FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 22, 2007
CONTACT: Tom Rigsby, Director of Marketing and Communications
Convention Industry Council
(202) 429-8634
trigsby@conventionindustry.org
APEX COMMISSION ADDS TWO NEW MEMBERS
Washington, DC – August 22, 2007 – The Convention Industry Council welcomes new APEX Commission members Christie Hicks and Maura Gast.
Christie Hicks, Senior Vice President of Global Sales for Starwood Hotels, has played an active role in APEX from the initiative’s inception and will represent the housing sector of the industry. Maura Gast, Executive Director of the Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau, is an enthusiastic supporter of APEX and will represent the convention bureau sector.
“I'm very excited about these two women joining the APEX commission,” said Terri Breining, APEX Commission Chair. “They are smart, accomplished, and connected leaders in the meeting industry. I know that their participation will help us with our efforts to keep the APEX marketing and implementation process moving forward.”
The Commission is charged with driving the implementation and adoption of voluntary standards developed through the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX), an initiative of the Convention Industry Council. These standards will create and enhance efficiencies throughout the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry.
Rich Hunter, APEX Director, said, “I am looking forward to working with our new commissioners. Their participation and guidance will be invaluable as the APEX initiative moves into its implementation phase, an important step in the adoption of industry standards.”
Members of the APEX Commission include:
M. Theresa “Terri” Breining, CMP, CMM – President, Concepts Worldwide
APEX Commission ChairTom Ackert – Executive Director, Orange County Convention Center
Facilities Management SectorMaura Gast – Executive Director, Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau
Convention Bureau SectorChristie Hicks – Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Starwood Hotels
Housing SectorRhonda L. Marko, DMCP, CMP, CMM – President and CEO, Destination Nashville
Transportation SectorMike McCool – Director of Technology Services, The Freeman Companies
Service Contractors SectorShawn Pierce – Director of Infrastructure, Hanley Wood Exhibitions
Exhibition Management SectorDoris A. Sims, CMP – Director of Convention Services and Housing, Greater Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Convention Services SectorGregg H. Talley, CAE – President, Talley Management Group
Convention and Meeting Management SectorLeslie de Vries – Regional Vice President, ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment
Food and Beverage Sector
The Convention Industry Council’s 32 member organizations represent more than 103,500 individuals as well as over 17,300 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. Formed in 1949 to provide a forum for member organizations seeking to enhance the industry, the CIC facilitates the exchange of information and develops programs to promote professionalism within the industry and educates the public on its profound economic impact. In addition to the Hall of Leaders Program, other CIC programs include the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Program, the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) initiative, Project Attrition, and the CIC Economic Impact Study. For more information, visit the CIC website at www.conventionindustry.org.
Contact CIC