drive our national offering where she has created great success in transportation movements of 250 attendees or more across the U.S.”
