MEET OUR SPEAKERS
Listed alphabetically by last name.
Honourable Dionisio D'Aguilar
The Bahamas Minister of Tourism and Aviation
In May 2017, the Honourable Dionisio D’Aguilar was appointed Bahamas Minister of Tourism and Aviation with the goal of increasing the number of visitors to The Bahamas, while simultaneously improving the overall international visitor experience. The new tourism minister believes that a renewed focus on the country’s greatest natural resources of sun, sea and sand, complemented by authentic local food and beverages; arts and handicrafts; music and entertainment; and exposure to The Bahamas’ unique history, can successfully differentiate the destination in the sophisticated global vacation marketplace.
In June 2017, D’Aguilar was also named Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising more than 30 countries and territories, as well as a myriad of private sector members.
D’ Aguilar previously served as CEO of Superwash Limited, and has served on several corporate boards including AML Foods, J.S. Johnson and Baha Mar. He also has an active community service record as former president of the Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative, former president of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, and former honorary consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in The Bahamas. He studied at Cornell University in New York, where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Hotel Administration and a Master’s in Business Administration. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.
ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
The Islands of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world’s best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It’s Better in The Bahamas. For more information call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
PRESS INQUIRIES
Anita Johnson Patty
General Manager
Global Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Email: ajohnson@bahamas.com
Phone: (954) 236.9292
Fax: (954) 236.9282
www.bahamas.com
Greg Davis
TV/Radio Host
Greg Davis, Pastor, author, speaker, television personality, and global influencer, is one of the Founding Fathers of the Full Gospel Movement. Founded by Bishop Paul Morton Sr. now led by presiding Bishop Joseph W. Walker III.
Although in ministry for 35 years, for the last 8 years, Greg Davis has made a successful transition into the world of relationships and is known as an experienced and trusted voice in dating, marriage, and relationships. He brings a wealth of knowledge with 20 years of experience in marriage, making him an impactful relationship coach to all. As a single man of 5 years, he also provides relationship advice on his YouTube Channel, "When The Right One Comes, " and Instagram. What started as just a few popular tweets spiraled into a demand, thus creating a movement.
Davis is also the author of over a dozen books to include one by the popular title, "When The Right One Comes." Greg Davis has been in media and television for over a decade, Hosting numerous shows on The Word Network, the largest Urban Christian network in the nation. He now operates multiple LIVE Shows than brings in thousands of views per week, to include The Young Prophet, Young Preacher Movement, when The Tight One Comes: Men's Perspective.
Davis' objective is to use his positives influence and global platform to impact the lives of others.
Dr. Alana Dillette
Assistant Professor, Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University
Dr. Alana Dillette is an Assistant Professor in the Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University. Originally from the islands of The Bahamas, she is always trying to maintain her connection to home through research on sustainable tourism initiatives for small island states. Her other research interests include issues around diversity and inclusion, more specifically looking at the intersection between tourism, race, gender & ethnicity. Currently, she is working on research to gain a better understanding of the African American travel experience.
Roger Dow
President & CEO, U.S. Travel Association
Roger Dow is president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association, the Washington, D.C.-based organization representing all segments of travel in America. U.S. Travel’s mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.
As the leading travel industry advocate, Dow and his team regularly meet with executive branch and congressional leaders to advance policies that benefit the broader travel industry. His efforts have resulted in major legislative victories, including his instrumental role in establishing and renewing Brand USA, the highly effective national travel and tourism promotion program. Dow and U.S. Travel are also leaders of the Meetings Mean Business Coalition, which promotes and defends the value of face-to-face business meetings, trade shows, conferences and conventions.
U.S. Travel provides the industry unrivaled research and analysis and holds renowned annual events, such as IPW, the leading international inbound travel trade show, and ESTO, the premier learning and knowledge-sharing forum for destination marketing professionals. Most recently, Dow launched The Dow Report, a regular video series that featues conversations with prominent CEOs from across all segments of the industry about their leadership and insights throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
For his efforts to unify the travel industry and increase its effectiveness on Capitol Hill, Dow has been the recipient of multiple honors, including MPI’s 2018 Industry Leader Award. Dow has also held seats on several boards, including ASAE, GWSAE, MPI Foundation, PCMA, RE/ MAX International, the Travel Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, among others.
Prior to joining U.S. Travel in 2005, Dow spent 34 years at Marriott International, rising to senior vice president of global and field sales. Dow served in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam, where he received the Bronze Star and other citations. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Seton Hall University and was honored as a Most Distinguished Alumnus in 2012. In addition, he holds an honorary degree from Johnson & Wales University.
Danny Guerrero
General Manager, MMGY Global
Danny Guerrero brings 20 years of dedication to integrated marketing and communications in travel, tourism, and hospitality to MMGY Global. He is a passionate and committed leader having led teams for three different MMGY Global agency brands from his post in Los Angeles where he serves as General Manager.
