Meet the DMAI 30 Under 30 Class of 2017

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Chairman Gary C. Sherwin, CDME and President and CEO of Visit Newport Beach, Inc; Destination and Travel Foundation Chairman Joe Marinelli, and President of Visit Savannah, and President and CEO Don Welsh today announced the 2017 “30 Under 30” class, which will convene for the first time at the Association’s Annual Convention in Montreal, Canada July 11-14.

 

“One of the main priorities for our industry today is developing our workforce, and specifically our leadership, for tomorrow,” said Marinelli. “The ’30 Under 30” initiative gives us the ability to do both. It has been exciting to watch the enthusiasm of these young professionals as they form a network they can rely on. Attending the Annual Convention will most certainly deliver the critical insight they will need regarding today’s challenges and trends.”

 

“Our future as an industry is dependent on young professionals choosing to pursue a career with destination organizations and bringing their energy, insight and dynamic skills to our benefit,” said Sherwin. “I look forward to meeting our 2017 class of ‘30 Under 30’ and encouraging them to continue in our profession.”

 

Now in its seventh year, “30 Under 30” is supported by founding program partner SearchWide Global, and sponsored by IMEX and USAE. The 30 individuals, 30 years of age and under, will have the opportunity to engage in professional development and networking opportunities throughout 2017. The honorees originate from a variety of destination organizations of all sizes, including Meet Puerto Rico, Destination DC, Travel Oregon, Visit Wichita and Brand USA.

 

“Each year we’ve seen very impressive submissions for DMAI’s ‘30 Under 30,’ and this year was no different,” said Mike Gamble, president and CEO of SearchWide Global. “The top 30 selected for the Class of 2017 show remarkable leadership potential in the tourism industry. As we embark on the seventh year as the founding partner, we continue to be very proud of this program and thank DMAI for their commitment.”

 

The program benefits include:

 

– Complimentary registration and accommodations for three nights during DMAI’s 2017 Annual Convention
– Complimentary registration for Fundamentals in Destination Marketing, the first course of DMAI’s PDM program
– Year-round professional development focus, including regular interactive webinars and an online community to share ideas

 

“The ‘30 Under 30’ program remains a critical part of DMAI’s vision and mission,” said Welsh. “As we continue with rebranding the organization, we remain focused on a powerful forward-thinking, collaborative association; exchanging bold ideas, connecting innovative people, and elevating tourism to its highest potential. Congratulations to this very impressive group and we look forward to recognizing them on their success in Montreal.”

 

The 2017 class includes:

– Jose Arana, Marketing & Communications Executive, Meet Puerto Rico
– Jake Buchheit, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Visit KC
– Lauren Cleland, Digital Content Strategist, Visit Savannah
– Kenzie Coleman, Sales Manager, Visit Omaha
– Jamie Cox, Marketing Coordinator, Visit Franklin/Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau
– Katie Egresi, Graphic Designer, Experience Columbus
– Kimberly Franz, Marketing Director, Dunwoody Convention + Visitors Bureau
– Andrea Gardi, Senior Project Manager, Regional Tourism Organization 4 Inc.
– Drew Hays, Sports Sales Manager, Visit Wichita
– Emily Hendricks, Creative Services Coordinator, Visit Saint Paul
– Kate Herron, Director of Marketing, Experience Grand Rapids
– Britt Hijkoop, Senior Manager, International PR, NYC & Company
– Ahmed Ibrahim, Membership Sales Manager, Destination DC
– Natalie Jamieson, Manager of Research & Data Analysis, Visit Baltimore
– Cambria Jones, Marketing Specialist, Allen Convention & Visitors Bureau
– Chandler Jones, Account Manager, Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau
– Victoria Lightfoot, Public Relations Specialist, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
 Roxanne Lombard, Senior Researcher, Cape Town Tourism
– Wesley Lucas, Communications Manager, Frisco Convention & Visitors Bureau
– Aime O’Keefe, Senior Web Specialist, Discover The Palm Beaches
– Kara Reed, Convention Services Manager, Visit Indy
– Daniel Schwartz, Senior Manager, Tourism, San Francisco Travel Association
– Crystal Solberg, Content Creator, Tourism Richmond
– Joe Tacynec, Creative Director, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board
– Maranda Tippin, Site Experience Specialist, San Diego Tourism Authority
– Elena Vizzini, Destination Development Coordinator, Travel Oregon
– Ivette Wilhelm, Public Relations Manager, Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
Angela Wirkler, Group Sales Manager, Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

