2016 Industry Leaders: Trailblazers & Groundbreakers

By Sponsored Content, December 16, 2016

The world of meetings is all about building relationships. That’s why Connect Association produces this annual list of industry leaders, which you can quickly look through to get to know destination and organization influencers on a different level. Here, you’ll be introduced to 18 committed thought leaders who go above and beyond for their association clients. From Houston to Las Vegas to Milwaukee, this troupe of trailblazers is visionary, insightful and savvy about the events industry. Although their job responsibilities, career paths and places of work vary, they all have one thing in common: They love the meetings business. These groundbreakers get personal sharing their industry IQs and what fuels their passions.

Cameron George
National Sales Manager, Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast 
Biloxi, Miss.

Business is in George’s blood. His mother owned a beauty salon, his maternal grandfather a dry cleaner, his paternal grandfather a shrimping business, and his family now directs Melodic Outreach to raise funds for cancer patients. Combine his business skills with integrity, hospitality and service, and George is your go-to guy! Ask about one of his favorite assets, the Mississippi Coast Convention Center, with 400,000 square feet of space and a full calendar of events.

Career Accomplishments 
George has worked for hotels in group sales, event planning, marketing and budgeting. Using creative marketing tactics, strict sales procedures and his drive to excel, he increased meeting space revenue by $25,000 at his property in his first year, achieving the highest meeting space revenue since the doors opened. With the help of amazing co-workers, George’s property also reached the top 10 percent in guest satisfaction out of more than 600 properties in his class.

Rave Review 
“With Cameron, my clients—with whom I’ve built strong relationships—were treated with the same loyalty and integrity to which they were accustomed,” says Gina Underwood, director of sales at Hilton Garden Inn Pascagoula.

My dream event to attend is… the Grammys.

228-896-6699
gulfcoast.org