SearchWide Global Welcomes Vice President Andrea Christopherson

St. Paul, MN, April 19, 2023 — Effective April 17, 2023, Andrea Christopherson joined SearchWide Global as a Vice President to assist with SearchWide Global’s Director and C-Level searches and business development initiatives in the experiential event marketing segment along with the tradeshow and convention industries.

 

“Andrea is an excellent addition to our team. With her experience in hospitality and talent acquisition, she will bring our recruitment efforts to a new level,” said Mark Gnatovic, Executive Vice President at SearchWide Global.

 

Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX Metroplex, Christopherson brings over 20 years of experience leading talent acquisition, training, sales & marketing, event, and customer experience. She most recently served as a Chief Experience Officer with SalesBoost and was instrumental in building the brand and leading business development, marketing & strategic partnerships, content development, training programs, talent acquisition, and customer experience. She also has experience working with Omni Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and Aerotek (Allegis Group).

 

“I am honored to join the SearchWide Global team, and I look forward to helping the industry continue to thrive by connecting best-in-class talent with best-in-class organizations,” said Andrea Christopherson.

 

Christopherson’s keen understanding of business strategy, organizational effectiveness, change management, and talent acquisition will support SearchWide Global’s Executive Search and Organizational Strategy initiatives.

Christopherson graduated from Texas State University with an Organizational Communications and Media Studies degree. She serves on the UNT CMHT Advisory Board, the C.T. Bauer College of Business Customer Experience Advisory Board, and previously, the Visit Frisco Customer Advisory Board.

She lives in Frisco, Texas, where she enjoys coaching sports teams, volunteering at local charitable organizations, including NCL, spending time with her family, attending live events, and doing outdoor exercise.

 

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 their core values for more than two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION, RESPECT, and INCLUSION.

 

For more information, please contact:

Cambria Jones | jones@searchwideglobal.com

2023 Sports Destination Leaders Salary, Compensation and Benefits Report

Sports ETA, SearchWide Global, and Northstar Meetings Group Present New Executive Compensation Report for the Sports Events and Tourism Industry

 

Sports ETA and SearchWide Global partnered to release the “2023 Sports Destination Leaders Salary, Compensation and Benefits Report” led by researchers from Stoll Strategies, sponsored by the Northstar Meetings Group.

 

The benchmark study provides an overall look at the employment landscape for the $39.7 billion sports events and tourism industry among sports destinations while offering a resource to organizations with actionable information.

 

The last industry Salary, Compensation and Benefits Report was conducted in 2013 by Enigma Research Corporation. The research for the 2023 report was led by Dr. Jennifer Stoll, and Dr. Blake Price, from Stoll Strategies.

 

Data from more than 200 sports destination leaders, with a majority of those employed by a Destination Marketing Organization or Convention & Visitors Bureau, was collected and organized in the six following areas of the report:

  • Organization Information
  • Performance Goals
  • Industry Experience
  • Employment Agreements
  • Salaries and Bonuses
  • Benefits

 

A tool kit is also included in the report and will serve as an advocacy tool to help organizations advance sports events and tourism in their destinations.

SearchWide Global Welcomes Executive Recruiter Renee Marpert

St. Paul, MN, April 26, 2022 — Effective April 11, 2022, Renee Marpert joined SearchWide Global as an Executive Recruiter to assist with SearchWide Global’s Director and C-Level searches and business development initiatives.

 

“Renee is an excellent addition to our team. With her experience in hospitality recruiting and human resources, she will bring our recruitment efforts to a new level,” said Nicole Newman, Vice President, SearchWide Global.

 

Based in Seattle, WA, Marpert brings nearly seven years of experience in hospitality recruitment and human resources, including most recently serving as a Talent Acquisition Specialist for a Hospitality Management & Consultancy. With her keen understanding of talent acquisition, she will support SearchWide Global’s recruitment initiatives for Director and C-Level searches, primarily in the Destination Marketing sector.

 

“I’m thrilled to join such a talented team and look forward to connecting amazing people with great opportunities,” said Renee Marpert.

 

Marpert graduated from Barnard College of Columbia University in the City of New York with a degree in Anthropology. She lives in Seattle, where she loves biking, hiking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest with friends and family.

 

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, please contact:

Cambria Jones | jones@searchwideglobal.com

SearchWide Global Welcomes Executive Recruiter Kathryn Millard

(St. Paul, MN)  — Effective February 7, 2022, Kathryn Millard joined SearchWide Global as an Executive Recruiter to assist with SearchWide Global’s hotel and resort searches and business development initiatives.

 

“We are excited to have Kathryn join our team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be essential in advancing our services in the hotel and resort sector,” said John Brich, Vice President, SearchWide Global.