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Meet the IAVM 30 | UNDER | 30 Class of 2017

“We (Board of Trustees) are extremely proud to announce the third class of your IAVM Foundation 30 | UNDER | 30. This group truly represents the talent, passion and drive we all have for the industry. These 30 deserving individuals will come together at VenueConnect 2017 to represent the Foundation at the Legacy Project, UpSTART Emerging Leaders Program and at the Foundation Lounge on the trade show floor. We encourage everyone to come by and meet the next 30 | UNDER | 30 class,” said Bob Hunter, Board of Trustee Chair.

 

Applicants were required to submit an application and a creative video. Four members of the IAVM Young Professional committee, along with two IAVM Foundation Board of Trustees, Mark Gnatovic, Senior Vice President of SearchWide Global and Bill Bavirsha, Associate Athletic Director Facility Operations/ General Manager UIC Athletics Sports Complex, served as the evaluation committee.

 

“We received a staggering number of applications and it was extremely hard to narrow down the list to 30 as all submissions were top notch” stated Bill Bavirsha.

 

When asked what being a Class of 2016 30 | UNDER | 30 member meant to him, Michael Santa,  IAVM Young Professional Committee Vice Chair said,  “It has been extreme honor to be part of the current 30UNDER30 class. Meeting and networking with so many of my talented peers and colleagues in my class has been an incredible opportunity. My VenueConnect 2016 experience as part of the 30|UNDER|30 class in Minneapolis was unforgettable!”

 

Recipients receive complimentary registration to VenueConnect 2017, along with an $850 stipend.

 

Congratulations to the 30 | UNDER | 30 Class of 2017!

 

Brittany Atwell, Guest Services Coordinator, Spectra Venue Management/ Donald L. Tucker Civic Center at Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL)

Tyler Baldwin, Director of Booking & Events, Orleans Arena/Orleans Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas, NV)

Matthew Bauer, House Manager, Englert Theatre (Iowa City, IA)

Trenton Becker, Event Coordinator III, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (Dallas, Tx)

Beth Bryant, Membership and Ticketing Services Manager, The Classic Center (Athens, GA)

Brian Caputo, General Manager, Spectra Venue Management/Mullins Center (Amherst, MA)

Zach Cornwall, Event Manager, Oilers Entertainment Group (Edmonton, Canada)

Bahiah Odeh -Eppig, Facility Services Supervisor, San Diego Convention Center (San Diego, CA)

Josh Hernandez, Sales and premium Services Manager, Frank Erwin Center (Austin, TX)

Joshua Hezlep, Event Coordinator, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (Dallas, TX)

Ethan Honaman, Guest Relations Assistant Manager, Sports Authority Field at Mile High (Denver, CO)

Tamlyn Hornew, Event Coordinator, Georgia Dome (Atlanta, GA)

Randle Jackson, Division Manager, Travis County Exposition Center (Austin, TX)

Nick Kaizer, Associate Ticket Office Manager/Webmaster, Iowa State Center/managed by VenuWorks/Stephens Auditorium-Fisher Theater (Ames, IA)

Nic Lawrence, Event Manager, Spokane Public Facilities District (Spokane, WA)

Hannah Mothersbaugh, Guest Services Coordinator, Cleveland Browns (Cleveland, OH)

Jocelyn Munson, Event Services Supervisor, Cobb Galleria Centre (Atlanta, GA)

Robert Phillips, Director of Sales and Guest Services, The 5th Avenue Theatre (Seattle, WA)

Sarah Kate Rogers, Event Coordinator, Cox Business Center/SMG (Tulsa, OK)

Anna Rosburg, Assistant General Manager/Director of Marketing, Spectra Venue Management/Casper Events Center (Casper, WY)

Marcus Sanchez, Events Supervisor, The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (Santa Rosa, CA)

Andrew Saunders, Booking Manager, Venue Coalition (Westlake Village, CA)

