#FOCUSFRIDAY DecemBER 30, 2022

Company and Title:  The Greenbrier, Director of National Sales

Location:  Minneapolis, MN

Years in the industry: 35

Quick Fact Bio:   20+ years experience with first, second and third tier city sales for both urban and resort locations.  Experience in Corporate, Financial, Intermediary, Incentive, Insurance, Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Association and Affinity Markets coast to coast.  

Fun Fact:   I played in an Orchestra performing at Carnegie Hall in NYC with guest conductor Aaron Copeland followed immediately with a tour of Europe for a month performing at The Vatican, under the Eifel Tower, inside Notre Dame, Prince Albert Hall, and The Piazza San Marco in Venice to name a few places.  And I love Clydesdales! 

Why did you join SITE MN:   The Minnesota Chapter is rich in participation, support of the industry and incredibly active.  I am thrilled to be a part of such an exemplary Chapter and look forward to making lasting connections!  

What is your favorite destination for vacation:   Greece and Portugal  

What destination is on your bucket list:  Scotland and Budapest

Joyce Wood | LinkedIn  

Company and Title:  The Greenbrier, Director of National Sales

Location:  Minneapolis, MN

Years in the industry: 35

Quick Fact Bio:   20+ years experience with first, second and third tier city sales for both urban and resort locations.  Experience in Corporate, Financial, Intermediary, Incentive, Insurance, Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Association and Affinity Markets coast to coast.  

Fun Fact:   I played in an Orchestra performing at Carnegie Hall in NYC with guest conductor Aaron Copeland followed immediately with a tour of Europe for a month performing at The Vatican, under the Eifel Tower, inside Notre Dame, Prince Albert Hall, and The Piazza San Marco in Venice to name a few places.  And I love Clydesdales! 

Why did you join SITE MN:   The Minnesota Chapter is rich in participation, support of the industry and incredibly active.  I am thrilled to be a part of such an exemplary Chapter and look forward to making lasting connections!  

What is your favorite destination for vacation:   Greece and Portugal  

What destination is on your bucket list:  Scotland and Budapest

Joyce Wood | LinkedIn  

Company and Title:  Disney Cruise Line, Groups, Incentives and Charters

Location:  Lake Buena Vista, FL

Years in the industry: 27

Quick Fact Bio:  Grew up in downtown Chicago and after graduating from U. of Illinois packed up my car and moved to Walt Disney World - where I have been for 27 years.  My Disney highlights include being part of Disney Cruise Line’s opening team; enjoyed 9 years working with planners to host their meetings at WDW; spent 10 years at Disney Institute sharing Disney best practices.  In February 2022, returned to Disney Cruise Line to oversee their Group Sales efforts.  

Fun Fact:  I went skydiving twice – but doubt my wife will let me go for a third!

Why did you join SITE MN:  Happy to be a resource for those who may consider a cruise for their incentive or meeting. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  We love getting out of the Florida heat to enjoy either summer or winter in the mountains – be it Colorado, Utah, or Jackson Hole. 

What destination is on your bucket list:  Ireland and Bali 

Brent Centlivre | LinkedIn  

Company and Title:  The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Director of Group Sales

Location:  Beverly Hills, CA

Years in the industry: 20

Quick Fact Bio:  I have loved working in the hotel industry as it has provided me opportunities to live in many places and make so many dear friends.  I had been in hotel sales for 10 years and then made the switch to Tiffany & Co. Business Sales.  After being laid off during the recession, I was thankful to have a career in hotel sales I could fall back on and haven’t looked back.  Never did I think I would eventually wind up in Beverly Hills.

Fun Fact:  When I was 25, I quit my job, moved to Vail and worked in a T-shirt shop for a ski season. 

Why did you join SITE MN:  I wanted to reconnect with companies/associates I used to work with years ago and meet new people too to expand my network and be a great resource to my clients. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Italy

What destination is on your bucket list:  Greece

Paula Bloukos | LinkedIn  

Company and Title: Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, Senior Sales Manager

Location:  AZ

Years in the industry: 19

Quick Fact Bio:  I started as a front desk agent at the Montage Laguna Beach and worked my way over to Sales and I love it! I started at the Arizona Biltmore June 2021. I am native to Arizona (rare I know). My husband and I are both in hospitality and we adore our rescue pup Millie!  

Fun Fact: When I was on furlough I worked as a Beverage Cart Girl on a golf course and it was honestly one of the most fun jobs I’ve ever done!  