 

Based in Amelia Island, FL, Millard brings 14 years of experience in hotels and resorts, including The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Omni Amelia Island, and most recently the W South Beach as a Senior Sales Executive. With her extensive knowledge of hotels and resorts, she will support SearchWide Global Vice President John Brich, who leads SearchWide Global’s hotel and resort practice.

 

“I am thrilled to be joining SearchWide Global and helping change lives by finding the perfect fit for both our candidates and clients. I’m looking forward to making a difference and changing the trajectory of one’s career, just like SearchWide Global did for me.”

Millard graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Business Administration – Marketing. She lives on Amelia Island with her husband, two sons, and their chihuahua, Daisy.

 

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, please contact:

Cambria Jones | jones@searchwideglobal.com

SearchWide Global Welcomes Executive Recruiter Donna Thornton

(St. Paul, MN)  — Effective November 15, 2021, Donna Thornton joined SearchWide Global as an Executive Recruiter to assist with Director and C-Level searches and business development initiatives.

 

“We are thrilled to have Donna join our team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, including previous recruiting experience, that will be instrumental in our executive recruitment and business development,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO, SearchWide Global.

 

Based in Washington D.C., Thornton brings more than 20 years of experience in sales and businesses development. She most recently served nearly nine years as the Senior Sales Manager for Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia. In her role, she focused sales efforts on local, national, and international clients, promoting the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the nation’s capital for meetings and conventions to achieve full building maximization.

 

Always a lover of literature and writing, Thornton attended Dillard University, where she studied English. She says enjoying life with good food, good music, and good people, and of course, making a difference is what keeps her going.

 

Her motto, “family is everything,” is something that attracted her to SearchWide Global. “It’s apparent that they are not only leaders in the industry, but a close-knit team, which I’m thrilled to now be a part of!” said Thornton. She also shared her current favorite quote, “There’s always light if only we’re brave enough to see it if only we’re brave enough to be it!”— Amanda Gorman.

 

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, please contact:

Cambria Jones | jones@searchwideglobal.com

SearchWide Global Welcomes Executive Recruiter and Marketing Manager

(St. Paul, MN) — SearchWide Global recently welcomed two team members, Rachel Tomlin and Cambria Jones.

“This is an exciting time for SearchWide Global as we expand our team and welcome Rachel and Cambria. They are both very talented, and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow with the organization,” said Mike Gamble, President & CEO of SearchWide Global.

Rachel Tomlin worked for SearchWide Global for over a year in 2018 as a Researcher and Recruiter. She was recently rehired as Executive Recruiter to assist with Director and C-Level searches.

“We are delighted to have Rachel back. She made many great contributions when she was with us before, and I’m looking forward to seeing her succeed in this elevated role,” said Mike Gamble. 

Rachel graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Journalism and a concentration in Public Relations. She has a professional background in hospitality, hotel account sales, and corporate recruiting. In addition to her experience, Rachel brings a unique and detailed approach to her role through her passion for supporting and cheering on others, strategic thinking, and relationship development which helps her deliver highly engaged and talented candidates to SearchWide Global clients. Rachel is in Charlotte, NC.

“I am thrilled to be back with the SearchWide Global team. I have a passion for the work we do and could not be happier to be part of this organization,” stated Rachel Tomlin. 

Based in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, Cambria Jones recently joined SearchWide Global as Marketing Manager to lead the organization’s planning, development, and implementation of marketing programs.

“We first met Cambria in 2017 when she was one of the Destinations International 30 under 30 honorees. We are always thrilled to see our young leaders grow in the industry, and to have her join our team is very special,” said Mike Gamble. 

Cambria graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a master’s degree in Emerging Media and Communication and completed post-graduate studies at the London School of Public Relations. She brings a unique combination of experience in destination marketing, market research, digital marketing, and public relations. Before joining SearchWide Global, Cambria spent six years as the marketing lead for two Texas destination marketing organizations.

“I am beyond thankful for this opportunity to work alongside people who have not only made a positive impact on my career but who are moving our industry forward in meaningful ways every day,” stated Cambria Jones. 

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. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA, and several regional offices, SearchWide Global serves 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, please contact:

Cambria Jones | jones@searchwideglobal.com

Strategic Solutions Partner’s 2021 GIG STUDY: Rethinking the Recovery

This year, Strategic Solution Partners teamed up with SearchWide Global and SalesBoost to survey a steadily changing hospitality landscape as it pertains to talent and the Gig Economy and we found that, after an exhausting pandemic, the gap in talent acquisition and retention has widened. The talent crisis has been exacerbated with the max exodus of great talent to other industries.