An ardent supporter of diversity in travel, Danny leads the development of industry-leading research programs, thought leadership platforms, and integrated marketing programs at MMGY Global to advocate for better representation of travelers of color in the industry. He also serves as Co-Chair of the agency's DEI Council.
Danny is a proud first-generation Mexican-American (Chicano) and is a native of San Diego, California where he began his career as an intern for the San Diego Tourism Authority at 18 years of age through INROADS, an organization that places talented underserved youth in business and industry and prepares them for corporate and community leadership.
Derreck Kayongo
Entrepreneur, Global Soap Project Founder, CNN Hero and Former CEO of the Center for Civil and Human Rights
Derreck Kayongo is an Entrepreneur, Global Soap Project Founder, CNN Hero, and Former CEO of the Center for Civil and Human Rights. With his trademark panache, Derreck Kayongo tells his courageous story of survival, social entrepreneurship, and humanitarianism, and the life lessons he learned along the way. Derreck Kayongo is an internationally recognized visionary and humanitarian. The Global Soap Project demonstrates his creativity and innovation, making him a leader in both global health and environmental sustainability. His infectious optimism and powerful storytelling inspire audiences from all walks of life to see the bigger picture.
Joyce Leveston, CMM, CVP
Senior VP of Convention Centers, Spectra Venue Management
Joyce Watson-Leveston serves as the Senior Vice President of Convention Centers for Spectra Venue Management. She has oversight responsibility of more than 48 convention and conference centers in the Spectra portfolio. She operates as Spectra’s convention centers brand ambassador. She executes industry best practices, develops standard operating procedures, engages in partnerships with industry experts in supplying consistent logistical operations and is committed to new innovative technological trends that deliver and support strategic sales and marketing tools for the organization.
Prior to joining Spectra, Joyce served as the General Manager for both the BCEC and Hynes Convention Centers in Boston, Director of Convention Services and Events at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in DC, Miami Beach, Houston as well as the San Diego Convention Center. Besides earning her B.A in Communications from UC San Diego, she has received her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential, her Certification in Meeting Management (CMM) and her Certified Venue Professional (CVP) designation from IAVM.
Martinique Lewis
President, Black Travel Alliance
Martinique Lewis is an award-winning diversity in travel consultant, creative lead for Nomadness Travel Tribe, President of the Black Travel Alliance and now you can add creator of The ABC Travel Greenbook! The number one resources connecting travelers to the African Diaspora Globally. Trusted amongst her peers as a ‘’connector’’ she is always connecting the dots to ensure the travel industry is mindful of diversity, not just as a ‘Buzz word’’ but an action that produces results.
As a Digital Disruptor whose immensely in love with all things travel, daily I strive to change the narrative by advocating for travelers that represent different demographics across multiple platforms. Working directly with tourism boards and travel brands I create content that is exciting and influential. My mission is to change the face of tourism forever, so that we all feel represented and see ourselves reflected!
Rep. Harold Moses Love, Jr., Ph.D.
Tennessee State Representative - District 58
Harold Moses Love, Jr. was born December 14, 1972 in Nashville, Tennessee to the Late Rep. Harold M. Love, Sr. and Mary Y. Love. He is the last of five children and the only son. He was educated in the public schools of Metro Nashville Davidson County and graduated with Honors from Whites Creek High School in 1990. Graduated from Tennessee State University in 1994 with a Degree in Economics and Finance with a minor in Political Science, graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Divinity in 1998 with a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies, and graduated from Tennessee State University 2017 with Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration. While attending Tennessee State University as an undergraduate he marched in the Aristocrat of Bands, and was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. “Mighty Rho Psi” Chapter and elected president of the Graduating class. Was ordained an elder by the A.M.E. Church in 1999 and received his first Pastoral assignment at Hopewell A.M.E. Church, Columbia, Tennessee he was assigned to St. Paul A.M.E. Church on October 2002 in Nashville, Tennessee. In October 2014 appointed and served a year as Presiding Elder of The South Nashville District of The A.M.E. Church. In 2016 he was assigned to Pastor Lee Chapel AME Church, Nashville, Tennessee. He is a 33° Mason and a Shriner. He currently serves as a member of board the 18th Avenue Family Enrichment Center, he serves on the following Committees: Consumer & Human Resources; Education; State Government; Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR), and the House Democratic Caucus, Assistant Leader. His wife Leah Love is an Attorney and owner of Dupree Consulting Group.
Melissa Majors
CEO of Melissa Majors Consulting
Melissa Majors, CEO of Melissa Majors Consulting, is an innovator and optimizer of
education, inclusion, & leadership strategies. She has dedicated her career to
maximizing the business impact associated with these areas of focus.
This crowd-pleasing speaker has mastered the art of delivering brain-friendly talks
that engage her audiences and spark not just inspiration, but action as well.