What is your favorite SITE moment:  Site Global in Dublin was pretty epic! We had the Guinness Factory closed for our opening reception which was so cool. You walked in being welcomed by the board which was fun. I learned how to properly pour a Guinness, they had these incredible Irish dancers and you could have your face put on the foam of your own pint! It was a very cool experience to welcome you to Dublin for sure!  

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  Site Education MN is one of my favorite events! It is great to connect in market and have such good face time and discussions with our chapter. There is always good content and opportunity to learn. I am sad I missed this past years due to a scheduling conflict but look forward to 2023!

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  I love watching a sunset in Maui with a cocktail in hand.

What destination is on your bucket list:  The Amalfi Coast 

Seana McIntyre | LinkedIn  

Company and Title: IVI DMC Eneterprises, Founder

Location:  Cancun, Mx

Years in the industry: 36

Quick Fact Bio: Jose-Manuel was born in Mexico City, but he grew up in Acapulco and in the Catskills, NY.  Since 1984 he has lived in Cancun, he and his wife Araseli have two children and three grandchildren. Mr. Garcia has a degree in tourism administration, he has also earned degrees and certifications from Cornell University, Holiday Inn University, SITE, ADMEI, ISMP, MPI, and HSMAI.  Over the years he has received numerous international awards.  On November 1, 1986, together with his friends Dolores López-Lira and José Luis Martínez of Lomas Travel Group, they founded IVI DMC. He has guided this company to become the leading company in destination management in the Americas.

Fun Fact:  Sharing all my knowledge no matter who I'm talking to, I love to see happy faces.

What is your favorite SITE moment:  Having participated in various events as a speaker and consultant, as well as having had the personal friendship of many Presidents of past generations, as well as co-founder of SITE MÈXICO in 1987/1988, and being able to support many young leaders throughout all these years at the international level.

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  Business and friends together for almost 40 years

What is your favorite destination for vacation: Our planet is so beautiful, that I don't have a favorite destination, planet earth would be my favorite 

What destination is on your bucket list:  Alaska

Jose-Manuel Garcia | LinkedIn  

Company and Title: National Sales Director, Lowes Hotels & Co

Location:  Chicago, IL

Years in the industry: more than I'd like to admit.

Quick Fact Bio:   My hotel career started fresh out of high school  at the front desk of a hotel in my hometown,   needless to say  I knew nothing about the hospitality industry. However soon fell in love with the industry and quickly made my way into sales and have had the good fortune to work with some amazing people and brands. Nine years ago  I found my home with Loews Hotels & Co. Travel and cooking are true passions.  

Fun Fact:  I am particular about the way my martini is made. 

What is your favorite SITE moment:  One of my favorite event’s is the Chicago chapter Holly Trolley held in December, it is such a fun festive way to kick-off the holiday season. 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  The opportunity to meet new people and strengthen the relationships with those that I  know.  

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  I love Italy and have taken several food/wine tours throughout the different regions. 

What destination is on your bucket list:  South Africa 

Mary Reid | LinkedIn  

Company and Title: Global Business Director, 360 Destination Group

Location:  Kansas City, MO

Years in the industry: 15

Quick Fact Bio:  While having a varied background in hospitality and having lived in the Southeast, Northeast and ten years in Chicago; events and bringing people together have always been at the heart of what I love to do. 

Fun Fact: I learned how to play the violin in my late twenties. 

What is your favorite SITE moment: Learning I'm half decent at curling 🙂

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: While I've just joined the community this year, it's been wonderful to be welcomed by everyone so warmly! 

What is your favorite destination for vacation: Anywhere with a beautiful beach and clear blue water

What destination is on your bucket list: The list continues to grow, but currently at the top of the list are Lisbon and Australia. 

Megan Martinez | LinkedIn  

Company and Title: President - Managing Director, GPS Destinations DMC Collective

Location:  Chicago, IL 

Years in the industry: 33

Quick Fact Bio:  I graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management and began my career doing telemarketing for a hotel rep firm.  My first on-property hotel sales job was with Helmsley Hotels in New York city working for the "Queen of Mean" Leona Helmsley.  I then moved to Puerto Rico where I lived for two years and worked to open two resorts.    My next move brought me to Chicago where I've worked in Global Sales for Starwood, Fairmont and Rocco Forte hotels.  In 2017 I became an entrepreneur and founded GPS Destinations DMC Collective which now operates in over thirty countries!