Eric Schleicher, Senior Marketing Manager, BOK Center/SMG (Tulsa, OK)

Dana Schmitz, Manager of Special Events, BMO Harris Bradley Center (Milwaukee, WI)

Daren Smylie, Event Manager, San Diego Convention Center (San Diego, CA)

Raney Stryk, Event Coordinator, Curtis Culwell Center (Garland, TX)

Courtney Tetreault, Assistant Production Manager, Neal S. Blaisdell Center (Honolulu, HI)

Jake Whitcomb, Event Operations Manager, San Francisco Giants/AT&T Park (San Francisco, CA)

Danielle Wright, Sales Manager, SMG Tulsa/Cox Business Center (Tulsa, OK)

Samantha Zastrow, Event Manager, Spurs Sports & Entertainment/AT&T Center (San Antonio, TX)

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9 Tips You Can Use NOW to Create a Better Work-life Balance

Do you ever feel stressed, overworked, or spread too thin? You’re not alone in feeling this way. Many professionals are in your same boat and are searching for a way to be successful in all aspects of their lives.

Creating a work-life balance can definitely be a challenge at times, but by achieving a good balance in life is key to one’s happiness and overall health. Separating our professional lives from our personal lives is becoming more difficult, thanks to technology and the need for immediate communication.

 

At SearchWide Global we believe it needs to be a top priority, as poor work-life balance can produce high levels of stress which can lead to health issues, unhappiness and reduced production at work. Nobody wants that! 

 

Here are 9 tips that you can use now to create a more balanced life:

1. Rise and shine – Wake up an hour earlier.  It may be tough in the beginning but easing into your morning instead of rushing will produce a more peaceful day.  You’ll often hear this as a common denominator among CEO’s and entrepreneurs offering advice on being successful. Do whatever you want with the time, some ideas would be to; get some work done while you have uninterrupted time, have coffee in quiet, prepare a healthy meal for the day, exercise, or read.

 

2. Build downtime into your schedule – looking ahead, schedule time with family and friends. This way, even when work life is busy, you can manage your time around your already scheduled downtime like you would any meeting on your calendar.

 

3. Eliminate activities that don’t serve you– limit time wasted on social media sites, gossiping with colleagues and other mindless activities. Take stock of activities that don’t enhance your career or personal life, and reduce the time you spend on them.

 

4. Exercise  exercise is essential to physical and mental health. We know there are countless studies that show a direct correlation between health, productivity, and energy levels and exercise, yet it is still a challenge to squeeze it in a busy schedule. Find an exercise you enjoy and a time in the day that works for you, before work and before your household wakes, at your lunch hour, or in the evenings perhaps. Then commit to that time throughout the week.

At SearchWide Global we use FitBit’s to track activity and motivate regular exercise; this is also great for team building.

 

5. Meditate –  Meditation is not just for the zen, and has huge benefits when it comes to reducing stress and becoming more aware. Anyone can do it, and anyone can benefit from it. Learn to become more mindful in the present moment (even when you are a busy professional). The Headspace app offers an introduction to medication. Just use the app to walk you through it, at just 10 minutes a day.

 

6. Relax – take some quiet time for yourself to reflect and make time to do things you enjoy. There is an art about literally, doing nothing. That means no phone, social media, tv, etc. It’s shown to create calmness and create space in your mind for new ideas. But, if your idea of relaxing is watching some tv shows, go ahead. Just try not to fall asleep to it as research shows that can negative effects on your sleep.

 

7. Volunteer – Giving back and volunteering your time in your community provides stress relief and gives you a sense of accomplishment while helping others. It’s also a great way to offer your skills and learn key leadership attributes. At SearchWide Global, staff is encouraged to take one volunteer day a year during work hours. So if finding the time is an issue, talk to your boss about implementing a similar program.

 

8. Turn off your phone – You can’t be in 2 places at the same time.  If you’re enjoying dinner with your family yet looking down at your phone, the perception is you would rather be with your phone.  Make yourself fully available when spending quality time with family and friends.

 

9. Get back to nature – Evidence shows that spending time in nature can provide a restore your mental well-being, relieve stress, boost your creative juices, and more. Even though a trip to a national forest would be nice, any green space, park, community garden or similar will do.