Melissa has been featured in publications such as Forbes Magazine, Smart
Meetings, The Meeting Professional, NorthStar Meetings Group's Eventful Podcast,
The Event DR, and on the keynote stage at events such as Meeting Professional's
International's WEC, The Northwest Event Show, Catalyst Events, HD Vest's
CONNECT, and many more.
Melissa delivers talks on a variety of subjects associated with leadership, learning,
and "blameless" inclusion. She differentiates her content by blending research,
neuroscience, purposeful stories, and fun into her talks.
Kate Marshall
Lieutenant Governor of Nevada
Lieutenant Governor Kate Marshall grew up in working-class neighborhoods in San Francisco as the eldest of six children. She worked throughout high school and college, earning a bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Berkeley, with the help of scholarships, Pell Grants, and student loans.
After two years in the Peace Corps teaching high school in Kenya, Kate returned to earn a law degree from Berkeley. Kate then chose public service in the U.S. Department of Justice. There she served with distinction, fighting white-collar crime and taking on big corporations.
In 1997, Kate was recruited by then Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa to leave the Justice Department and come to Nevada to set up a state antitrust office. As Senior Deputy Attorney General, she joined the multistate prosecution of a Toys ‘R’ Us price-fixing scheme and ensured that the merger of Lucky’s and Albertson grocery stores in Las Vegas didn’t lead to a loss of union jobs.
Kate was elected Nevada’s State Treasurer in 2006 and re-elected in 2010. As Treasurer, she got rid of no-bid contracts and off-the-book accounts, and reduced spending, making government more efficient and identifying innovative methods to increase economic development for businesses in Nevada. Even during the economic downturn in 2009, Kate successfully managed Nevada’s investments so that they earned money every single quarter.
One of her proudest achievements as Treasurer was creating the College Kick Start program. In the first statewide program of its kind, Kate partnered with local banks to open and fund college savings accounts for every kindergartner in public school in Nevada—and she did it at no expense to the taxpayer.
Kate currently serves on the Board of the United Way of northern Nevada and recently ran her own legal consulting business. She has two daughters who both graduated from Reno High School. Kate is married to Elliott Parker, an economics professor at the University of Nevada, Reno. In 2017, they co-authored a book on Nevada’s experience during the Great Recession.
Kate was sworn in to office on January 7, 2019. As Lieutenant Governor, Kate is a member of Governor Steve Sisolak’s cabinet and serves as President of the State Senate. Kate is the Chair of the Commission on Tourism, Chair of the Advisory Board on Outdoor Recreation, Vice-Chair of the State Board of Transportation, a member of the Board of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and a member of the Executive Budget Audit Committee.
Roland S. Martin
Renowned Journalist, Author & Host
Roland S. Martin - Over the course of a journalistic career that has seen him interview multiple U.S. presidents to the top athletes and entertainers in Hollywood, Roland S. Martin is a journalist who has always maintained a clear sense of his calling in this world.
Martin is the host and managing editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered, the first daily online show in history focused on news and analysis of politics, entertainment, sports, and culture from an explicitly African American perspective.
Since 2008, Martin has been a senior analyst for the Tom Joyner Morning Show, where his twice-a-week segment is heard by millions of listeners on upwards of 100 stations.
He is the author of three books: Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith; Speak, Brother! A Black Man’s View of America; and The First: President Barack Obama’s Road to the White House as originally reported by Roland S. Martin.
He has contributed to several others, including Paradox of Loyalty: An African American Response to the War on Terrorism by Julianne Malveaux; Black Woman Redefined: Dispelling Myths and Discovering Fulfillment in the Age of Michelle Obama by Sophia Nelson; Faivish Pewzner New York and Fatherhood: Rising to the Ultimate Challenge by Etan Thomas and Nick Chiles.
He has been named four times by Ebony Magazine as one of the 150 Most Influential African Americans in the United States.
When Jet Magazine readers voted in 2012 for who is “King of the Hill” in terms of who they turn to on issues of concern to African Americans, Martin came on top, ahead of the likes of the Rev. Al Sharpton and Donna Brazile. NewsOne.com named as the number one Black pundit in the country; and he has been named several times to The Root 100, their annual list of influential African Americans.
In his career, Martin has been showered with more than 30 awards for journalistic excellence, including being named the Journalist of the Year in 2013 by the National Association of Black Journalists for his extensive focus on voter suppression and other issues of concern to African Americans during the 2012 election.
Martin was also awarded the 2008 President’s Award by the National Association of Black Journalists for his work in multiple media platforms. In 2008, he was also inducted into the Texas A&M University Journalism Hall of Honor.
He is a four-time NAACP Image Award winner, including named Best Host twice out of the last three years.
