New leadership appointments are bringing fresh perspectives to the meetings and hospitality industry, with changes spanning tourism, MICE sales, marketing and convention business.
Take a look at who’s stepping into new roles and what these leadership changes mean for the organizations they represent.
Caroline Beteta, Brand USA
Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, just announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Caroline Beteta Interim President & CEO, effective Nov. 9. Beteta, who retired in September after nearly three decades as President & CEO of Visit California, brings extensive tourism leadership experience and a longstanding connection to Brand USA, including previous service as Chair of its Board of Directors and Acting CEO.
Beteta led Visit California from January 1998 until her retirement in September 2026, while also serving the state as Deputy Secretary for Tourism and later as a strategic advisor to the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. During her tenure, Visit California established the nation’s first statewide tourism assessment program, opened international offices, launched global marketing campaigns, and led the industry’s recovery from wildfires, recessions and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donna Kurtz, Riviera Travel River Cruises
Riviera Travel River Cruises, a leader in ultra-premium river cruising, ocean yachts, and global land travel has announced the appointment of Donna Kurtz as MICE Sales Director of North America. This newly created position will support the brand as it continues its rapid North American expansion, with Kurtz focusing on charter, incentive, and group travel initiatives.
With more than three decades of cruise industry experience, Kurtz has built an exceptional reputation for driving revenue growth, developing long-term client relationships, and creating successful charter and MICE programs for some of the industry’s most recognized brands. Previously, she served as director of charter and incentive sales at Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Waterways, where she oversaw the charter and sales division from inception to more than $40 million in revenue.
Justin Myers, Bishop-McCann
Bishop-McCann, a global leader in meetings, incentives, and events, has appointed Justin Myers to the newly created role of Vice President, Marketing, Industry and Partner Relations. The appointment brings brand strategy, strategic partnerships, and industry engagement under one leader to advance innovation and strengthen the agency’s resources for meeting and event planners.
Myers will lead Bishop-McCann’s marketing and brand strategy, including positioning its proprietary JOY Index, while strengthening relationships with industry associations, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), hotels, destination management companies (DMCs), event technology providers, and other event partners.
Bishop-McCann also announced that Dave Eckberg, Head, Client Experience, and Merissa Winter, Director, Client Development, will join its Executive Leadership Team. Eckberg oversees existing client relationships and growth strategy, while Winter leads new client development. Their appointments bring both perspectives directly into executive decision-making.
Marisa Pechanec, Visit Wichita
Visit Wichita has promoted Marisa Pechanec to Vice President of Convention Sales, expanding her leadership role within the destination’s meetings and conventions efforts.
Pechanec, who joined Visit Wichita in 2020 and most recently served as Director of Convention Sales, will oversee the department’s long-term strategy and direction, team development and industry and community partnerships while remaining closely connected to clients and the sales process.
During her time as Director of Convention Sales, Pechanec helped build the convention sales team, strengthen its strategic approach to pursuing future business and support major convention wins.
New Leaders at The Palace Company
The Palace Company, the global hospitality group behind Palace Resorts, Moon Palace Resorts, Le Blanc Spa Resorts and Baglioni Hotels & Resorts, is strengthening its Groups, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) and Palace Live business with a series of strategic leadership and sales appointments.
Leading the expanded organization is Sandor J. Winkler, who returns to The Palace Company as Vice President of Groups & Palace Live. Alongside Winkler, longtime company sales executive Alan Doyle will continue with The Palace Company in a new role as Regional Director of Global MICE Sales, while Jesline Solis, Michael Kohlmaier and Kerry McMahon Dobis join the sales organization, further strengthening its reach across key markets in North America and Latin America.
The appointments reflect The Palace Company’s continued investment in the groups and MICE segment while advancing Palace Live, its initiative focused on concerts and live events designed to attract groups to the company’s properties.
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