Hear from a roundtable of hospitality industry CEOs and GMs representing CVBs, hotels, attractions and more to get their perspective on the state of the industry. What’s new for travel and tourism? How big a role does public relations play in the big picture of the organization and the industry? How can we, as public relations professionals, help our CEOs achieve their goals?
Moderator
Scott Mayerowitz, travel reporter, Associated Press
Mayerowitz is a national travel and business reporter with the Associated Press, focusing on the airlines industry. His stories include tips for the best times to book airfare, a trip to the final resting place for lost luggage, a look at how travel has changed in decade since 9/11, and an interview with Bill Marriott just before he retired as CEO of his family’s hotel company. Prior to the AP, Mayerowitz covered travel for ABC News and oversaw the network’s online travel section. He has previously covered Wall Street and business for ABC.
Speakers
Ted A. Beattie, president/chief executive officer, John G. Shedd Aquarium
Beattie joined Chicago’s John G. Shedd Aquarium in 1994 as its president and chief executive officer. A glittering jewel in Chicago’s cultural landscape, Shedd is one of the highest-attended aquariums of its kind in the United States with more than two million visitors per year. Appointed by President Bush in 2001 to the 16-member U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, he has helped craft recommendations on a range of issues, from stewardship of marine resources and pollution prevention to enhancing and supporting marine science, commerce and transportation.
Christopher Heywood, vice president, communications, NYC & Company.
George Hobica, founder and CEO, AirfareWatchdog.com
Hobica has been a travel journalist for nearly 30 years. He is a syndicated writer for McClatchy Tribune News Service, Huffington Post, USA Today, Fox News and others, and is a frequent guest on NPR, broadcast, local affiliate and cable TV. He is also the founder of Airfarewatchdog.com, an airfare alert and advice site, now a part of the TripAdvisor Media Group. An avid Tweeter, Hobica has nearly a quarter-million Twitter followers.
Tammy R. Krings, CEO & leadership coach, TS24
Krings owns Travel Solutions, Inc., a privately held travel management firm. Her expertise is in corporate travel consulting and management, meetings and events planning and management, and travel and expense management solutions.
Kim Schaefer, CEO, Great Wolf Resorts Inc.
Schaefer previously served as chief operating officer and chief brand officer. As COO, she focused her attention on delivering a great guest experience and establishing policies and procedures for indoor waterpark resorts. She joined Great Wolf Resorts’ predecessor, The Great Lakes Companies, Inc., headquartered in Madison, Wis., in 1995 as senior vice president of operations.