What makes your city a top meeting/convention destination?
Easy access - we're located within a day's drive of 55 percent of the U.S. population - and a great airport. Our hotel and convention rates are very reasonable compared to many markets.

Charlotte is one of the "big small towns" of America, with everything groups need - a convention center, hotels, restaurants, and more - all within walking distance of each other.

While our "sweet spot" is groups using 2,500 peak room nights; we're very flexible and can handle smaller and larger meetings.

Tell us about a meeting you're thrilled to have just signed on or a recent meeting you're very pleased with.
The National Rifle Association will hold its 2010 meeting in Charlotte.
What is your city's roadmap for the future? Being the home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame will definitely help grow the awareness of our destination. There are several other projects now under way - 12 within a 10-block radius of the convention center. Our joke now is that the city bird is the "crane." What is your perspective on destination leadership?
A CEO must provide members of his or her team with the vision and motivation to be the best they can be and ensure that they have the resources to excel at what they do. I'm the head coach. If we win, they get the credit. If we lose, it's my fault.
What green initiatives have your city/convention center undertaken?
Both the city as a whole and the convention center are working on "walking the walk" with green and have put in place a "Green Team," of which I am one of two leaders.

Our convention center has installed recycling bins throughout the facility, composts food waste, and donates excess untouched food to a local shelter. Only cups and takeout containers made from biodegradable materials are used. A cardboard recycling program is also in place at the center, and pitchers of water or water poured into biodegradable cups is served unless a planner specifically requests water bottles.
How have destination marketing organizations (DMOs) evolved over the past 10 years, and how do you see the role of the bureau changing in the future?
With an increasingly large oversupply of meeting space, DMOs have had to become more nimble - to be businesslike, bottom line-focused, and strategic when it comes to finding their niche. In the future, there will be increased emphasis on niche marketing and working smarter to build recognition for the city. Bureaus will also become even more of a one-stop shop for clients, as they increasingly do not want to look to multiple sources and listen to multiple voices in the meeting planning process.
How did you get into this career? How long have you been there, and where have you been before?
I joined the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority in 2004, after three years as the CEO of the Downtown Development Authority. Before that, I worked in the financial industry and, in a diversion, as the general manager of the Charlotte Knights AAA baseball team.
What is it about working in this industry that grabs you?
The people. There may be intense competition, but if everyone works smart, there will be enough pie for all of us to have our fair share.