 

10. Plan an annual vacation – Okay, actually it’s 10! Consider it a bonus, because this one can be life-changing on its own. Take a vacation (or vacations if possible) throughout the year. The Dalai Lama said,

“Once a year go someplace you’ve never been before”.

The memories and experiences that you gain from taking a vacation are truly priceless. If you have a hard time getting away, plan ahead. This helps you stay committed to the dates you plan to travel and gives you time to save funds for the trip.

 

once-a-year-go-someplace-youve-never-been-before

 

For on-going encouragement,  a great resource is Project Time Off.

“Project: Time Off aims to shift culture so that using personal time off is not considered frivolous, but essential to strengthening families and improving personal health, a business investment with proven returns, and an economic necessity.” (www.projecttimeoff.com).

 

Start today by trying a few of these tips and you will begin to experience a better balance at work and home. Here’s to a more balanced you!

 

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SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management and experiential marketing industries. We specialize in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and several regional offices, we’re able to serve clients and candidates nationwide. Founded in 1999, we have remained focused on our four core values for almost two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION and RESPECT.

Introducing the SearchWide Global CEO Interview Series

SearchWide Global has announced their CEO Interview Series, a collection of video interviews with the industries top leaders. SearchWide Global is a leading recruitment firm in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management and experiential marketing industries.

 

One of the top concerns our industry leaders have is how to find great talent and then retain them.  In SearchWide Global’s new CEO Interview Series, Mike Gamble, President & CEO discusses emerging hiring trends, talent acquisition, and retention topics and trends with industry leaders across the travel, tourism, and hospitality space.

 

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As we speak to the top leaders in our industry, we are learning what has worked for them and the challenges that they see in the future. The interviewees include Roger Dow with the U.S. Travel Association, Julie Coker Graham with the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, George Aguel with Visit Orlando, Chris Thompson with Brand USA, Don Welsh with Destinations International, and many more.

 

The SearchWide Global CEO Interview Series will be available to view on YouTube and the SearchWide Global website. New episodes are to be released monthly via the SearchWide Global newsletter.

 

 

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About SearchWide Global: SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm, placing hundreds of executives, primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management and experiential marketing industries. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Founded in 1999, and headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA they have remained focused on four core values for almost two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION and RESPECT.

 

 

 

How to Know if a Company is the Right Fit for You – Before Accepting the Position

By: Mark Gnatovic

Many times prospective candidates do not do enough of their own homework and evaluation of the company they are interviewing with to determine if this move will be a move filled with success, and even more important, the happiness they seek. Based on our many years of experience we’ve put together some great advice to turn to while you are in the interview and hiring process. This will help you determine if the company is a good fit for you before you accept the position.

 

The key is to evaluate the company just as much as they evaluate you. 

 

Here are some helpful thoughts to consider before you accept a new job:

 

1. The first thing to ask yourself, “can I be successful in this position”?  There are plenty of “cool” jobs out there, or positions that you have dreamed about, sound exciting, but are they right for you? Consider the position inside and out, the responsibilities, and how it translates to your experience, is it a role you can see yourself being successful in? How will you compare to other likely candidates?

 

 

2. Okay, you’re comfortable with #1, now consider the company and how it fits with you and your livelihood. It’s your life, know what is important to you! Ask yourself if you are comfortable with the hours, travel, perhaps weekends and even nights.  If you don’t know the answers to those questions, find out now before it’s too late.

 

 

3. How about the personality of the person you will report to? Does his/her leadership style align with you? Will your potential new boss provide a platform for your success? Ask a couple leading questions like “what’s your style of leadership and what does success look like to you?”

 

 

4. Ask about the team that you will eventually partner with and that will support you (and you them) towards success. Maybe, ”tell me about the existing team that is in place, what challenges or successes have they had and why”?

 

 

5. Evaluate the office atmosphere…did the person working the front desk greet you? Do people look at you in the eye and say “hi” as you walk by and into the interview room. Try and gather a sense for what a typical day would feel like, what mood does it put you in?

