Linda Thompson, CMP San Francisco, CA Chairwoman	Shannon Gardner, DMCP Indianaplois, IN Budget/Treasurer	Gary Newman New York City, NY Chair, Member Commitment
Laurie Sprouse, CITE, CMP, DMCP Dallas, TX Chair, Sales & Marketing	Laurie Stroll, CMP, DMCP Newport, RI Chair, New Member Integration	Nicole Marsh, CMP, DMCP Denver, CO Chair, Membership
Diane Lyons, CMP, DMCP New Orleans, LA Chair, Education	Chris Baker, DMCP Chicago, IL Chair, Technology	Trevor Hanks, CMP, DMCP Los Angles/Orange County/San Diego, Palm Springs, CA Chair, Communications

Linda Thompson, CMP
San Francisco, CA
Chairwoman

Linda Thompson leads one of San Francisco's most highly respected, longest operating, woman owned businesses – Cappa & Graham, Inc. – and is a passionate hospitality industry advocate. In addition to running her business she is also currently the Chairwoman of The DMC Network, LLC and serves on the Board of Governors for the International Special Events Society (ISES). Throughout her career, Linda has dedicated herself to raising the level of professionalism in the industry and ensuring that every client's expectations are exceeded. This has led to her ongoing, active involvement in organizations such as the ADME and MPI.

Prior to starting her career in the hospitality industry, Linda retired from a career in the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. Her passion for meeting planning started while assigned to the Pentagon where she held responsibilities for planning the year-long Secretary of the Army's Senior Review Panel on Sexual Harassment which included staff training, executive meetings, and organizing worldwide travel and logistics.

Linda graduated from California State University, Sacramento and earned a Masters degree from Long Island University, New York. She also attended the Army's Command General Staff College and earned her Army parachute wings. She and her husband of 32 years, Gordon, have a daughter, Christine, and son, Alexander.

Shannon Gardner, DMCP
Indianapolis, IN
Budget/Treasurer

Shannon Gardner has been the owner and President of Accent on Indianapolis, a DMC Network Company, since 2007. Shannon earned her Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) in March of 2011, making Accent on Indianapolis the only company in Indiana with this accreditation.

Shannon has an unwavering dedication to her clients, and works daily to promote the venues, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment that the city of Indianapolis has to offer. As a hospitality veteran, Shannon is known for her original ideas, her ambitious personality, and flair for planning.

Devoted to the industry as well as new event professionals, Shannon sits on the TCEM Industry Advisory Council at IUPUI, and speaks at local colleges to educate students on the DMC world. As an active member of the city of Indianapolis, Shannon additionally sits on various leadership committees throughout the city.

Gary Newman
New York City, NY
Chair, Member Commitment

Gary has been an active and outspoken leader in the destination management industry for over XX years. As the co-owner and Managing Director of Briggs, Inc., the largest DMC in New York, he has helped the company focus on outstanding service and creativity which has helped garner many awards, including being named one of the top 25 DMCs by Special Events magazine for five years.

He has been on the board of The DMC Network for more than 10 years and has served as Technology Chair, Member Enhancement Chair, and President. In these capacities, he has helped our member companies achieve even greater levels of excellence through one-on-one mentoring and other educational avenues that foster growth.

For many years Gary has actively contributed and supported causes raising awareness about HIV, including a year-long sabbatical spent working with people struggling with the disease. In his free time, Gary enjoys spending time with his two Jack Russell terriers, George and Gracie, and escaping to his house in the New York countryside where loves to sit in his backyard contemplating the universe. He also enjoys hiking, running, reading science fiction and physics, and fixing things.

Laurie Sprouse, CITE, CMP, DMCP
Dallas, TX
Chair, Sales & Marketing

Laurie co-founded Ultimate Ventures in 1993 and currently serves as the company's president as well as chair of Sales & Marketing for the DMC Network, LLC. A recognized industry visionary, she was named "Destination Management Professional of the Year" in 2010 by the Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME) for her efforts in shepherding the successful passage of two tax bills during the 2009 Texas legislative session. These bills provide Texas DMCs tax relief from crippling taxation changes, and they established the country's first legal definition of a "Qualified Destination Management Company."

Laurie is regularly recognized as an industry expert, serving on the editorial advisory board for Texas Meetings & Events magazine and actively involved in ADME as a member of the Standards Task Force committee to standardize industry best practices. In addition, she co-wrote the transportation chapter in the second edition of ADME's "Guide to Destination Management" textbook. Always enthusiastic to share her story, Laurie has been a speaker for organizations such as the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (Site), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce.

Laurie graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in engineering management and international business. She was among the charter group of industry professionals to earn her Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) designation and to receive Accredited Destination Management Companies (ADMC) status. On the weekends, you can find Laurie water-skiing with her family or enjoying a musical at one of Dallas' many performance halls.