Fun Fact:  The first virtual event I planned was my own wedding held over Zoom during Covid lockdown in April 2020! 

What is your favorite SITE moment:    I really enjoyed the SITE MN Holiday party last year, after a long period of not being able to connect in person, the December event felt like the first step back to normalcy for me and the industry.  Being away from the people you care about was difficult and the SITE MN event reminded me of how important it is to be together. 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:    SITE MN allows me to stay connected to a core group of planners and suppliers.  The members in MN truly embrace a collaborative spirit and work towards making our industry better. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Portugal!  On my last vacation to Lisbon I met my husband Paul, he's my favorite travel souvenir!

What destination is on your bucket list:    Japan

Mark Marino | LinkedIn  

Company and Title: Business Development Executive, Monterey County CVB

Location:  Based in Downers Grove, IL and my company is based out of Monterey, CA.  

Years in the industry: 40

Quick Fact Bio:    For over 40 years I have been involved in Travel serving in a variety of capacities such as  Airlines (Legacy and Regional), Wholesale, Resort Properties and CVB/DMO’s.  I’ve been fortunate to work the group marketplace out of the Midwest, representing destinations such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, San Francisco/Northern CA and now Monterey/Carmel, CA.   

Fun Fact:   I love Porsche’s since I can remember and have a love for cars that go fast.  

What is your favorite SITE moment:   One that comes to mind on a local basis is the Holiday events that occur throughout the Midwest that many of us Chicago based suppliers try our best to attend.  Another is “SITE Classic” that takes place in so many wonderful locations throughout North America.  I’ve had the privilege of participating as a Chair of their golf Committee for several years and loved working with all of the other volunteers that make these types of events happen.  (Many coming from MN. 😊)  

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:   The greatest benefit has been working with the leadership in this Chapter and given what destinations and products that I have represented, this was a market segment that has supported me throughout my career.  The relationships I have built have lasted an industry lifetime. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:   Hawaii . . . It’s where I learned what hospitality means and the value of service to all.   

What destination is on your bucket list:    Australia and New Zealand.  Heading out on a 12 day cruise with my wife next February 2022.  

Rick Hud | LinkedIn  

Company and Title: Regional Director of Sales, Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Location: Orlando, FL

Years in the industry: 36

Quick Fact Bio:   I draw on my 36+ years in the hospitality industry and unique perspective as both a hotelier, DMC and customer to recognize and create opportunities and solutions that have a positive impact on market share and drive results.  I've had the privilege of working internationally, domestically and off shore for such great companies as Marriott, Walt Disney Resorts, Starwood, Fiesta Americana & Live Aqua Hotels & Resorts and Hotels Xcaret.  As a 4th degree Black Belt, I practice the martial arts principles of integrity, respect, honor, humility, discipline, perseverance, trust and loyalty to drive results while inspiring co-workers to maintain a positive, winning attitude. These principles have also allowed me to build long-term relationships with clients who know they can rely on me as a strategic partner.  

Fun Fact:  Hmmm…some might know I am a 4th Degree Black Belt and Certified Instructor in Songham Tae Kwon Do.

What is your favorite SITE moment:  By far the best industry group for both professional and personal reasons. I have had the honor of growing with a wonderful group of genuine people that have become my friends. 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  When Joanie Philips and Mary McGregor cornered me on the Boat Cruise after SITE MN Education Day way back in 2009 and asked me to be on the SITE MN Board. I asked, “What did I do?” I thought I was in trouble…it was an honor to serve. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Seems to always be Italy. Love the people, food and simple lifestyle. 

What destination is on your bucket list:  New Zealand, wowza! 

Kevin Funke | LinkedIn  

Company and Title: Account Director, Augeo

Location: Minneapolis

Years in the industry: 8

Quick Fact Bio:  One of my favorite parts of this industry is bringing memorable experiences to attendees. Outside of work, my passion is hiking and anything that gets me outdoors. 

Fun Fact:  I can drive a Zamboni!

What is your favorite SITE moment:  Attending the SITE Young Leaders Conference and seeing what the future of our industry looks like and how passionate they are. 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter Active chapter that supports one another. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:   Anywhere with mountains but one of my happy places is Banff/Jasper National Park. 