 

 

6. What does the culture feel like? A simple question, “tell me about the culture here”. How about personal health, do you see people wearing Fitbits, using stability balls, or stand-up desks? If it’s important to you, be aware of the culture and environment.  Ask for a tour of the office.

 

 

7. As you consider the company, ask (and do you own homework/evaluation) what makes them better than their competitive set? It may not be the largest and most financially heavy company (although money in the bank is SUPER important), but what makes this company stand out? First off, know their competitive set and ask, “how do you compete against ABC and what are your biggest challenges when competing against them? What makes “us” stand out to “them”?

 

 

8. How about the size of the company? Some people do better with a larger, more defined responsibility vs. a smaller, more cutting edge and entrepreneurial opportunity. Just recognize what is ahead for you where there are more opportunities for “all hands on deck”.  And, for the entrepreneurial “opportunities” that come with long range money, you need to get those promises in writing.

 

 

9. Why is the position available? What happened to the last person? Or why has this position been created? These are fantastic questions that may help you determine if the role fits you.

 

 

Your own unique discovery process on shared beliefs, ethics, integrity and morals are ALL no brainers. Every company is unique in its own right, and so are you.  Don’t make a move just to make the move.  Find a home that you will inspire you, challenge you, and provide opportunities for your career.  

 

A good candidate must interview the interviewers almost as much as they will interview you. Trust your gut and good luck!

 

 

 

Read more: The Perfect Interview Outfits for Both Men and Women

Read more: 10 Things You Need to Know to Ace an Interview

 

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About SearchWide Global: SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm, placing hundreds of executives, primarily for companies in the convention, trade association, and travel/tourism industries. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and several regional offices, SearchWide Global is able to serve clients and candidates nationwide. Founded in 1999, they have remained focused on four core values for almost two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION and RESPECT.

SearchWide Global Hires John Brich as Vice President

John Brich will join SearchWide Global as Vice President, taking the lead role in managing the hotel and resort practice for the organization.

“Our work affects people’s lives every single day and what we do is important, rewarding and fun. John understood that immediately!” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO, SearchWide Global. “He clearly has a great work history but it is his approachability, communication skills, and warmth that set him apart. We are thrilled to have him on our team,” continued Gamble.

Brich most recently served as the Director of Sales for the Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau from 2011-2017, and the 12 years’ prior were based in Chicago and dedicated to his roles within the hotel industry, including sales and leadership positions with Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts.

Brich attended Mercyhurst University in Pennsylvania where he studied Hotel Management, he now resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife, Amy, and five-year-old twins, John and Anna. Brich will open a new regional office for SearchWide Global in the greater Cincinnati area; making it the sixth location for the company.

“I am humbled and honored to join the SearchWide Global team. I have been a client and a candidate and respect the integrity of the relationships and industry knowledge SearchWide Global embodies. I look forward to helping our industry achieve greater numbers by connecting great organizations and great people,” stated John Brich.

 

 

 

About SearchWide GlobalSearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm, placing hundreds of executives, primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management and experiential marketing industries. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and several regional offices, SearchWide Global is able to serve clients and candidates nationwide. Founded in 1999, they have remained focused on four core values for almost two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION and RESPECT.

 

 

For more information contact:

Kara Ryan | info@searchwideglobal.com

The Best Apps for Traveling in 2016/2017

Bags are packed, flights are booked, and the hotel is reserved. The hard part is done! So how do you make sure your trip is a success? With a few taps on a smartphone, you have an endless supply of resources while traveling. There are thousands of travel apps that include everything from maps to restaurants, from city tours to transportation, from Wi-Fi availability to tipping etiquette… it’s all at your fingertips and most apps are free. Here are ten apps we recommend you download for your travels.

 

 

1. Maps.me This free app offers worldwide maps for all countries and cities with very detailed information, listing thousands of points of interests. It offers a smooth interface and can be used completely offline so it saves you money on roaming charges.

 

 

2. Converter Plus If you’re traveling abroad, Converter Plus is a must! Converter Plus is a unit converter with an extensive list of currencies and units in hundreds of categories, including weight, speed, temperature, volume, and many more. Converter Plus also comes with mortgage, loan, tip, fuel consumption calculators and many others for everyday problems.

