Jennifer Kingen Kush
Jennifer Kingen Kush, DES, has been promoted to vice president of the Professional Convention Management Association’s [PCMA] Digital Experience Institute. In this role, she ensures the organization delivers the latest research, trends, education, and content to PCMA’s audience of hybrid and digital event producers. She will additionally continue her role as executive director of PCMA’s Digital Experience Institute. Kingen Kush has served as director of experience marketing and director of member relations during her 12 years with PCMA.
Alison Milgram
PCMA has also promoted Alison Milgram, CMP, DES, to director of events. She will oversee the event logistics for PCMA’s events including Convening Leaders and Influencers Summit, in addition to working on securing future PCMA event locations. Milgram joined PCMA in 2014 with a focus on elevating the organization’s food and beverage experiences. She began her career in the business events industry at SmithBucklin Corporation, followed by positions with several Chicago hotels, including the Conrad Chicago.
Ernie A. Arias
Euro Capital Properties, owner of The Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., has hired Ernie A. Arias as senior vice president of sales and business development. He will be responsible for The Watergate Hotel’s sales strategy and business development, in addition to managing and expanding the sales force at the property and within Euro Capital Properties’ New York sales team. He previously was area director of sales and marketing at Park Hyatt New York; director of sales and marketing for Park Hyatt Chicago; area director of sales and marketing for Park Hyatt Washington; and area director of sales for Park Hyatt hotels.
Michelle Russell
Michelle Russell has joined Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) as global sales manager of the U.S. Midwest global sales team. Based in ALHI’s new global sales office in Minnesota, she helps meeting professionals, association executives, incentive specialists, and business executives interested in holding events at ALHI’s member hotels and resorts. Russell has more than 25 years of experience in the luxury meetings and incentive sector, and most recently served as vice president, global accounts for HPN Global.