Austin Seeley
Louisville Tourism is pleased to announce that Austin Seeley has transitioned to the organization’s sales team as convention sales manager. He served as destination services manager for two and a half years, providing exceptional client support and operational expertise.
In his new role, which began July 1, Seeley is responsible for working with booked convention groups and overseeing market segments including health and medical, science and engineering, cultural and education cohorts. Austin’s focus is on events that use 300 or fewer hotel rooms on peak nights, where his experience and dedication strengthen the efforts of the convention sales department.
Heidi Albertson
Travel Lane County is excited to welcome Heidi Albertson as convention sales manager. She brings nearly a decade of hospitality experience with the Graduate by Hilton hotel in Eugene, where she also served as director of sports travel and development from 2019 to 2020 before relocating to central Oregon.
In her new role, Albertson helps attract more meetings, conventions and events to Lane County by connecting with planners, building strong relationships and showcasing the Eugene, Cascades and Coast region as a premier gathering destination. With a passion for the area and a commitment to client success, she ensures every group feels supported.
Jorge L. Pérez
The board of directors of Discover Puerto Rico has named Jorge L. Pérez as the organization’s new CEO, effective Sept. 15. Pérez brings 15 years of experience with Legends/ASM Global, where he serves as regional general manager overseeing Puerto Rico Convention Center, Coliseo de Puerto Rico, Coca-Cola Music Hall and Antiguo Casino.
A Certified Venue Executive (CVE), he has been recognized for his leadership and success in elevating Puerto Rico’s venues to world-class status. As CEO, Pérez will guide Discover Puerto Rico’s marketing and convention strategies, driving continued tourism growth and positioning the Island globally.
Walden Agustin
Visit Austin is pleased to announce the appointment of Walden Agustin as director of Midwest sales. Agustin brings extensive sales leadership experience, a strong record in revenue generation, and proven success in building lasting client relationships. He previously served as director of Midwest sales for the San Francisco Travel Association, where he specialized in new business development, key account management and strategic sales partnerships.
With his deep expertise in the Midwest market and ability to drive results in competitive environments, Agustin will play a key role in strengthening Visit Austin’s presence and impact in this important region.
Mark Kirsch
Jackson-Shaw, a national real estate developer based in North Texas, has hired Mark Kirsch as general manager for the dual-branded AC Hotel by Marriott Symphony Park and Element by Westin Symphony Park in Las Vegas. The two hotels, connected under one roof, will feature 441 guest rooms and are slated to open in September 2025.
Located at Symphony Park Avenue and South Grand Central Parkway, the development sits between the World Market Center and The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Kirsch brings extensive hospitality experience to the role and will lead operations at this flagship downtown project.
Neil Schriever
Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB) is pleased to announce that Neil Schriever has rejoined the organization as director of sales. Schriever returns to Providence after most recently serving in Boston, bringing valuable experience and industry knowledge back to the PWCVB.
In his new role, he will lead and mentor the meetings sales team, supporting efforts to attract conventions, meetings, and events to the region. Schriever’s proven leadership and deep understanding of the market will strengthen the bureau’s ability to build strong partnerships, generate business opportunities, and promote Providence and Warwick as premier destinations.
Clemalita Smith
Wolfgang Puck Catering is pleased to announce the appointment of Clemalita Smith as regional director. Bringing more than 20 years of luxury hospitality expertise, she has built her career in business development, operations, strategic planning, and team mentorship while consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Most recently, Smith served as vice president of the Americas and executive director of business development for Meveca, a Germany-based company. Her background also includes executive roles with iconic properties such as Shutters on the Beach, Hotel Casa del Mar, W Hollywood and W Los Angeles, showcasing her leadership, creativity and commitment to hospitality excellence.
Fernando Flores
Auberge Resorts Collection has appointed Fernando Flores as general manager of Esperanza, the iconic oceanfront retreat in Los Cabos, Mexico. Flores is a respected leader in the region with more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience and a strong record of innovation, creativity and operational excellence.
In his new role, he will oversee all operations, guiding Esperanza’s continued evolution while honoring its legacy as one of Mexico’s most celebrated resorts. Known for his hands-on leadership and “Triangle of Excellence” philosophy, Flores brings a guest-focused, team-driven approach that strengthens Esperanza’s reputation for world-class service.
Charles Harris
Visit Orlando has named Charles Harris as chief operating officer. Harris is an award-winning global operations executive with extensive experience driving transformation, business growth, and innovative sales and marketing strategies across tourism, hospitality, technology and sports management.
In his new role, he will oversee internal operations and lead the implementation of Visit Orlando’s strategic and annual business plans, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and vision. He will also manage digital and data strategy, human resources, finance and business affairs, IT and market research. Recognized as one of the BizBash 500, Harris is a respected industry leader.
Ariane Coldiron
PRA, a leader in the business events industry, has appointed Ariane Coldiron as chief executive officer, overseeing operations across 31 service locations in North America. Coldiron brings more than 30 years of experience in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector and will guide PRA into its next chapter of growth, building on the company’s long record of success.
She succeeds interim CEO Tom Kemp, who has been named chairman of the board and will support the transition. Known for her strategic vision and leadership, Coldiron is committed to advancing PRA’s impact and delivering results for clients