Converter Plus app icon

 

 

 3. Google Trips Google Trips makes exploring the world easier by organizing your essential info in one place and making it available even offline. Get activity suggestions based on what’s nearby, customizable day plans, and your travel reservations from Gmail.

google_trips

 

 

4. TripIt Always have a master itinerary for your trip with all your travel plans and confirmations in one place with TripIt. With this app, your itinerary is as close as your smartphone. You can even access your itinerary offline, while in flight or to avoid roaming charges when traveling abroad. View your confirmation number on the way to the airport. Get directions to your hotel when you land. It’s like having a personal assistant who’s one step ahead.

Tripit app icon

 

 

5. Uber While Uber is already a staple for most travelers, we want to make sure you don’t leave home without it. Uber seamlessly connects riders to drivers in over hundreds of cities worldwide. And paying is just as easy too. It’s a safe, reliable and trustworthy resource to have no matter where you are.

Uber app icon

 

 

6. Cities Talking Cities Talking for locals and tourists alike! Looking to really get to know a new place, or to perhaps uncover a new side of your hometown? Cities Talking offers fresh and engaging audio walking tours of a wide variety of European cities, with a brilliant twist!

cities_talking_app

 

 

7. Allpoint Allpoint helps you find 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs around the world. Its geo-locator finds the nearest location without entering addresses or zip codes and provides a list to scroll through. It also has a share feature to email or message the ATM locations.

Allpoint app icon

 

 

8. Yelp is a guide to find good food and coffee. If you’re not already a Yelper, downloading the app for a trip is a great time to start using it. It’s full of recommendations with photos of dishes near you. See what people love at restaurants and coffee shops near your hotel or event. Search the food you’re craving or dietary restrictions you have, and the app will show you the nearest restaurant to find it.

yelp

 

 

9. Wi-Fi Finder With over 650,000 Wi-Fi locations in 144 countries worldwide, quickly and easily find these spots when you travel with Wi-Fi Finder. Download the locations offline so you know how to stay connected when you’re on the road. Using the GPS function on your smartphone, the Wi-Fi finder will tell you exactly where the closest Wi-Fi hotspot is, and how to get there. If you prefer certain providers, you’ll be able to see which hotspots are served by those providers. When you find the location you want to use, you’ll be given a phone number and directions on how to get there.

Wifi finder app icon

 

 

10. Stop Breath and Think Travel can sometimes be high-speed with things to do and places to see,  leaving you feeling like you need time to relax when you get home from vacation. This app is designed to help you create calm and peace throughout your busy day using meditation. The meditation practice it will help you gain more balance in your daily life. allowing you to get the must out of your travels.

stop_breath_think app

 

Other mentionable apps include iExit and GasBuddy. If your journey includes a road trip, these two apps are necessities. iExit tells you what’s ahead when driving on the interstate. Search hundreds of miles ahead and discover great spots at upcoming exits. Whether it’s a restaurant or shops with Wi-Fi, iExit will tell you what exits ahead have exactly what you need. GasBuddy is exactly that – your on-the-road fuel friend. This app saves you time and money by finding the cheapest gas near you. It also has leaderboards to compete against other gasbuddies by reporting good prices and helping others save money on gas.

 

All of these apps should help ease your travel and guarantee lasting memories. Bon voyage and safe travels!

 

 

SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management and experiential marketing industries. We specialize in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and several regional offices, we’re able to serve clients and candidates nationwide. Founded in 1999, we have remained focused on our four core values for almost two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION and RESPECT.

11 Crowd Pleasing Appetizer Recipes for the Holiday Potluck

It’s that time of year again! December is here, and the holidays are quickly approaching. Your calendar is probably filling up with holiday parties, gift exchanges, tree decorating, ugly sweater parties, and of course, many of these get-togethers calls for a potluck!

What can you bring that’s easy to transport, easy to reheat, and still a crowd-pleasing dish? We’ve got 11 tasty recipes that seem to work well for the holiday potluck.

