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2020 Connect Association 15 Over 50: John E. Dirba, CMM

John E. Dirba, CMM, is a regional vice president of HelmsBriscoe. He is based in Dallas.

May 4, 2020

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John E. Dirba, CMM, describes himself as driven, thoughtful and compassionate. Learn more about him.

What I do: I’m a strategic sourcing partner to clients around the world, helping with contract negotiations and cost savings as well as risk mitigation. I also have a dual role of recruiting new talent for the company.

Greatest career accomplishment: Joining HelmsBriscoe 21 years ago my the greatest career accomplishment. I have also been honored to be in our top salesman’s club since 2002; earning a spot in our Top 25 Producers last year.

Impressive stats: I help co-lead a team of more than 150 associates located in seven states.

What I do outside of work: I’m on the customer advisory board for the Dallas CVB and Little Rock CVB, I also love to collect art and collectibles from around the world.

Connect With Dirba on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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

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The Fascinating Early Jobs of 12 Event Professionals

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.

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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Get the Scoop on This Italian Food Brand’s Debut in This Year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

33 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Lexus, Zappos, Nike, and More

Top 7 Corporate Holiday Party Trends of 2024

See How City Harvest Attendees Stepped Into an ‘80s-Era Music Video

All This Mariah Carey Pop-Up Wants for Christmas Is You

This Skincare Brand Took Guests on a Multisensory Journey Through Its 10-Year History

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

2023 BizBash 40 Under 40: Jenna Nelson

Jenna Nelson, 36, is the president of Maverick Events & Consulting as well as Adaline’s Playroom.

2023 BizBash 40 Under 40: Jenna Nelson

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