The People

British Motor Coach President Roy DuBrow’s vintage vehicles and quality service never go out of style.

Hunger for Challenge

Late July, the hospitality industry lost one of its shining stars. While on vacation, Jim Cacabelos passed away unexpectedly. His family, friends and colleagues have been reeling from the news, and we at Northwest Meetings + Events extend our condolences and share in their loss.

Lisa Lee, account director with Seattle magazine, and event producer Audrey Fan asked JC’s friends to send us their memories and tributes. We share them here. If you have a memory you would like to share, please do so in the comments:

Guillermo Veloso has joined the team at Ocean Place Resort and Spa as their new executive chef. Veloso is no stranger to the region, being a New York City and northern Jersey native. 

Veloso has an extensive culinary career extending more than 35 years, but he has also spent time as an archaeologist and naturalist. He was the executive chef at Miami’s Yuca Restaurant and has also served as executive chef at Philadelphia’s Cuba Libre and the Please Touch Museum. 

As I write this, I am sitting in the Hilton Anchorage getting ready to head out for a day of tours and adventures with a group of about 30 event planners. About two weeks ago, I was in Vancouver, BC with a group of three other editors/writers doing the same thing in that city. Yeah. I know. I have a pretty fabulous job. And so, I wanted to give a shout out to the CVBs who plan these trips and help me get better acquainted to everything our region has to offer so that I can, in turn, introduce you to new places and things to do when you’re planning a meeting or event.

Earlier this month our industry suffered a great loss. Donna Earley, director of sales and marketing for the Salem Convention Center, passed away. If you attended last year’s Best of event, you no doubt saw Salem rake in award after award, and the Salem team members who were in attendance celebrated each one brilliantly. They brought so much joy to the event, and leading the way was Donna. It’s difficult to grasp that this effervescent light has been dimmed.

These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to brittany.trevick@tigeroak.com.

Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau has selected Richard Staub as the senior vice president, convention sales. 

In his role, Staub will be in charge of leading the CVB’s convention sales and services team in hitting booking goals through the marketing of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Convention Center. He will start in September. 

Connect Magazine recently published its 40 Under 40 list, and Daniel Gallagher, national sales manager, Meet AC and the Atlantic City Sports Commission, made the list.

A successful event isn’t just about the exquisite venues, inspiring presentations and scrumptious food that guests enjoy. There’s a seemingly unseen team of people at work that helps ensure the party keeps rolling and your job is easier. Short a few centerpieces? No one but you will notice. Short a few portable toilets? Things just got real.