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

11/16/20 • 59 min

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.

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Creating Immersive Food and Beverage Experiences with Allison Kafalas

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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Mentorship Takeaways from the C-Suite | Season 1 Recap

Thanks for joining us on Episode 23 as we discuss the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter).
In addition, we'll look back on our first season and reflect on the importance of mentorship with insights from Mike Dominguez, Elliott Ferguson, Allison Parc and Bill Lynch. The Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

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