Laurie Stroll, CMP, DMCP
Newport, RI
Chair, New Member Integration

Laurie Stroll is the owner and president of Newport Hospitality, the only ADME accredited DMC in Rhode Island and all of New England. Laurie served on the Board of Directors of the RI Hospitality & Tourism Association (RIHTA) for nine years and as the first female Chairman of the Board for the RI Hospitality and Tourism Association. In 2003, Laurie initiated the Women in Hospitality and Tourism Council and chaired this group for three years. She was also recognized as "Woman of the Year" in 2005 by the RI Hospitality and Tourism Association at their Annual Stars of the Industry Awards night

Laurie has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Newport County Convention and Visitors Bureau since 2005 and presently is the Chair of the Sales and Marketing Committee. Laurie served on the Board of Directors of MPI (Meeting Professionals International) New England Chapter 2001-2003 and received the President's Award in 2004. Laurie is a Destination Management Certified Professional and a Certified Meeting Planner. She is also an active member of ADME (Association of Destination Management Executives), ISES (International Special Events Society), MPI (Meeting Professionals Int'l), The Newport County Chamber of Commerce, the Newport County CVB, The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and The Providence Warwick CVB.

Laurie graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Travel Administration. She had worked for many years in the hotel business and held various management positions in catering, sales and marketing before joining Newport Hospitality.

Nicole Marsh, CMP, DMCP
Denver, CO
Chair, Membership

Nicole Marsh is the owner and President of The Arrangers, a Colorado based Destination Management Company. Nicole joined the company in 1998 and purchased the now 42-year old company in 2000. The Arrangers is Colorado's only Charter Accredited DMC, meeting the highest standards for DMCs across the country.

A graduate from Colorado State University, Nicole has earned both her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) designations. Nicole is the immediate past president of the Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME) and Chair Elect of the Meetings Industry Council (MIC) of Colorado. She is also a past President of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of PCMA. Nicole has also been inducted into the Colorado Meeting+Events Magazine Hall of Fame as Best Meeting Professional. The Arrangers is repeatedly listed on Colorado's Top 100 Woman Owned Business List and is a past winner of CO Biz magazine's Top Company Award for the Hospitality Industry.

Diane Lyons, CMP, DMCP
New Orleans, LA
Chair, Education

Diane Lyons is the President and CEO of Accent on Arrangements, Inc, the "go-to" destination management company for authentic New Orleans experiences and events for groups of all sizes and ages. Widely known as a "mover and shaker" in the hospitality industry on both a local and national level, Diane is an active member of FICP, PCMA, MPI, ADME, ISES and SITE as well as the Women's Business Enterprise Council South (WBENC). She is also a contributing editor to ConferenceDirect's Meeting Mentor magazine.

Throughout her impressive 30-year career, Diane has also had the honor of leading and serving on several prestigious committees and boards. In 2009 she served as Host Committee Chair for the Opening Reception for the Professional Convention Management Association's annual meeting in New Orleans. Diane served eight years as Vice President of Membership for the Gulf South Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. Diane was a founding member and served on the Board of Directors for both the Association of Destination Management Executives and the ADME DMCP Certification Board. Diane has also shared her time and talent with community boards including Dress for Success New Orleans and the Junior League of New Orleans.

When she is not working to create new and inviting ways for her clients to experience her beloved city, Diane enjoys traveling with her family, entertaining friends, cooking and showcasing New Orleans to everyone!

Chris Baker, DMCP
Chicago, IL
Chair, Technology

Chris Baker originally joined Chicago Travel Consultants, Inc. (CTC) in 2000 as Vice President of Sales & Marketing and has since become an owner of the company. He uses his extensive knowledge of the Windy City's best venues, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment to educate corporations around the world about the variety and quality of services CTC and the city of Chicago have to offer. He is also an active participant in ADME and MPI industry activities. Both at CTC and as part of The DMC Network board, Chris is known for his dynamic personality, ability to make people smile and willingness to go the extra mile. Chris earned his Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) in July 2008 and led the charge for CTC earning its Accredited Destination Management Company (ADMC) designation in November 2008.

Trevor Hanks, CMP, DMCP
Los Angeles/Orange County/San Diego/Palm Springs, CA
Chair, Communications

Trevor Hanks has been a part of the hospitality industry since day one. He was the first kid in his neighborhood to pack coolers and deliver props. After working in the incentive travel business as a travel director for over four years, Trevor returned to The Meeting Manager to assist in managing the family business in 1996. Bringing his years of experience, Trevor was responsible for opening the Orange County and Los Angeles offices and now works with the sales teams in all four TMM offices.