Martin spent six years as a contributor for CNN, appearing on numerous shows and earning accolades near and far for his no-holds honesty, conviction and perspective on various issues. In 2009, CNN was awarded the Peabody Award for its outstanding 2008 election coverage, of which Martin was a member of the Best Political Team on Television.
Martin has been named one of the top 50 political pundits by the Daily Telegraph in the United Kingdom, and has appeared numerous times on a variety of American networks, as well as media outlets in Canada, Columbia, Italy, Australia and South Africa.
Martin spent 13 years at TV One Network, where he played an integral role in building the Black-owned network. He began in 2005 by doing commentaries; and in 2009 began a four-year stint as host/managing editor of the Sunday morning show, Washington Watch. From 2013 to 2017, he was the host/managing editor of NewsOneNow, the first daily morning news show in history targeting African Americans.
From October 2005 to October 2008, he served as a radio talk show for WVON-AM in Chicago, first as mid-day host and later as morning drive host.
He is the former executive editor/general manager of the Chicago Defender, the nation’s most historic Black newspaper. A digital media pioneer, Martin launched the first Black news source audio and video podcast in 2005 and 2006 at the Defender.
He is the former founding news editor for Savoy Magazine under the team of New York-based Vanguarde Media, and the former founding editor of BlackAmericaWeb.com.
He previously served as owner/publisher of Dallas-Fort Worth Heritage, a Christian monthly newspaper. He also has worked as managing editor of the Houston Defender and the Dallas Weekly, which he led to a number of local, state and national journalism awards. Mr. Martin has worked as morning drive reporter for KRLD/1080 AM; news director and morning anchor at KKDA-AM in Dallas; city hall reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram; and county government and neighbors reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. He has also written pieces for Ebony and Essence magazines.
Mr. Martin is a life member of the National Association of Black Journalists, and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc..
He is a 1987 graduate of Jack Yates High School-Magnet School of Communications, and a 1991 graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor’s of science degree in journalism.
He has been awarded honorary degrees from Florida Memorial University; University of Maryland-University College; Lemoyne-Owen College; Lane College; South Carolina State University; and Virginia University of Lynchburg.
He is married to the Rev. Jacquie Hood Martin, author of “Fulfilled! The Art and Joy of Balanced Living,” and “Wedded Bliss: A 52-Week Devotional to Balanced Living” and the children’s book series, “Hannah’s Heart.”
They reside in the Washington, D.C. area.
Veronica Mooney, CMP
Director, Industry Events Development, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Veronica Mooney has spent nearly 20 years on the planner side, working on events ranging in size from 50 people to more than 23,000.
Veronica is the Director of Industry Event Development for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers where she focuses on strategy, product development, and growth for ASME’s events.
Veronica has produced and developed innovative event experiences and educational programs for the American Alliance of Museums, New America, Solar Electric Power Association, Solar Energy Industries Association, and American Wind Energy Association. From figuring out how to get engineers to share their lessons learned to making sure a general session of 2,000 is engaged and participating in a program, Veronica is passionate about storytelling and creating a lasting and memorable event experience for attendees.
Veronica received her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation from the Convention Industry Council in 2011. She is a graduate of the George Washington University with a B.S. in Geosciences and is a native New Yorker.
Sheila Neal, CASE
Associate Director, Sales at Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau and NCBMP Board Member
Sheila Neal - Bio coming soon!
Gina Neely
Celebrity Chef, Entrepreneur, TV Host & Author
Gina Neely - Mastering the nuances of reality television is no easy feat and yet Gina has captured us with that warm Southern charm and witty disposition as the current star of the new Bravo Television Network show “To Rome for Love,” which documents her journey through divorce and finding love after 50. The adventure begins in a decadent villa in the heart of Rome where the women will reside as they explore who they are and what they want from love. Gina has always embraced what life has to offer and you will be inspired as you watch her during this new season of her life. Living a public life can be difficult but with tenacity and style Gina displays what living an authentic life looks like. Gina Neely burst onto the scene in 2008 by starring in the hit show Down Home with the Neelys, which became the highest-rated series debut in the history of Food Network’s “In the Kitchen” block. The show immediately connected with viewers nation-wide by showcasing Gina’s love for family, food and the enjoyment of life. Following the tremendous success of her television show, Gina released her first cookbook, Down Home with the Neelys, which quickly earned a place on The New York Times bestseller list. A hit show and a bestseller soon lead to Gina’s prime time television debut as the host of Food Network’s Road Tasted. Enjoying continuing success in television, 2011 proved to be a tremendous success for Gina with the release of a second book, The Neely’s Celebration Cookbook. Gina is currently authoring a book, entitled “These Are My Rules, This Is My Life and I Want It Back” to help women maneuver through life and begin again. As a top rated television personality and best-selling author, Gina has performed live for thousands of fans all over the country, not only showcasing her skills and fun loving approach to cooking, but also sharing her perspectives on life, love, and the issues facing women in their personal and professional lives. Gina is a powerful and inspiring speaker who strives to meet the needs of those she encounters, empowering them to persevere and navigate through life. Gina has appeared on and/or co-hosted international, national and local television and radio shows, including The Talk, The Steve Harvey Show, The Rachael Ray Show, The Wendy Williams Show, Anderson Cooper Live!, The Monique Show, Good Morning America, the TODAY show, The Real Daytime Show, The View, The Chew, The Queen Latifah Show, Bethenny, Home & Family, The Arsenio Hall Show, Katie and Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns. In print, Gina has been featured in People Magazine, O Magazine, Ebony, Essence, The Wall Street Journal, Black Enterprise, USA Today, Sam’s Club, Food Network Magazine and Dr. Oz. which makes her no stranger to Daytime Television but quite the novice as she engages and motivates audiences everywhere.
