The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) has announced that the Board of Directors unanimously voted and has appointed Gregg Caren to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Caren most recently served as the Executive Vice President, Sales and Strategic Business Development for ASM Global (formerly SMG), operator of over 350 venues worldwide, headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. He also served in various senior leadership positions while with the company for over 20 years. Caren has more than three decades of industry experience and will join the PHLCVB on 8th June 2020.
“Gregg brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership from many facets of our industry, including prior sales, marketing and operations experience working with convention centres, hotels, and CVBs, both domestically and internationally,” said Nick DeBenedictis, PHLCVB chairman. “He is familiar with our customers, our region and has been a close partner to the organisation in his role at ASM Global, the operator of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. As we turn our attention towards recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are confident that Gregg will guide the PHLCVB towards future success on behalf of Philadelphia.
“I’d also like to thank Julie Coker for extending her time as president & CEO, and for the spectacular job she’s done with the PHLCVB over the last 10 years. We’re happy that Julie and Gregg will be able to jointly work on a transition plan before she departs for the top tourism job in San Diego on 28th May.”
“We believe that Gregg’s wide range of experience and collaborative nature are a great fit to lead the PHLCVB,” said John McNichol, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, who also served as the chair of the search committee for the president and CEO. “He understands our business, our market and our customers, and we are confident this will be an easy transition to build upon our recent successes.”
In his new role, Caren will oversee the PHLCVB’s efforts to promote and sell Philadelphia as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events, overseas travellers, and group tour visitors. He will also serve as the chief liaison for the PHLCVB’s tourism and hospitality partners, including the Pennsylvania Convention Center, as well as national industry associations, and the City of Philadelphia.
“After two decades working with dozens of convention centres and destinations around the globe, I am genuinely excited and honoured to represent my hometown of twenty-five years to the rest of the world,” said Caren. “Given the current state of affairs and my love for the greater Philadelphia region, I also have a strong sense of civic responsibility. The PHLCVB drives meaningful economic impact for our city and region. I’m truly looking forward to contributing to Philadelphia’s recovery efforts by leading the extremely talented team at the PHLCVB, and working closely with the partners and stakeholders that help drive our tourism industry forward.”
In addition to his most recent position with ASM Global, Caren also served as the Executive Vice President, Convention Center Division and Strategic Business Development for SMG. There he supported a global network of convention and exhibition venues in North America, Europe, and Asia, securing event bookings and expanding the company’s footprint. Beginning his career with Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Caren also has served in senior leadership positions with entertainment venues in Atlantic City and at the Valley Forge Convention Center/Sheraton Valley Forge.
Caren has held board and leadership roles with the International Association for Exhibitions & Events (IAEE), the National Association of Consumer Shows (NACS) and the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM). He is an alumnus of The Pennsylvania State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management.
For more information on Philadelphia, visit the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website, www.discoverPHL.com
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Photo Caption:
Image 1: The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) appointed Gregg Caren to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer.
For Further Press Information, please contact:
Greg Evans – Philadelphia UK Office
Tel: 07768 341790 / 01633 480 754
Email: greg@gregevansconsultancy.com
Sarah Salord and Jennifer Jones – GEC PR
Tel: 020 3907 6824
Email: philadelphia@gecpr.co.uk
About Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), www.discoverPHL.com, a private non-profit membership corporation, is the official Tourism Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Centre. The PHLCVB competes with its counterparts worldwide for convention and tourism business. The organisation has divisions dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets.