2016's 40 Under 40: Nyomi Villafranca, CTA, CMP

January 11, 2016

Nyomi Villafranca, CTA, CMP 30, National Account Executive VisitHouston, Houston How I got here: “I started in the industry in college with the City of Bryan (Texas) Parks and Recreation Department planning the annual Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival. After graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in communications and recreation parks and tourism science, I worked for Hilton Houston North and InterContinental Hotel Houston. I joined the VisitHouston team in 2012 with more than six years of planning experience.”

Superstar stat: Villafranca has booked 76,000 room nights in the Greater Houston area, focusing on business that can fit in one hotel.

Looking forward to: “In November 2015, I was promoted to the citywide destination sales team. With $1.5 billion worth of renovations taking place at our campus, I am excited to book a citywide group.”

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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.

See Inside This High-Tech, Multisensory Experience from Don Julio

How U.S. Event Planners Can Navigate Global Attendance Challenges

C2 Montreal 2025: How the Business Conference Puts Creativity in 'Motion'

This Event Turned Home Decor Into a Celebration of Latinas' Life Moments

How BET’s Stylish Anniversary Dinner Honored the Past—and Embraced the Future

What's New in Meetings and Trade Shows: MPI WEC Heads to St. Louis, New Trends Report Shows Corporate Events on the Rise, 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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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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