What destination is on your bucket list:  Patagonia 

Ashley Krueger | LinkedIn  

Company and Title: Senior Sourcing Specialist, CWT Meetings & Events 

Location: Minneapolis

Years in the industry: 34

Quick Fact Bio: With more than 34 years in the Meeting & Events Industry, I have been fortunate to have worked in a variety of positions from Accounting, Onsite Trip Directing, Account Management, Sales Planning, and Sourcing/Procurement.  What I like the most and feel is my best skill set is Sourcing & Contracting.  I enjoy the relationships developed with clients, suppliers, and co-workers in other departments.  I also like keeping up to date on industry trends, destination and hotel property updates.  There’s always something new to learn.  On a personal level, many of you know how important being a Mom to my only daughter is to me and how proud I am of her.  Being a mother is the best “job” ever!!

Fun Fact:  I am a New Year’s Baby, born on January 1st. Everyone gets to celebrate on my birthday!

What is your favorite SITE moment: In general, attending SITE events  - both Chapter and Global – for the educational benefits and social relationships building.  I love attending SITE Classic and SITE Nite when I can.  

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter Being on the SITE Minnesota Board of Directors as VP Finance has been very beneficial and enjoyable the past 2 years.  Our local Board members are amazing industry professionals and has been great to work with them all and assist the planning our chapter events.  The relationships (professional & personal) with both suppliers and buyers/planners that I have nurtured through SITE is so valuable and means a lot to me.  

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Anywhere in the Caribbean or Mexico, relaxing on a beach/pool/spa

What destination is on your bucket list: Return trip to South Africa for another safari and more time in Cape Town

Cindy Kramer | LinkedIn  

Company and Title: General Manager, New Orleans PRA

Location: New Orleans

Years in the industry: 38

Quick Fact Bio: I fell in love with the industry when New Orleans hosted the World's Fair in 1984 and knew it was my calling!  After spending 30 years working for the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, I made the change to the "colorful" side by joining the PRA New Orleans team and love every minute of selling my hometown - NOLA.  Nothing gives me more satisfaction than to share our unique culture and authentic experiences.

Fun Fact:  I've signed up for piano lessons.  Determined to learn how to play before my fingers won’t work anymore – lol!  And I love teaching hospitality classes at our local community college during my spare time.  It’s my way of giving back to the next generation and local workforce. 

Why did you join SITE Minnesota (if a new member): Old member but enjoy serving on the Education Committee

What is your favorite SITE moment: My favorite SITE moment was this past year at SITE Night during IMEX.  The experience was truly amazing when we all had not seen each other in what seemed liked years.  The reception wasn’t long enough to talk to everyone you wanted to catch up with.

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter Our industry is family and many of the SITE Minnesota members have welcomed me to their "family."

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Venice

What destination is on your bucket list: Too many to count but top of my list overseas is southeastern France.  Here in the U.S., it’s Yellowstone.

Cindy Hayes | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Principal & Founder ETHOS Event Collective

Location: South Florida

Years in the industry: 30+

Quick Fact Bio: Powered by passion and a good cup of coffee, Joe brings the highest level of experience and energy to every event. Joe experienced planning from the incentive, cruise, resort and DMC perspectives prior to founding ETHOS Event Collective in 2021. ETHOS Is a full-service event management company that believes in connecting the meetings we deliver to the local communities we serve.  As a part of his service, Joe also believes in donated his time to speak with College Universities throughout the United States as developing future Hospitality leaders is also one of his passions. Joe has an amazing wife Shawn and three amazing children (Joseph 17, Jaggar 14 and Jessica 11) and everything he can not to miss a date night, game, recital or play.  

Fun Fact:  I have lived in several countries for a period of time including Thailand, Pakistan to name a few. I lived in Hong Kong for over two years and speak Cantonese.  

Why did you join SITE Minnesota (if a new member):  I haven’t been active with SITE in many years but also took some time off from SITE. During 2021 made the decision to become more involved in SITE because of some of the initiatives that I have noticed Site is focused on. This includes quality Education and Sustainability. Minnesota to me was a natural fit because of the relationships and opportunities to meet new industry professionals. I also believe that many industry professionals gave me their knowledge and experience when I was younger in my career in this chapter, and I hope to share in that with new professionals joining our industry. I need to also mention how friendly the members are in this chapter. Warmth is felt everywhere! 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: Feeling like I am attached to the chapter and can attend and be involved even though I don’t live in Minnesota. The connections there are important for me and our team as we continue to be challenged with communicating with clients and understanding how we can support them. Being part of this chapter helps me stay connected.  

