Shelly Brown
national sales manager, Circa Resort and Casino
What values guide the partnerships you choose to build? When building on partnerships, I value a common vision with trust and total transparency.
What’s a personal passion that influences your professional approach?
Cultivating meaningful relationships and elevating experiences really influence my professional approach.
What does success look like to you beyond the numbers?
Success to me is building deep connections with others and creating memorable moments that make the heart smile every time it is thought of.
Maria Dempsey, CMM, DES, CSW
senior sales manager, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
What values guide the partnerships you choose to build? The partnerships I choose to build are guided by core values that have remained constant throughout my career: integrity, collaboration, purpose and impact. With over 70 committees and nine board appointments across the hospitality industry, I have learned that true progress comes from partnerships rooted in trust, mutual respect and a shared vision. I believe in aligning with individuals and organizations that prioritize ethical leadership, long-term sustainability and the growth of our industry and its people.
I seek out partners who are not only committed to excellence but who also understand the importance of community, diversity and innovation. Each partnership I engage in must bring value not just to the stakeholders involved, but to the broader ecosystem we serve—our teams, guests and regional economy. I’ve seen the power of collective impact when values align, and I’m intentional in ensuring that every collaboration reflects that mindset. In short, I partner with those who are passionate about driving meaningful change and who understand that leadership is not just about influence, but about responsibility.
What’s a personal passion that influences your professional approach?
A personal passion that has profoundly shaped my professional approach is mentorship and talent development. Throughout my career, I’ve found deep fulfillment in helping others grow, whether it’s emerging leaders finding their voice or teams discovering their potential. I believe that when we invest in people, we invest in the future of our industry.
This passion drives how I lead, collaborate and make decisions. In every board, committee or team I’ve served on, I prioritize creating space for others to lead, learn and contribute meaningfully. I approach challenges not just as problems to solve, but as opportunities to engage, teach and uplift those around me. It’s this mindset that has helped me build strong, values-aligned partnerships and high-performing teams. In hospitality, our greatest asset is our people. My passion for mentorship reinforces my belief that leadership is not about holding the spotlight, but about helping others shine. This philosophy has shaped how I lead organizations, build culture and contribute to the broader industry.
What does success look like to you beyond the numbers?
To me, success goes far beyond numbers. It’s about creating meaningful, lasting impact—through innovation that elevates our industry, service that enriches lives and leadership that inspires others. I find success in moments where ideas spark change, where teams are empowered to reach new heights and where partnerships lead to greater purpose. Ultimately, success is about legacy. It’s measured by the culture we shape, the people we uplift and the progress we leave behind. I strive to build inclusive, resilient organizations that reflect the best of what hospitality stands for—service, connection and forward-thinking leadership. When we lead with heart and vision, the results follow naturally.
Steve Enselein, CMP
senior vice president of events, Hyatt
What values guide the partnerships you choose to build? Care, flexibility and collaboration—focused on long-term trust, innovation and success that elevates the experiences of our partners, customers and colleagues.
What’s a personal passion that influences your professional approach?
I’m passionate about fostering human connection. In my role, I’m honored to lead our talented events teams to drive event design that nurtures people, prioritizes sustainability and wellbeing, and creates lasting memories.
What does success look like to you beyond the numbers?
Ultimately, success is about creating meetings and events that leave planners and their guests feeling cared for and inspired.
Reina Herschdorfer, CED
director of marketing and public relations, Caesars Entertainment
What values guide the partnerships you choose to build? Trust, authenticity and collaboration create win-win outcomes and long-term relationships rooted in respect and shared values.
What’s a personal passion that influences your professional approach?
My passion for wellness shapes my work—driving trust, collaboration and long-term, win-win partnerships.
What does success look like to you beyond the numbers?
Striving for excellence—exceeding expectations—building strong relationships and bringing ideas to life.
Jennifer LeMaster
president & CEO, Seattle Convention Center
What values guide the partnerships you choose to build? I build partnerships rooted in material impact, kindness and respect—aligning with people who value integrity and treat others well.
What’s a personal passion that influences your professional approach?
I bring my love for education and nature into my work, striving to create opportunities that teach, inspire and protect our shared world.
What does success look like to you beyond the numbers?
We need leaders! Success is cultivating leaders who inspire and grow other leaders, creating a legacy of generosity and impact.
Shannon Licygiewicz, CEM
general manager, Albany Capital Center
What values guide the partnerships you choose to build? The partnerships I choose to build are guided by a strong foundation of teamwork, open communication and genuine collaboration. I believe in the power of working together, not just to achieve goals, but to support and grow alongside one another.
What’s a personal passion that influences your professional approach?
A personal passion of mine is working with people to help turn their dreams into reality. I find real fulfillment in supporting others—whether that means guiding a vision, problem-solving together or simply being a sounding board.
What does success look like to you beyond the numbers?
When those around me grow, gain confidence and get the credit they deserve, that’s when I know we’re truly succeeding—not just in performance, but in culture and impact!
Carla Melo
senior sales manager, Sonesta Resorts St. Maarten
What values guide the partnerships you choose to build? Trust, integrity and collaboration guide every partnership I pursue. I believe strong relationships built on respect and honesty create the foundation for long-term success.
What’s a personal passion that influences your professional approach?
I’m deeply passionate about connecting with people and understanding their stories. This drives me to create authentic, inclusive experiences that resonate beyond business and leave a lasting impact.
What does success look like to you beyond the numbers?
For me, success is measured in meaningful relationships, inspired teams and unforgettable guest experiences that foster loyalty and elevate the reputation of both the brand and the destination.
Kelly Campbell Smolen
vice president of events and entertainment, AREA15
What values guide the partnerships you choose to build? Transparency, trust and creativity—partners know I’ll execute seamlessly, pivot when needed and deeply understand their brand and event goals.
What’s a personal passion that influences your professional approach?
Travel and storytelling—I bring a global lens and a belief that every event should transport people into a new, transformative experience.
What does success look like to you beyond the numbers?
Success is measured in impact—when clients feel seen, guests feel connected and my team feels proud, inspired and supported to grow.
Olivia Tull
director of marketing, Sheraton San Diego Resort
What values guide the partnerships you choose to build? I seek partnerships rooted in trust, integrity and shared vision. I focus on building strong, authentic connections that unlock growth, create demand and strengthen ties in key markets.
What’s a personal passion that influences your professional approach?
Travel and beauty are intrinsically connected, and I believe that art and culture lead to deeper connections with a resort, destination and brand. I infuse that spirit of creativity into my approach to marketing.
What does success look like to you beyond the numbers?
When I leave my office, I see forever memories being made every single day. Success is getting to be a part of those precious memories and having the balance to create those for myself and my family as well.