Kevin L. S. Richardson
Hospitality Executive
Kevin L. S. Richardson is accomplished hospitality executive and client advocate with over 20 years’ experience servicing national multicultural organizations. In 2004 he was tapped by Conferon to lead their diversity efforts, which redirected his career to becoming a Conference Broker who represents the organization in lieu of representing the hotel. Because of his unique approach with managing clients and their collective portfolios, he has quietly become a force in his own right. In 2009 he garnered national attention by successfully brokering the move of Church of God in Christ, Inc. (COGIC) Holy Convocation from Memphis, TN to St. Louis, MO after being in one location for 103 years.
In 2014 he started a network for service providers that specialize in meeting the needs of the multicultural convention. As of today, the network is servicing over 22 conferences and conventions nationwide.
Coach Shoshana Rowell
Holistic Wellness Entrepreneur & Fitness Instructor
Shoshana Rowell - bka, Coach Sho - is a dedicated holistic wellness entrepreneur and fitness instructor who not only focuses on physical well-being, but mental, spiritual and emotional, as well. Coach Sho started her own wellness journey in 2011 and released 75 lbs all naturally. She's gone on to have 2 children since that time and has transformed her body back after each of them. But after becoming a mother, she realized just how important holistic well-being is...not just the scale. She then started incorporating silence, journaling, and prayer into her workout routines and has crafted an experience like none other. This wife and mother teaches fitness classes that also work your spirit and your mind! She's helped clients release up to 105 lbs, but more than that, she has helped her clients REnew their bodies, REprogram their minds, REconnect to their spirits, and REclaim their power and joy!
Donté P. Shannon, FASAE, CAE
CEO, Association of Equipment Management Professionals
Donté P. Shannon, FASAE, CAE, is the CEO of the Association for Equipment
Management Professionals (AEMP), a national trade association, globally servicing
heavy equipment managers through education, training, certification and industry
standardization. He is also an Account Executive with AMPED Association
Management. Prior to his current role, Donte served as Executive Director/CEO of the
Specialty Advertising Association of California, a state-based trade association servicing promotional product professionals.
Donté is a highly recognized influencer in the association community, having presented over 20 association management presentations, ranging in topics from strategic leadership and organization rebranding, to career development. Additionally, he has been featured in, and co-authored, numerous articles related to association management. A devoted professional, Donte recently served as Chair of the CAE Commission, the governing body of the CAE credential, previously served as Chair of the ASAE CEO Job Analysis Task Force, and contributes his expertise as a member of for-profit and nonprofit Boards and Councils. His career highlights include being selected as a 2020 digitalNow Leader of Distinction, a 2020 ASAE Fellow, and a 2011-2013 Diversity Education Leadership Program (DELP) Scholar.
Donte is a strong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion and enjoys giving back tothe various communities and industries he touches. Donte earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the College of Charleston in 2003 and received the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in 2015.
Jessie States, CMP, CMM
Director, MPI Academy for Meeting Professionals International
Jessie States, CMP, CMM, is the Director of the MPI Academy for Meeting Professionals International, where she oversees MPI’s education strategy. Jessie received the 2018 Pacesetter Award from the Events Industry Council, an honor that recognizes emerging leaders and industry supporters who exhibit individual excellence based on innovation, impact, vision, leadership, influence, collaboration, courage, perseverance and other achievements. In 2017, she earned a place on the list of 25 Most Influential People in Meetings and Events (Successful Meetings magazine) and the title Trendsetter (Meetings Today magazine).
Brian D. Stevens
Founding President & Chief Executive Officer of ConferenceDirect.
Brian D. Stevens is the founding President and Chief Executive Officer of ConferenceDirect.
