Creating Immersive Food and Beverage Experiences with Allison Kafalas

11/09/20 • 57 min

Thanks for joining us on Episode 21 with our guest Allison Kafalas, Director of Beverage, Americas at Hilton Hotels. The Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.
In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter). In addition, our guest Allison Kafalas will share what makes a hotel brand stand out, her vision for creating an immersive food and beverage experiences, searching for the next big cocktail or spirt, how entrepreneurs can gain a foothold with buyers and much more..
Allison Kafalas
Directory of Beverage, Americas
Hilton Hotels
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-glassman-kafalas-b5a72529/
BIO:
Allison Kafalas is the Director of Beverage, Americas, for Hilton Hotels. In her role, Allison is responsible for anything and everything beverage-related within the full service and luxury brands within Hilton (including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Canopy, Hilton, Embassy Suites and Double Tree).
Allison started her professional career in hospitality working for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. During her 10 years with Starwood, she moved across departments and disciplines including Operations, Marketing, Brand Management, and Food & Beverage. In her role as Director of Food & Beverage, North America, Allison ran the National Beverage program for the 9 full-service brands under the Starwood umbrella. As well, she was responsible for marketing initiatives and Banquets & Catering projects.
After Starwood, Allison switched hospitality channels and entered the airport space. She held the title of Director of Beverage for OTG Management, an upscale, design-led airport concessionaire company that spanned 10 airports with over 100 unique full-service restaurant concepts.
Allison earned her Bachelor’s Degree from New York University in Hotel & Tourism Management. She resides in NYC with her husband and very spirited 2 1⁄2 year old son.

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Advocating for the Protection of the Events Industry with David DuBois

Thanks for joining us on Episode 20 with our guest David DuBois, President & CEO at International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). The Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.
In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter). Our guest, David DuBois will share his thoughts on the current group business travel environment, the ongoing pandemic and how IAEE and other industry associations are advocating for the protection of the events through new legislation. In addition, David gives an update on the 2020 Expo! Expo! hybrid event taking place in Louisville this coming December.
David DuBois
President & CEO
International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-dubois-cae-cmp-fasae-cta-3a130a48/
BIO:
David DuBois is the President and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and EventsTM (IAEE). As IAEE’s president, DuBois is responsible for the management of 23 full-time professional staff, producing the annual business operating plan and budget, overseeing the support of all meetings of governance units, leading business development, directing fund raising efforts, advocating for the industry and the organization’s members, providing organizational leadership and strategic counsel to the board. Also, he serves as the association’s representative with industry coalitions, partner organizations and strategic alliances.
DuBois began his career with Sheraton Corporation in various sales positions including Regional Director of Sales and the Director of Marketing Programs. He has served as both President and CEO, and Senior Vice President at the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) where he was responsible for all operations and a $7 million budget. As Senior Vice President he managed the development of 15 new chapters and was responsible for magazine advertising sales and membership recruitment and retention.
DuBois has also served as both the Chief Operating Officer at Meeting Professionals International (MPI) from 1996-2000. During this time, he supported programs and services for more than 16,000 members worldwide, and served as the Executive Vice President of the MPI Foundation. David has also served as MPI’s Vice President of Sales and Key Account Management and Vice President of Corporate Services.
Most recently, DuBois has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau where he had oversight and full responsibility of 42 staff, with the responsibility of attracting convention and tourism business with a $8.5 million budget.
DuBois has also served as a board member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Texas Society of Association Executives; board member and Chairman of the Dallas Fort Worth Tourism Council; and board member of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves as Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Convention Industry Council (CIC). He also serves on the Board
of Directors for the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and the U.S. Travel Association.

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Raleigh on the Rise: Amplifying the Value of Tourism with Dennis Edwards

Thanks for joining us on Episode 22 with our guest Dennis Edwards, President & CEO at Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.
In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter). In addition, Denny will share his insight on new strategic investments into destination asset visualization tools, why sports will help power the travel rebound, how Raleigh is emerging as a global Esports leader and preparing for the return of live events.
Dennis Edwards
President & CEO
Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-edwards-639030a/
BIO:
Denny is the President and CEO for the Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau whose role is to sell and market Greater Raleigh as a tourist and meetings destination. The GRCVB has a staff of 32 people and an annual budget of $8.2 million. He has served in this capacity since April 2007.
Prior to joining the GRCVB, Denny served as the Senior Vice President for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau for ten years. A 38 year CVB veteran, Denny was also the Director of Sales for the Greater Houston CVB and prior to that served as the Director of Sales for the Palm Springs Desert Resorts CVB.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Travel & Tourism Coalition, East Carolina Hospitality Management Advisory Board, Wake County Economic Development and the Regional Transportation Alliance.
Denny served on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Association Executives, Professional Convention Management Association and Destinations International where he also served on the Foundation Board. He was an APEX Commissioner for the Convention Industry Council and also served on the International Association of Exhibitions and Events Exhibitor Advisory Council and is a past President for the Florida Chapter. Denny received the Business Leader 2009 Triangle Mover and Shaker Award.
An Iowa native, Denny is a graduate from the University of Northern Iowa where he received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Public Relations and minors in Business and Marketing. He and his wife Cindy have two boys Bryce and Drake.