[mkdf_separator class_name=”” type=”normal” position=”center” color=”” border_style=”” width=”” thickness=”20″ top_margin=”” bottom_margin=””]

Here are a few things you can expect to read about in this comprehensive report:

 

  • When executives expect to return to pre-Covid staffing levels
  • The impact of talent loss at property, regional and corporate teams
  • The evolving hospitality staffing model
  • Key characteristics of future talent and what to look for
[mkdf_separator class_name=”” type=”normal” position=”center” color=”” border_style=”” width=”” thickness=”20″ top_margin=”” bottom_margin=””]
Our 2021 study includes hard data from hotel executives that saw it coming. Adaptability and thinking outside the box in terms of staffing is how they are going to recover both talent and revenue.
[mkdf_separator class_name=”” type=”normal” position=”center” color=”” border_style=”” width=”” thickness=”” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=””][mkdf_separator class_name=”” type=”normal” position=”center” color=”” border_style=”” width=”” thickness=”20″ top_margin=”” bottom_margin=””]
[mkdf_button size=”” type=”” text=”Get the Gig Study Now!” custom_class=”” icon_pack=”font_awesome” fa_icon=”” link=”https://www.strategicsolutionpartners.com/ssps-2021-gig-study-rethinking-the-recovery/” target=”_blank” color=”” hover_color=”” background_color=”” hover_background_color=”” border_color=”” hover_border_color=”” font_size=”” font_weight=”” margin=””]
[mkdf_separator class_name=”” type=”full-width” position=”center” color=”5192a4″ border_style=”” width=”” thickness=”4″ top_margin=”” bottom_margin=””]

Strategic Solution Partners (SSP) is a full-service hospitality solutions provider specializing in strategic planning, revenue enhancement, and taskforce sourcing for the world’s leading hotels, hospitality businesses, and hotel groups. By delivering high-level solutions including revenue growth strategies, strategic consultancy on operations and sales, and sourcing of experienced task force professionals, SSP aims to shape the hospitality industry by maximizing business performance and operational efficiency. Through integrity, honesty, and ethics, SSP offers its consultants and partners the support, respect and freedom to make a positive impact on our world.

 

 

 

SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in Destination Organizations / Hotels & Resorts / Venue Management / Experiential Marketing, Tradeshow & Exhibition / Industry Associations / Sports & Entertainment / Chamber of Commerce. 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, SearchWide Global is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota and operates worldwide. For more information visit SearchWideGlobal.com.

Tourism Diversity Matters Launches To Inspire And Create Change For Tourism And Events Industry

TOURISM DIVERSITY MATTERS LAUNCHES TO INSPIRE AND CREATE CHANGE

FOR TOURISM AND EVENTS INDUSTRY

Collective Impact Approach Commits to Eliminating Disparities Through Advocacy and Education; ConferenceDirect Foundation, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), and

SearchWide Global Among Founding Partners

 

 

 

PAUL, MN — Elliott Ferguson, Chairman of the Board for Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) and President and CEO, Destination DC, and Mike Gamble, TDM’s Founder and President and CEO of SearchWide Global today announced the collective impact model to inspire authenticity and inclusive leadership throughout the tourism and events industry. TDM’s mission is to be a resource to foster diversity, equity and inclusion practices that will educate, advocate, engage and empower in collaboration and cooperation with all industry initiatives.

 

Founding partners include ConferenceDirect Foundation, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), and SearchWide Global.

 

Ferguson, one of the few Black leaders in destination marketing has been a long-time advocate for repairing diversity deficiencies and misrepresentations in the corporate environment.

 

“Addressing racism should impact how you lead – it’s an American issue,” said Ferguson. “As many are confronting these issues for the first time, we can’t turn a blind eye and we can’t turn back. The pandemic has forced us to slow down and focus on being human. We need to be comfortable with uncomfortable conversations and having these discussions not only at home, but also in the workplace.”

 

TDM’s four guiding pillars include Apprenticeship Programs; Workforce Development; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and Research and Data. The goal is to sustain and expand the platform by collaborating with associated organizations and industries and notable research institutions to develop impactful solutions for all involved.

 

“Tourism Diversity Matters is a dedicated resource focused solely on creating long-term solutions through complete industry engagement and participation,” said Gamble. “The intention is to not replace existing good work happening in this area, but rather to shine a light on it, and add value and insight where needed.”

 

Greg DeShields, CDE, CHE, a respected leader on behalf of DEI and regarded for initiatives to raise Philadelphia’s image as a multicultural visitor destination, has been named Executive Director. In addition to this new leadership role, he will continue to lead PHL Diversity, a division of PHLCVB.

