Meet the 2020 Connect Corporate 15 Over 50

The Connect Corporate 15 Over 50 has been shaping the events industry for years. Congratulations to them all.

May 12, 2020

Cc 15 50 2020

Connect Corporate is proud to present our 15 Over 50. These individuals are leaders, mentors and stars who moved the events industry forward for decades. We are proud to salute their first-class efforts.

Heather Allen
CEO and Co-Founder, Mindful Meeting Pros

Dahlia El Gazzar, DES, altMBA, ECC
Tech Evangelist + Idea Igniteur, DAHLIA+ Agency

Byron Kane Frazier, DMCP
General Manager, 360 Destination Group—Texas Division

Kay Johnson-Frutiger, CMP
Global Commercial Operations Meeting Planner, Covance

Carvie Gillikin
Chief Operating Officer, McVeigh Global Meetings and Events

Evelyn J. Hall
Executive Assistant/Meeting Planner, National Notary Association

Gary R. Hernbroth
Chief Motivating Officer, Training for Winners

Kim Hester
Vice President of Sales, JNR Incorporated

Bill Kilburg
Chairman and CEO, HPN Global

Allison Kinsley, CMM, CMP, CED
Chief Meeting Architect, Kinsley Meetings

Margie Sitton
Senior Vice President, Sales and Services, San Diego Tourism Authority

Leonora Valvo
Co-Founder & CEO, Swoogo

Dianna Waldroup
Director of Convention Services, Destination DC

Katie Walters
Senior Account Specialist, Deco Productions, Inc.

Terri Woodin, CMP
Vice President, Marketing & Global Meeting Services, Meeting Sites Resource

Click here to see the 2020 Connect Association 15 Over 50.

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How This Nonprofit Is Helping Event Profs in Need During the Los Angeles Wildfires

For many event industry workers, seasonal ebbs and flows can make it difficult to maintain consistent earnings.

Q&A: How Encore's Unique HR Programs Are Supporting Seasonal Event Workers

'If someone told me that a kid from New York’s Lower East Side would one day go to Cornell, join the Army and serve as an officer, and then embark on such an amazing career as a businessman with seven hotels and subsidiary companies, I wouldn’t have believed it,' Rosen tells BizBash.

Rosen Hotels Celebrates Half a Century of Hospitality—Its Founder Looks Back (and Ahead)

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Meet the 2024 BizBash 15 Over 50

How This Nonprofit Is Helping Event Profs in Need During the Los Angeles Wildfires

SEARCH Foundation is raising money now to help event profs in need evacuate and find shelter. Chairperson Kate Patay also takes us through the organization's origins and impact.

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Q&A: How Encore's Unique HR Programs Are Supporting Seasonal Event Workers

With its new Overtime Savings Program and Seasonal Leave of Absence Program, event production company Encore is addressing the unique ebb and flow of a seasonal workforce.

For many event industry workers, seasonal ebbs and flows can make it difficult to maintain consistent earnings.

Rosen Hotels Celebrates Half a Century of Hospitality—Its Founder Looks Back (and Ahead)

In honor of Rosen Hotels & Resorts' 50th anniversary, Harris Rosen shares how the hotel industry has evolved over the last 50 years, the importance of meetings and events, how to build team loyalty, and more.

'If someone told me that a kid from New York’s Lower East Side would one day go to Cornell, join the Army and serve as an officer, and then embark on such an amazing career as a businessman with seven hotels and subsidiary companies, I wouldn’t have believed it,' Rosen tells BizBash.

Meet the 2024 BizBash 15 Over 50

These seasoned professionals have spent decades crafting the future of events, demonstrating that experience, vision, and adaptability are the ultimate keys to success.

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The Fascinating Early Jobs of 12 Event Professionals

From tax accountant and Hebrew schoolteacher to American Idol contestant and Army veteran, top event professionals share their unexpected career paths—and lessons learned along the way.

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From the Desert to Disney—Lisa Messina on Joining Visit Orlando After 15 Years in Las Vegas

The destination sales leader moves from one meetings mecca to another. Here, she shares what she'll miss most about Las Vegas, the impact she hopes to have in Orlando, and more.

Cannes Lions 2025: 90+ Bold Builds and Big Ideas From the French Festival of Creativity

Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora

Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level

50 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Liquid I.V., Martha Stewart, Foot Locker, and More

Industry Innovators 2025: Netflix

Industry Innovators 2025: Chase

Q&A: TED's New Chief Program and Strategy Officer Discusses the Growing Power of Events

In the newly created role, Monique Ruff-Bell will help oversee TED's strategic direction, growth, and vision. Here, she discusses the growing recognition of event strategists as business leaders and revenue drivers.

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Meet the 2023 BizBash 40 Under 40: Event Profs Far From Finished

BizBash is highlighting the impressive industry leaders who have made an early mark on the meetings and events industry—before even celebrating their 40th birthday.

Meet the 2023 BizBash 40 Under 40

2023 BizBash 40 Under 40: Ryan Peddigrew

Ryan Peddigrew, 30, is the director of business development for Quest AV.

2023 BizBash 40 Under 40: Ryan Peddigrew

2023 BizBash 40 Under 40: Kate MacCoy

Kate MacCoy, 39, is the director of operations and programs for Destination South Meetings & Events.

2023 BizBash 40 Under 40: Kate MacCoy

2023 BizBash 40 Under 40: Anna Nicholson

Anna Nicholson, 30, is the event manager at Yahoo.

2023 BizBash 40 Under 40: Anna Nicholson

2023 BizBash 40 Under 40: Amy Grigg

Amy Grigg, 33, is the manager, creative services at VDA Inc.

2023 BizBash 40 Under 40: Amy Grigg

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