F OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Meghan Risch
312-567-8540
(Chicago, IL) June 2, 2006 – Tim Roby, president of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB), today announced the appointment of Mark Theis to the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Sales. He will join the CCTB on July 17.
Theis joins the CCTB with sixteen years of experience in the meetings and convention industry, having led the sales efforts for organizations including the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau (LA Inc.) and Marriott Hotels and Resorts.
“Mark’s destination sales experience and commitment to the customer will be terrific assets to the Bureau as we aggressively focus on our core mission as a destination sales and marketing organization,” said Roby.
During a total of 12 years with the San Francisco CVB (2000-2006, 1990-1996), Theis served in lead sales roles, most recently as Vice President of the 22-person convention division. He was also involved in significant milestones, including the 2003 addition of Moscone West to the city’s convention center, achieved record-breaking room night sales production in a more competitive climate, and contributed to several new hotel development and community projects for the Bay Area.
While with Mariott Hotels & Resorts, Theis managed the greater Washington DC accounts, and as Regional Director of Sales with LA Inc., he directed the New York City office.
“I am proud to join one of the strongest sales teams in the industry, and look forward to the opportunity to sell a world-class destination, complete with incomparable meeting and convention facilities and acclaimed cultural attractions,” said Theis. “I am anxious to play a part in taking the CCTB to new heights.”
Theis is a member of numerous industry organizations, including the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI).
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