 

 

The inaugural Board of Directors includes:

 

  • Brandi Baldwin, CEO, Millennial Ventures Holdings
  • Debra Blair, Director of Organizational Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Temple University School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management
  • Ray Bloom, Chairman, IMEX
  • Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP, CEM, EVP & COO, International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE); Chair-Elect, Events Industry Council (EIC)
  • Amy Calvert, CEO, Events Industry Council (EIC)
  • Gregg Caren, President and CEO, PHLCVB
  • Mark Cooper, CEO, International Association of Conference Centers (IACC); Chairman, Events Industry Council (EIC)
  • Melissa Cherry, COO, Destinations International
  • Roger Dow, President and CEO, US Travel Association
  • Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line
  • Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO, Destination DC
  • Mike Gamble, President and CEO, SearchWide Global
  • Al Hutchinson, President and CEO, Visit Baltimore
  • Sherrif Karamat, President and CEO, PCMA
  • Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, CQIA, President and CEO, Association Forum
  • Brad Mayne, President and CEO, International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
  • Lynette Montoya, President and CEO, Latino Hotel Association
  • Carrie Freeman Parsons, Chair, Freeman
  • Leah Smiley, President, Society for Diversity, Inc.
  • Brian Stevens, CEO, ConferenceDirect
  • Paul M. VanDeventer, President and CEO, Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
  • Telesa Via, VP, Sales, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants
  • Carl Winston, Director of the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, San Diego State University

 

“Tourism Diversity Matters offers the opportunity to reset and heal from a year filled with the most challenging moments in modern history,” said Carrie Freeman Parsons. “I am honored to be part of this important collaboration moving all toward an inclusive environment with equitable access and participation.”

 

Tiered partnership opportunities are available.  For more information about TDM’s mission and how the industry can be involved, please visit Tourism Diversity Matters.

# # #

 

[mkdf_button size=”” type=”” text=”Learn More” custom_class=”” icon_pack=”font_awesome” fa_icon=”” link=”https://tourismdiversitymatters.org/” target=”_blank” color=”” hover_color=”” background_color=”” hover_background_color=”” border_color=”” hover_border_color=”” font_size=”” font_weight=”” margin=””]

 

 

 

Editor’s Note: Headshots available upon request

 

Media Contact:

Meghan Risch

R4 Communications Strategies, Inc.

312.388.1174

meghan@r4commstrategies.com

 

 

About Tourism Diversity Matters

Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) is a 501 C (6) founded as the collaborative leader of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and concepts that can address the blind spots of ethnic disparities and provide decision-makers in the tourism industry access, resources, and tactics to develop more effective Diversity & Inclusion strategies that will engage and retain a diverse workforce. At TDM, we focus on four primary pillars of activity to benefit the Tourism Industry: Apprenticeships, Workforce Development, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Research and Data. TDM’s goal is to sustain and expand our platform by affiliating with fellow industry partners and notable research institutions, creating solutions that can be implemented, contributing to organizational success. Follow TDM @TDM_Matters on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Board Diversity for Destination Organizations

“Recognize that diversity brings richness. Diversity brings new ideas.
Diversity brings growth. Diversity brings dynamism. Diversity brings
energy. And, lack of diversity means sameness, dullness, lack of growth.”
– Nonprofit Quarterly

 

In partnership with Destinations International and DMO Proz, please download and read the Board Diversity report here:

 

[mkdf_button size=”huge-full-width” type=”” text=”Board Diversity for Destination Organizations” custom_class=”” icon_pack=”font_awesome” fa_icon=”” link=”https://searchwideglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BoardDiversity_V1.pdf” target=”_blank” color=”” hover_color=”” background_color=”” hover_background_color=”” border_color=”” hover_border_color=”” font_size=”” font_weight=”” margin=””]

A NEW Vision for the TRAVEL Industry

“It is difficult, but it is possible.” -Althea Gibson

 

We stand with these industry leaders and are ready to do our part. 

-Mike Gamble, President and CEO, SearchWide Global

 

[mkdf_separator class_name=”” type=”full-width” position=”center” color=”004165″ border_style=”” width=”” thickness=”” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=””]

 

Read the letter here:

 

[mkdf_button size=”huge-full-width” type=”” text=”An OPEN LETTER to our colleagues & the world ” custom_class=”” icon_pack=”font_awesome” fa_icon=”” link=”https://searchwideglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/An-OPEN-LETTER-to-our-colleagues-the-world.pdf” target=”_blank” color=”” hover_color=”” background_color=”” hover_background_color=”” border_color=”” hover_border_color=”” font_size=”” font_weight=”” margin=””]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


SearchWide Global is a full-service executive search firm primarily for companies in Destination Organizations / Hotels & Resorts / Venue Management / Experiential Marketing, Tradeshow & Exhibition / Industry Associations / Sports & Entertainment. 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, SearchWide Global headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and operates worldwide.