Trevor is active in several industry organizations including being an advisor to the Orange County Chapter of MPI, SITE, and The DMC Network as well as serving on the ADME committee that developed the Destination Management Certified Professional program.

Dan Tavrytzky Managing Director

Sean Kirkland Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing

Kelvin W. Nanney Administrative Director

Dan Tavrytzky
Managing Director

When it comes to his role as Managing Director of The DMC Network, Dan brings enthusiasm, resourcefulness, and experience from all aspects of the destination management and hospitality industries. From his years spent with the Sheraton and Starwood organizations to his work with the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau to his role as the Vice President and General Manager of Southwest Conference Planners, Arizona's top destination management company, Dan knows how to deliver experiences and events attendees will appreciate and remember.

In addition to his work within the industry, Dan has also been an advocate and educator on the topic. As a Faculty Associate at Arizona State University, he has helped students in the Tourism Development Management program build a strong foundation of knowledge. He has also been an active member of the Destination Marketing Association International and the Society of Incentive Travel Executives, even serving as that organization's Arizona Chapter President from 2005-2007. He also served on the Financial & Insurance Conference Planners' Hospitality Advisory Board from 2008 to 2010. Dan holds a bachelor's degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Northern Arizona University and an MBA from Arizona State University. He lives in Phoenix with his wife of 18 years and their two sports-loving sons.

Sean Kirkland
Executive Vice President/Sales & Marketing

Sean Kirkland was named Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing for The DMC Network in June 2008. Sean brings more than 15 years of destination and event services experience, a multi-destination DMC background, strong industry relationships, a solid grasp of strategic partnerships, and a passion and understanding of the marketplace to The DMC Network. Prior to joining The DMC Network, Sean spent seven years in senior management at a leading Southern California DMC, five years in sales and operations for PGI in Dallas, and two earlier years of DMC experience in St. Louis. Sean has been recognized by EDS as Supplier of the Year, served as Vice Chair of the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau Sales Committee, as a Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International panelist/guest speaker, and presented on various DMC topics at two Southern California Universities. Sean received his B.A. in Business Communications from the University of Kansas and currently resides in San Diego, CA with his wife and two children.

Kelvin W. Nanney
Administrative Director

With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Kelvin Nanney brings a wealth of insight, perspective and expertise to his role as the Administrative Director of the DMC Network. Kelvin is also a Manager, Member of Meeting Possibilities, LLC, a management company serving for-profit companies and non-profit professional trade associations. He is also very active in the destination management industry serving as the Executive Director of ISES Northern California Chapter and the Chapter Executive Director of the Community Associations Institute Bay Area and Central California Chapter, and has been a member of Meeting Professionals International for over 20 years, serving on the board and committees for the Northern California chapter.

Prior to his work with DMC Network, Kelvin served as the Director of Sales & Marketing and in other management positions for InterContinental, Hilton, Radisson, and other independent hotel companies in California and Florida. He earned his Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 2001. Kelvin is a native of Northern California where he currently lives with his partner of 10 years.

Diane Lyons, CMP, DCMP
Accent on Arrangements
New Orleans, LA
David Freeman, CMP, DMCP
Accent on Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
Shannon Gardner, DMCP
Accent on Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN
Filipe Nepomuceno, DMCP
Altima Concept
Montreal, Quebec
Alene Waxler, DMCP
AWG Destination Services
Las Vegas, NV
Anthony Napoli, CMP, DMCP
Briggs, Inc.
New York, NY
Linda Thompson, CMP
Cappa & Graham
San Francisco, CA
David Hainline
Capitol Services, Inc.
Washington, DC
Chris Baker, DMCP
Chicago Travel Consultants
Chicago, IL
Pam Graham
Congress Canada
Toronto, Ontario
John Tate
Convention Planning Services
Orlando, FL
Andy Lytwyn, DMCP
Cosmo Cool Concepts
Houston, TX
Sharon Siegel
DECO Productions
Miami, FL
Janet Holliday
Destination San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
Kathleen Landry
Destination Partners
Boston, MA
Dorothea Heck, DMCP, CMP, CEM
Destination Philly A.C.
Philadelphia, PA
Cynthia L. Alford, CTP
Destination South
Atlanta, GA
Julie Greenspoon
Destination St. Louis
St. Louis, MO
Jeff Volmrich
Destination VIP
Salt Lake City, UT
Laurie Stroll, CMP, DMCP
Newport Hospitality
Newport, RI
Laurie Sprouse, CITE, CMP, DMCP
Ultimate Ventures
Dallas, TX
Nicole Marsh, CMP, DMCP
The Arrangers
Denver, CO
Trevor Hanks, CMP, DCMP
360 Destination Group
Los Angeles/Orange County/San Diego, Palm Springs, CA
James Lammy
Southwest Conference Planners
Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