What is your favorite SITE moment: Even though I have just joined, I have many fond memories of all the SITE events held during IMEX. The connection with industry partners from around the world is the BEST!

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter I think going to Dublin this year for Site Global as It was great to get back to face to face meetings and the city and content was great! Another reminder of the value of attending SITE events as there is so much content and networking at each event. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Curacao – Why? European Feel, always great weather and amazing coral reefs everywhere. It’s an island that hasn’t been over visited by tourists and has kept that island feel with a European twist as it was a Dutch colony for many, many years. 

What destination is on your bucket list: Having been to over 70 countries in my lifetime (Thank you RCCL, Holland America and Travel Directing), Australia or Mongolia would be on the top of my list. 

Joe Fijol | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Incentive Account Manager BI Worldwide

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Years in the industry: 30+

Quick Fact Bio: I have been in the events industry for over 30 years, primarily managing incentives. My wife and I have 4 adult children, one of which is married and lives close by. Travel is my passion, along with photography and culinary pursuits. I have mainly Norwegian heritage, so being born and raised in Minnesota, I fit right in.

Fun Fact:  Being in this industry for so many years, there is not much my industry colleagues don’t know about me.  I speak Norwegian, and have a lot of Norwegian Heritage.  I enjoy languages and have  a slice of French in me.  My ancestors on that side have been traced back to King Louis XV.

Why did you join SITE Minnesota (if a new member):  I have always wanted to be a member, but after being disconnected from travel during the pandemic, I decided to jump back in all the way!   

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: I just joined this chapter!

What is your favorite SITE moment: Even though I have just joined, I have many fond memories of all the SITE events held during IMEX. The connection with industry partners from around the world is the BEST!

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter Connection…and reconnection with life-long friends in the industry.  It is also a great place to offer my industry experience to others.   

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  My cousin’s house on St. John in the US Virgin Island.  It’s a great place to kick back and feel like a local.

What destination is on your bucket list: Israel.  Even after visiting two short times, I won’t be able to check it off my list until really diving into the history on an extended trip….which my wife and I plan to do this fall.

Keith Scherbing | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Director of Group Sales at The Leading Hotels of the World

Location: Chicago, IL

Years in the industry: 25

Quick Fact Bio: I started my hotel career as the Banquet Concierge at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (then a Four Seasons hotel) right after graduating from Madison.  I knew nothing about the hospitality industry!  But I like to think that my  International Relations degree has served me well in this global sales role. Now after 18 years with Four Seasons and 7 years with LHW, I can’t imagine doing anything else.   Along the way, I moved to London and then to New York, but 15 years later, I am back in Chicago and never plan to leave.  It’s my favorite great city on my favorite Great Lake…and it gives us easy access to all of our sports teams.  (We live in a very divided household:  Packers/Bears, Wisconsin/Michigan State, and Cubs/Brewers).    

Fun Fact:  I have never had a peanut butter & jelly sandwich.  

Why did you join SITE Minnesota (if a new member):  I think the Wisconsin girl in me always feels a kinship to my Minnesota neighbors, and I have always been impressed by how robust and fun the Minnesota chapter is.  So truthfully, there was a bit of FOMO to it!

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: I just joined this chapter!

What is your favorite SITE moment: It is perhaps not my FAVORITE SITE moment, but it’s one that will always stick with me.  Like so many people, I was furloughed for most of 2020.  While I enjoyed the part where I got to walk the lakefront and read books all day, I was completely riddled with anxiety about if I would get my job back…or even be able to keep my spot in the industry.  I could not believe it when, on more than one occasion, it was the SITE team that reached out to me to see if I was doing ok.  I had close friends that didn’t check in on me!  And yet the SITE community was there.  I won’t forget that. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  So many places to choose from!  But I cried a little when we had to leave Banff a couple summers ago.   (Hooray for the SITE ISA event being there in March 2023)! I also think you leave an African safari a changed person. 

