State of the Meeting & Convention Business Panel

State of the Meeting & Convention Business Industry Panel

Roundtable & Discussion

About the Session

As the world is reopening and operating under the “new normal,” the meeting and convention business is forever changed. Technological advancements, speed of change, adaptation, and safety guidelines are at the forefront of the industry. Join our top panel of experts to get insights of the State of the Meeting & Convention Business in the South Florida Market. Bring your burning questions to get a glimpse of the industry and how it will influence the speaking profession.

About the Panelists

Stacy Ritter, CDME, President & CEO Visit Fort Lauderdale

Stacy Rotter has served as the President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB) since 2016. The CVB is based in Broward County with multiple domestic and international offices. Today Stacy serves as a member of the United States Travel Association Board of Directors, Destination International Foundation Board, the Steering Committee of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Board Member of Winterfest, Inc., and the Executive Board of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. She serves as a member of the Orange Bowl Committee and the Miami Super Bowl Committee. Prior to her position at the GFLCVB, Ritter served as an elected Broward County Commissioner, and as Mayor of the County in 2008 to 2009. She is also an attorney licensed by the Florida Bar.

William D. Talbert III, CDME, President & CEO, Greater Miami Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

William D. Talbert, III, CDME has served as President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) for the past twenty years. Mr. Talbert has led efforts to win and subsequently host five Super Bowls and three International Pow Wows. Mr. Talbert’s leadership has been sought after by many organizations, including: Visit Florida (Chair/ Executive Committee), Destination Marketing Association International (Chair/Board of Trustees), U.S. Travel Executive Committee, Brand USA, Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (Chair), and Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Dean’s Advisory Council. He was also appointed to the United States Commerce Department’s Travel & Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB) for two terms. In 2006, He earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation – the highest educational achievement in the destination marketing industry.

Veronica Villar, CMP, CESE, Founder, Meeting Resources Miami, Inc.

Veronica Villar has been cultivating long-term partnerships for over two decades in the resilient World of Meetings. Her valuable connections have led her to years of success in placement and contracting of Corporate, Government, Incentive, and Association group business. She is an experienced Hotelier and Certified Meeting Professional. Her company, Meeting Resources Miami, Inc., offers expertise in the U.S. market with a specialty in high-end Hotel and Resort guest experiences. They support clients from the sourcing process until the group’s departure. Veronica is a GBAC-Trained Tech, a Certified Environmental Executive, and a Destination and Hotel Specialist.