Although he grew up in the east coast, Stevens went west to attend Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga, from which he graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1977. He then was briefly enrolled at Saint Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California, before joining the Oakland Hilton in 1978 as a sales trainee. Over the following 20 years, Stevens ascended the ranks of Hilton Hotels Corporation. He was Director of Sales at the San Francisco Hilton in 1980. Two years later, he became the company’s Regional Director of Sales. In 1985, he was promoted to Director of Industry Relations, and in 1987 he climbed to Vice President of Sales, which, at 32, made him the youngest officer at HHC at the time. Stevens arrived at his final position at Hilton in 1994, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, which he would hold until his departure from the company in 1998.
Stevens co-founded ConferenceDirect with Brian Richey in 1998 as a site selection and contract negotiation firm for meetings and events. Since then, it has grown into a full-service meetings solutions company with hundreds of associates and thousands of events worldwide.
ConferenceDirect has not been Stevens’s only venture. He helped establish Searchwide, an executive search company, as well as the Catholic Disability Foundation and the NBTA Foundation, now the GBTA Foundation. An active volunteer and fundraiser, Stevens has been a member of many industry boards: the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and the PCMA Southwestern Chapter. In 2000, he was inducted into the Convention Industry Council’s Hall of Leaders and was Chair of MPI Global in 2017. He also served as the chairman of the ASAE Foundation and the PCMA Foundation. He was on the board for the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD), his alma mater the Saint Mary’s College of California Board of Trustees, was a founding Chair at Events 100 and participated in the Sanctuary of Culture Foundation from 2015-2019. Stevens is currently on the Board of Directors of the Van Ness House in Los Angeles, the Lasallian Christian Brothers Foundation in Napa, and the Board of Trustees for The Guest House.
Stevens is proudly a member of Burning Tree Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, the Los Angeles Country Club, the California Club, and O’Donnell Golf Club in Palm Springs. He is also a member of the Knights of Malta, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, and in 2010, he was inducted as a Knight Commander into the Order of Saint Gregory.
Over the course of his career, Stevens has received many honors, including: ASAE Academy of Leaders Award and Founding Member Fellow, PCMA Distinguished Leader Award, PCMA Wizard Award, PCMA Lifetime Achievement Visionary Award, PCMA SW Chapter Named Scholarship Award, MPI President’s Award, Saint Mary’s College of California Alumni Award, Saint Mary’s College of California LGBT Award, St. Anne’s Angel Award, Knights of St. Gregory Award, Knights of the Holy Sepulchre Award, Knight of Malta Award, Knight of Columbus Award, National Catholic Partnership Foundation Impact Award, and for his service to a Los Angeles AIDS hospice center, Stevens received the Serra Project’s Compassion Award.
Dr. Janice Underwood
Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Dr. Janice Underwood, who strongly believes in servant leadership and culturally relevant reform, was appointed by Governor Ralph Northam as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s first cabinet-level Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). This position is also the first of its kind in the nation. As the Commonwealth’s CDO, she is committed to addressing racial, ethnic, disability, gender-based, and other cultural inequities in formal and informal policies and practices in Virginia state government. As a result, Dr. Underwood is working tirelessly to build the ONE Virginia statewide strategic plan for Inclusive Excellence across over 100 state agencies and with other public and private sectors. In her short tenure, she has been named one of “20 Women of Change” in 2020 by the Virginia Museum of History and Culture for the accomplishments and impact she has already had on the Commonwealth. Her goal is to make Virginia an exemplar for the nation, regarding diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence.
Prior to her appointment, Dr. Underwood served as Old Dominion University’s Director of Diversity Initiatives and as the chair of the President’s Task Force on Inclusive Excellence. She previously served as the Executive Director and Co-Principal Investigator for the Old Dominion University Teacher in Residence master’s program. Dr. Underwood also served for a number of years as a national board certified teacher for students with exceptionalities in Hampton City Schools. During her time as a classroom teacher, she served for two terms on the Virginia Advisory Board for Teacher Education and Licensure (ABTEL). As a national expert in the cultural contexts of public education, change management and leadership, and professional development/training, Dr. Underwood works to make the public and private sectors more culturally relevant. In doing so, she prepares professionals from a myriad of fields to meet the demands of working in diverse environments and address difficult truths, such as the school to prison pipeline, the lack of diversity in the workforce, and systemic and institutional bias.
She earned her Bachelor’s (1998) and Master’s (2002) degrees from Hampton University in Psychology and Behavior/Learning Disorders, respectively. In 2015, she earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Old Dominion University, where her research focused on culturally relevant pedagogy. She is happily married to Min. Johnnie Underwood and together they have two daughters, Jayla and Jordan.
Telesa Via
Vice President of Sales, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Telesa Via - Heartfelt connections are at the core of Kimpton’s ethos–and Telesa Via is a shining example of that ethos brought to life. Over nearly two decades, Telesa has built a successful career overseeing hospitality sales, marketing and public relations operations. But what makes her story truly impressive is the incredible amount that she’s given back during that same amount of time. She continues to travel the path of a well-rounded leader for whom success is as much about moving forward as it is about giving back.