 

1. Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Ring  

Buffalo Chicken Cresent Ring

From Pillsbury.com

 

 

2. Loaded Cheesy Mashed Potato Balls

From Tablespoon.com

From Tablespoon.com

 

3. Goat Cheese Pesto Spread

From SkinnyMs.com

From SkinnyMs.com

 

 

4. Spicy Asian Chicken Meatballs

From ThisGalCooks.com

From ThisGalCooks.com

 

 

5. Skinny Lasagna Rolls  

From SkinnyMs.com

From SkinnyMs.com

 

 

6. Chicken & Zucchini Poppers

From OneLovelyLife.com

 

 

7. Caramelized Pears and Walnut Topped Brie 

From MyDailyRandomness.com

From MyDailyRandomness.com

 

 

8. Crab Salad in Crisp Wonton Cups

From FoodNetwork.com

From FoodNetwork.com

 

 

9. Slow Cooker Chilli Queso Dip  

From lecremedelacrumb.com

From lecremedelacrumb.com

 

10. Sweet Potato & Caramelized Onion Toast – Vegan 

sweet-potato-crostini

From SweetPotatoSoul.com

 

 

11. Grinch Kabobs

From NourishingMinimalism.com

From NourishingMinimalism.com

 

 

Wishing everyone a cheerful holiday, and happy grazing!

 

 

 

SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management and experiential marketing industries. We specialize in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and several regional offices, we’re able to serve clients and candidates nationwide. Founded in 1999, we have remained focused on our four core values for almost two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION and RESPECT.

National Association of Sports Commissions Retains SearchWide Global to Conduct the Search for Executive Director

The National Association of Sports Commissions has retained SearchWide Global, the executive recruitment firm, to manage the search process for their Executive Director position. SearchWide Global specializes in executive search for the sports, travel/tourism, hospitality, tradeshow and events industry.

 

“During the next few weeks we will continue to discuss the organization needs with our stakeholders and about the position,” stated Ralph Morton, Chairman of the Board of the Board of Directors. “We want to be thorough, thoughtful, and transparent as we work through this process,” continued Morton.

 

Veteran sport tourism industry leader Don Schumacher announced that he will step down in 2017, after 23 years of committed service as the Association’s only Executive Director. In 1992, under Schumacher’s leadership, the NASC was formulated with an initial group of 15 sports marketing organizations from around the country, who were dedicated to information sharing and cooperation amongst their peers. Today, the NASC is the industry’s only non-profit, member-directed association advocating for the sport tourism industry with an annual budget of $2 million and more than 800 members. Don looks forward to staying involved with the NASC while continuing a consulting practice.

 

SearchWide Global has extensive experience in recruiting C-level and Director Executives for similar leadership roles in sports organizations, associations and tourism entities. In the next few weeks, interested parties can go to the SearchWide Global website, www.searchwideglobal.com, to see a detailed Position Overview.

 

 

For more information, please contact:

Mike Gamble, President and CEO

info@searchwideglobal.com
www.searchwideglobal.com

 

SearchWide Global Partners with Industry Leader Bob Lander

SearchWide Global, a leading recruitment firm, has partnered with major tourism industry leader, Bob Lander. Lander, who previously served as President and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and is Past Chair of Destination Marketing Association International, has joined SearchWide Global as an executive consultant and coach.

 

“I have known and respected Bob for many years but his most recent display of leadership and courage as Chair of DMAI, during the most challenging year of the association’s history was inspiring. We are excited to work closer with Bob and have him as a part of our team”, said Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global.

 

Lander will focus on further developing vital relationships in the hotel/resort sector as well as the broader travel/tourism, and hospitality industries for SearchWide Global.

 

“SearchWide Global occupies a prominent position across a wide spectrum of our industry.  I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with a team that demonstrates a high-level of integrity and passion in all that they do”, said Bob Lander.

 

Lander served as President and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) from 2001-2016. He also held the title of Executive Vice President at Visit Phoenix from 1996-2001. Prior to that, he held many hotel industry roles including, General Manager, Regional Vice President and Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Renaissance Hotels, North America. Destination Marketing Association International named him Chair in 2015 and now serves as immediate Past Chair.

 

About SearchWide Global: SearchWide Global™ is a full service executive search firm, placing hundreds of executives, primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management and experiential marketing industries. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Founded in 1999, and headquartered in the Twin Cities and several regional offices, SearchWide Global is able to serve clients and candidates nationwide.