What destination is on your bucket list: Israel and Jordan

Nicole Trottier | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Fairmont Hawaii / Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui and Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii - Area Group Sales Manager, 

Location: Vancouver, BC

Years in the industry: 30 years

Quick Fact Bio: Celebrating 28 years with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in Sales. My love for travel and hotels lead me to get a degree in Hospitality and Tourism, but I never stopper learning in this great and ever changing industry.  Every day, every year brings new opportunities. I’ve had the great fortune of working with many of the same Meeting and Incentive Professionals and Hospitality Partners throughout the years from Whistler, to Bermuda and the last half of my career in Hawaii.  I love the relationships one develops that help you through the good and the could be better times. Only in this industry can your clients and competitors become friends. I’m glad to be still passionate about what I do.  

Fun Fact:  Many know that I am an outdoors activity enthusiast, but my dream or bucket list as a teen was to visit all the major art museums in the world, and that was long before I married an Artist. I am pleased to say, I don’t have too many left!   

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: The opportunity to get to know people beyond the business side of things. I find we all have so much in common. It’s much more enjoyable and rewarding to work with people you know and trust. 

What is your favorite SITE moment: Oh so many great SITE moments, but as it is was the first SITE event post the “Great Pause”, I have to say bouncing around the pool in floppy hats at SITE Classic Pool Party talking business and getting caught up on people’s lives face to face. It felt so right!

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Can’t beat Hawaii for work or play, but I also love to ski at Whistler, sail in Vancouver and hang out with family at Grand Lake, NB.

What destination is on your bucket list: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao , and also Portugal, Spain, a few spots in Italy and Japan (there’s a museum there I have to hit!)

Catherine Kearney | LinkedIn

Company and Title: BI Worldwide, Senior Vice President Event Solutions

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Years in the industry: 34  

Quick Fact Bio: I started in this business with Maritz in St. Louis, MO straight out of college in 1988. Six years later, I was recruited by BIW and my family made the big move to North Country and have called Minnesota home ever since…kind of. I took an expatriate assignment with BIW in 2013 and led our businesses in Asia Pacific for nearly nine years, living first in Shanghai, China and then in Singapore. We moved back in May 2022 and I took over the leadership role for our event business mid-pandemic. It’s been quite a ride so far! My wife and Chinese street dog are enjoying being back in Minnesota and are thrilled that both of our adult daughters and their significant others have also moved back from the West Coast. 

Fun Fact:  I sang on stage at Carnegie Hall in front of a sold-out crowd…something I never thought that I would accomplish!   

Why did you join SITE MN?: I thought it would be a great way to network and reconnect with people in our industry after living so many years overseas. I also thought it would be a good way to give back and support our vital industry.

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  I was really impressed with the quality of speakers and educational components of last year’s SITE Education Day at the Westin-Galleria…many takeaways I continue to use.

What is your favorite SITE moment: Attending SITE Classic at the Hotel Del Coronado last year was quite monumental. For many, it was our first group travel experience in 1-2 years. Some of us forgot what to pack, but none of us forgot how to interact, learn and grow at an in-person meeting.

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  There are so many fascinating places in the world to visit, so it is hard to have just one. Favorites of mine tend to be those that secretly sneak up to surprise and delight you, such as Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

What destination is on your bucket list: We have a July 2022 trip to Iceland planned with dear college friends, and that destination just happens to be on our bucket list.

David Litteken | LinkedIn

Company and Title: HelmsBriscoe, Associate Regional Vice President

Location: I am live in Duluth, MN.  The HelmsBriscoe corporate office is in Scottsdale.

Years in the industry: I’m afraid to answer this.  Let’s just say 20+  

Quick Fact Bio: My family (husband Ken and I live in a newly built home on Caribou Lake.  We have two dogs, a cat and 13 chickens.  One of our dogs in a 130lb Newfoundland named Balashi (that is the beer made in Aruba)!  I love the hospitality industry.  I tried to leave it once (many years ago), got sucked back in and never looked back.  

Fun Fact:  I am a former PADI Scuba Instructor. Years ago I lived in Grand Rapids, MN and helped open Sugar Lake Lodge.  During those years, I also helped form the Itasca County Sheriffs Rescue Dive Team. My husband was with the Crow Wing County Rescue Dive Team and we did some ice diving training together.   We met while diving under the ice.  Yes, you read that right.     

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: Meeting new people & learning from them.  I serve on the SITE MN BOD and am thrilled to be working with such an amazing group of people.  Most I had never met prior to this opportunity.

What is your favorite SITE moment: Running into Colleen Abernethy with Platinum DMC Collection at my first SITE event a few years ago!  We are family.  

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Aruba

What destination is on your bucket list: Bonaire to dive

Tammi Krone | LinkedIn