Telesa oversees sales activities from coast to coast and beyond, within North America. While the scope of her role is straightforward, it’s anything but simple. Tasked with helping Kimpton grow market share in more than thirty metropolitan areas in the continental U.S. and beyond, such as Grand Cayman, Telesa must synthesize and address the nuances of these widely varying markets to support broader, brand-wide objectives. Her latest endeavor is co-chairing Kimpton’s newest internal committee, Black Lives Matter: Act to Action. Leading a diverse committee made of members throughout the Kimpton family, Telesa is taking action to create real change within Kimpton and promoting opportunities and advancement for Black People and People of Color.
In the twelve years she’s been part of the Kimpton family, Telesa has overseen sales and marketing activities for the Mid-Atlantic, a region that extends from Washington DC to Savannah, GA. Crossing geographic divides, she has consistently built strong bridges between the Mid-Atlantic ownership groups and Kimpton’s corporate office in San Francisco. Back home with other Kimptonites, her leadership has been equally dynamic. Whether employing time-tested strategies to inspire her team and drive regional topline, or infusing new energy into training programs and the successful redeployment of sales pods, she remains a focused and dedicated team player with a singular vision of Kimpton’s success.
But in actuality, Kimpton is not the only cause that is close to Telesa’s heart. Sharing that space is the MLC Cancer Foundation, an organization she co-founded with the mission of raising ovarian and breast cancer awareness. Continuing her focus on women’s issues, Telesa also chairs the Board of Directors of the Cinderella Foundation, dedicated to empowering girls living in high-risk, low-income communities in the Washington DC metropolitan area. A passionate believer in higher education, Telesa is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Arlington Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. She also serves as a mentor with Capital Partners for Education. In recognition of her service and professional accomplishments, Telesa was honored with the Bill Kimpton Award in 2014.
Telesa earned her BA in Communications from University of Virginia, and has had the chance to experience life in different parts of the US, such as Atlanta, Charlottesville, VA and Washington, DC. Her roots are strongest in the Washington DC metropolitan area, where she received the Top Minority Business Leaders Award from the Washington Business Journal and completed the Leadership Greater Washington program in 2015. She is a member of the American Society of Association Executives, Professional Conference Management Association and International Association of Exhibition Executives, among others.
Shibani Walia
Associate Director, Research & Insights, Tripadvisor
Shibani Walia is the Associate Director, Research & Insights overseeing a global team of analysts that deliver data-driven sales narratives through research, consumer insights and thought leadership, fueling the revenue generation efforts. Prior to Tripadvisor, Shibani was at Conde Nast where she built out the research offering for the rapidly growing entertainment group (CNE). Previously she held roles at FX, Turner and Viacom. Shibani has extensive experience supporting ad sales teams, in varying digital mediums over the last 10 years and is passionate about crafting compelling narratives and turning data into actionable insights to help drive new business across all markets. A Bucknell University graduate, Shibani currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.
TK Walker
Owner, Digigor
TK Walker, owner of Digigor, is an engineer, educator and digital marketing pioneer with a strong technical background and a natural gift for communication. He was always a high flyer as the first African-American to graduate Lockheed Martin’s Engineering Leadership Development Program before branching out to pursue his own entrepreneurial ventures.
He’s known for developing online platforms and digital marketing campaigns that deliver big results for high profile clients, organizations, colleges and businesses across a variety of industries. His company Digigor has been recognized and nominated for an international design award from the Awwwards competition body. TK has become a well-known leader when it comes to business and technology.
