News
GLOBAL SNAPSHOT
EUROPE
MCI Group announces key leadership appointments Global communications and event management specialists MCI group has announced new leadership appointments within its Global Sales Organisation .
Erin Fuller , MCI USA chief strategy officer , will expand her responsibilities as the newly appointed global head of association solutions . Laurence Julliard , former strategic account director at MCI , is now global head of client solutions for the corporate sector . Both Fuller and Julliard will work in partnership with Oscar Cerezales , chief strategy officer .
Cathie Cusin and Nikki Walker leave the global leadership team through retirement , although Walker will remain a part-time strategic consultant .
AMERICAS
Hyatt to simplify portfolio structure , focusing away from ‘ eye chart ’ of brands Hyatt Hotels Corporation , which has reported a record pipeline of approximately 138,000 rooms as of year-end 2024 , is undertaking a strategic brand realignment . The group ’ s 30-something brands are being reorganised into five distinct portfolios – Luxury , Lifestyle , Inclusive , Classics and Essentials .
Mark Hoplamazian , president CEO , Hyatt , had previously described one conference presentation slide displaying the complete list of Hyatt brands as an “ eye chart ”.
The new move should go some way to counteracting ‘ brand fatigue ’ and the company believes the new structure will help it re-align and gain a clearer focus .
AMERICAS
Visit Atlantic City and DO AC unite under one brand Visit Atlantic City has announced the integration of the marketing campaign DO AC brand and assets under the Visit Atlantic City name . The strategic move combines leisure and meetings marketing and communications efforts .
Gary Musich , president and CEO of Visit Atlantic City , said : “ The move allows us to speak as a stronger , united voice , streamlining our efforts in amplifying Atlantic City ’ s appeal as a premier destination for travellers . It also enables us to deliver a greater economic impact .”
The integration builds on the rebranding efforts that began in 2022 when the organisation transitioned from Meet AC to Visit Atlantic City .
MIDDLE EAST
Kenes Group commemorates 60 years of empowering knowledge Kenes Group , a global leader in professional congress organisation and association management , is marking its 60th anniversary .
Dan Rivlin , executive chairman and chief vision officer , said : “ We are just getting started . The next chapter will be written by the same values that have guided us for six decades : excellence , innovation , and a deep belief in the power of people to make a difference .”
The company , which specialises in large medical and pharma conventions and events , has 360 professionals across 15 offices worldwide .
6 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 135