Diane Garcia, 37, works in Memphis, TN, as national sales manager, Northeast, at Memphis CVB. As a 2018 40 Under 40 honoree, Garcia discusses her passion for the events industry.
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What I do: As part of the
Memphis sales team, I promote our authentic destination that is rich in music, food and culture. My travels include industry trade shows and hosting unique client events that provide a bit of Memphis flavor in Northeast target markets. Recently, after working together, a client described me as being awesome on a MCVB survey, and I believe recognition is the highest form of reward!
How I got here: I began my career in hospitality and tourism as a front office intern at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Fishkill, New York, in 1998. Following college, I made a move to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to advance my career in the hotel industry. Over the years, I’ve held several management positions in accounting, revenue management, marketing and sales to diversify my skill set. Prior to joining the Memphis CVB in 2016, I worked for seven years as director of sales and marketing for a 328-room oceanfront resort.
Greatest career accomplishment: I’m very proud of earning my MBA in 2013. It was the most demanding yet rewarding time of my life, working full time while pursuing this educational goal.
Impressive stats: In a year-over-year comparison, my lead generation from the Northeast territory has increased by 45.9 percent and definite room nights by 33.7 percent, which is encouraging as the territory continues to grow as a revenue generator for the Memphis meetings market.
What I am working on now: Our entire hospitality and tourism industry in Memphis looks forward to the completion of the $175 million renovation of Memphis Cook Convention Center that will be complete in September 2019. I’m excited to promote this project that will bring more meetings to Memphis.