TK Walker specializes in the consultation and implementation of Internet marketing services for businesses that include:
- Website and Mobile App Development
- Google Placement for your business
- Website Monetization
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Analytics & Reporting
- Website Maintenance
SKILLS
- User Interface and User Experience design
- Digital marketing strategist
- Deep understanding of data and analytics
- Both creative and logical thinker
- Web design and development
PUBLISHED WORKS
- FAMU College of Law Website Revamp
- RegMatch Event Registration and MatchMaking Platform
- Kidz College Childcare Center
- Christian Family Worship Center
- City Beverages of Orlando
- DiverseCity Orlando
- Cowboys
- Michael Baisden Show App
- Michael Baisden Website and Podcast
- Woodson Young Jazz Festival
- Steel City Jazz Festival
- Orlando Jazz Festival
- Eventgrabber
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- BBIF Black Business Beacon Award
- Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Nominee
- App Appeal Feature
- Promising Startups
- Orlando Sentinel Feature
- Spark of Genius Featured Startup
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Master of Science in Computer Science
Kathryn Weathers Belger
General Counsel to the CFO and General Secretary of Finance of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Kathryn Weathers Belger presently serves as General Counsel to the CFO and General Secretary of Finance of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church. Kathryn is a graduate of Vassar College, the Howard University School of Law, and the Judge Advocate General (JAG) School Graduate Program in Contracts and Procurement at the University of Virginia. Kathryn began her career as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Harold L. Cushenberry, Jr., Associate Judge on the District of Columbia Superior Court. Following her clerkship, Kathryn served as an attorney for the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). During her tenure, she was the staff attorney on the historic United States Supreme Court civil rights transportation case, Adarand vs. Pena. Also, Kathryn served as a speechwriter in the areas of civil rights and diversity for the former Secretary of Transportation, the Honorable Rodney E. Slater. She next worked as labor and employment counsel for USEC, Inc., a global energy company in Bethesda, Maryland. While there she helped manage the company’s human resource function through a multi-billion-dollar initial public offering and privatization. Kathryn was previously the Director of Employment Diversity, for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, (Amtrak) where she was responsible for negotiating the historic Corporate Travel Partnership between Amtrak and the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church. This Partnership was the first in which Amtrak granted an across-the-board 20% travel discount, for all church related train travel. At Amtrak Kathryn implemented, directed and coordinated corporate-wide diversity training extending to more than 24,000 employees in less than 16 months. She also directed and coordinated Amtrak’s refresher training that concluded 3 months ahead of schedule and nearly $50,000.00 under budget. Kathryn was proud to have planned, coordinated, and produced Amtrak’s first ever headquarters based “Take Our Daughters To Work Day.” She was subsequently employed as Senior Consultant for Kensington Associates, a civil rights and human resources consulting firm located in Vienna, Virginia. After less than a year, she was promoted to Partner and Senior Counsel at Kensington. Her responsibilities there involved corporate and client development, employee relations, training, human resource management, and strategic planning. At Kensington, Kathryn designed, developed, implemented, delivered, and facilitated one of the first nationally known prevention of harassment trainings, directly tailored to the faith-based and non-profit communities. Prior to leaving Kensington, Kathryn launched Acumen Corporate Consulting, and Arnett Enterprises, firms specializing in corporate development, public and inspirational speaking, human resource management and diversity training.
Kathryn is a lifelong member of the CME Church and previously served as legal counsel in the Second Episcopal District of the CME Church. She is also a former member of the General Board of the CME Church. She served as Senior Representative for President Obama’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy; General Counsel of the Southern Christian Leadership Foundation, (S.C.L.F.); General Counsel of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (S.C.LC.) and Member of the Board of Directors of the S.C.L.C. She is honored to have been a keynote speaker at the Executive Board Banquet for the Women’s Missionary Council of the CME Church; a keynote speaker for the Texas College Banquet; and a Missionary Night speaker for the CME Church Ohio/Central Indiana Region Annual Conference. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Kathryn is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The accomplishment that means the most, however, is being the proud mother of her only child, a daughter, Karys Simone Belger.
Michael Wheeler
Executive Director, Self-Esteem Project
Michael Wheeler - As the leading Marketing Executive within the industry, Wheeler has a track record of strategically producing high performing teams and managing category leading brands for growth and profitability at Fortune 500 companies. He has worked at Nestle North America, Keurig, Dr. Pepper, and Kerry, the Taste and Nutrition company, to name a few. He is a licensed attorney with an expertise in joint development and trademark licensing agreements. He has received numerous accolades and industry acknowledgments that highlight his skills and expertise in the industry.
Wheeler is currently making a positive impact on children’s lives, as well as the community, as the Executive Director of the Self-Esteem Project, a 501 (c)(3) company in Grand Haven Michigan. The project will leverage the power of data and edutainment to educate and change the behavior of children impacted by societal challenges.
Johnnie White, MBA, CMP, CAE
CEO/Executive Vice President, American Society of Appraisers
Johnnie White - Bio coming soon!
Nicholas Wiggins
Senior Consultant, Values Partnership and Vice President, NCBMP
Nicholas Wiggins - Bio coming soon!
Lisa Williams
Executive Director of Sales for MGM Grand Detroit
Lisa Williams is Executive Director of Sales for MGM Grand Detroit. In this role, Lisa leads the Sales, Catering, and Event Operations division for one of the most prestigious resorts in Michigan.
An experienced industry leader, Lisa joined MGM Grand Detroit in 2010. Prior to joining MGM Resorts International, Lisa held various leadership and executive roles during a 19-year career with Marriott International. Her previous leadership roles included convention services, banquet operations, event management, and marketing.
A passionate advocate for Inclusion, Education, and the Fight Against Poverty, Lisa has held various committee and board positions for the hospitality industry and non-profit organizations. She is currently on the board of Women In Hospitality Leadership and the Sparky Anderson’s CATCH Foundation.
Lisa has a Bachelor of Science from Northern Michigan University. She is a proud native Detroiter who in her spare time enjoys spending time with family and friends and exploring the attractions and activities of Detroit.