What makes your city a top meeting/convention destination? Omaha is centrally located with easy accessibility by air or land, plus all convention amenities are in close proximity. Our airport is five minutes from our convention center and adjoining hotel, and our entertainment venues - our arena and new performing arts center - are located downtown. The Old Market entertainment district features shops, galleries, and locally owned restaurants. Our Riverfront development is growing. There's a world-renowned zoo two miles outside downtown. This convenience helps us offer a very unique experience to convention visitors.

The perfect group for Omaha is 2,000 people. Our niche is conventions and sporting events looking for a new Midwest destination.

Tell us about a meeting you're thrilled to have just signed or a recent meeting you're very pleased with. The National Association of Sports Commissions is coming to Omaha in April of 2008. What is your perspective on destination leadership? It is the responsibility of the individual in this role to develop a strong team comprised of people who want to make positive change and understand the value of collaboration, and educate the community on the tremendous value the convention industry brings to a city.
What is your city's roadmap for the future? We're virtually building a new city. We've concluded Phase I, which pumped billions of dollars into our Riverfront development. Now we're into Phase II, which is focused on the activities and entertainment that bring vitality and personality to a city.
What "green" initiatives has your city/convention center undertaken?
In the convention center, reclaiming internal heat to reheat meeting rooms, using outside air for cooling when the humidity level is below 50 percent, re-using approximately 200 square yards of wood chips/hay/straw from an annual livestock show for mulch, and recycling nearly 33 tons of cardboard and paper annually.

The City of Omaha has added zoning codes that require green landscaping with development. Two new developments will be constructed with green roofs.
How have destination marketing organizations (DMOs) changed over the past 10 years, and how do you see the role of the bureau evolving in the future?
DMOs have established a stronger identity as economic engines rather than just "brochure services." Concentration still lies in sales and marketing, but assuming a higher public profile has become essential in establishing funds and gaining community support.

Bureaus will find new funding mechanisms and gain marketing savvy, with technological support carrying more significance. DMOs will also have a place at the table with city leaders as competition for development heightens.
What is your biggest challenge as a DMO?
Keeping the destination fresh; ensuring a unique experience for visitors; aligning all partners for the convention planner so booking is easy and efficient; and eliminating "red tape."
How did you get in to this career, and where were you before?
My first job after college was as a local corporate sales manager, and from that moment on I knew this was the industry for me.
What is it about working in this industry that grabs you?
Playing a role in growing an economy; finding ways to provide an experience that also benefits the city with new money; and working with upbeat, service-oriented people.