Your Next Destination: Your Career

Many of us have planned out our next destination for travel, but have you thought about where you want to go in your career? Join us on June 30 to hear Dr. Debby Cannon, Director for the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality at Georgia State University, present on the steps you can incorporate today to put you on the way to your next destination…your career!
 
Following the presentation, Griff Vari, National Sales Manager with RPMxpo, will moderate a panel discussion with Jenna Snyder, CMP, Director of Convention Services with the Atlanta Airport District Convention & Visitors Bureau; Chris Pendley, Director of Data & Digital Services, Messe Frankfurt North America; and Dr. Cannon to discuss topics such as how continuing education and certifications have furthered their career development; new education initiatives and certifications they are considering; advice on ways to advance your career; and more. You will not want to miss it! Be sure to register today!

SCHEDULE

• 11:15 am - Registration & Networking
• 11:45 pm - Lunch & program
• 1:30 pm -  Adjournment

REGISTRATION & FEES( $5 will be added for onsite registrations)

• Member: $50   
• Guest: $60   
• Student: $20

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Dr. Debby Cannon, PhD, ISHC 
Director
Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality at Georgia State University

Dr. Debby Cannon is the Director of the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality in the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. On the faculty since 1991, Debby has been the School's Director since 2001. Under her leadership, the School has expanded to highly ranked  undergraduate and graduate programs and is one of the few programs in the nation dually accredited by AACSB and ACPHA.  

Debby's areas of specialization include human resources and quality service management. She has extensive industry experience including property and corporate-level positions with Hyatt Hotels and Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. She co-authored the textbook, Training and Development for the Hospitality Industry, serves on several academic editorial boards and is a frequent contributor to industry publications. 

Debby is a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, an Advisory Board Member for the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association and on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Restaurant Association. She is also on the Board of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants and is a member of Les Dames Escoffier International – Atlanta Chapter.  She has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Georgia Restaurant Association, is an inductee into the Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame and has received the Georgia Women in Lodging Leader of the Year Award. 

Her favorite pastime is spending time with her daughter, Lindsey, and sharing their passion for animals and the outdoors. 

Chris Pendley
Director of Data & Digital Services
Messe Frankfurt North America

Wrapping up his 12th year in the international trade show industry, Chris Pendley is currently overseeing all digital & data operations at the North American subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt. After graduating top of his class from Kennesaw State University, Chris joined the Messe Frankfurt team where he manages digital strategy and implementation for over 20 international and domestic events.

In addition to his role at Messe Frankfurt, Chris also serves on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Chapter of IAEE and Co-Chairman of the Young Professionals Committee.

Jenna Snyder, CMP
Director of Convention Services
Atlanta Airport District
Convention and Visitors Bureau

As Director of Convention Services, Jenna Snyder wear many hats while assisting planners in creating next level events. Previously a part of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) team, Snyder's experience providing services to all booked groups in an event space spans to major events including the NFL Super Bowl and NCAA Men's Final Four. As Director of Convention Services, she oversees all events and conventions, ensuring that necessary services are provided to each organization gathering in the District. An Atlanta native, she understands the competitive edge for events hosted in the District, as well as the coordination required to bring each event to life. She enjoys connecting with others, showcasing all unique facets of the area and sharing her enthusiasm for the District.

Griff Vari
National Sales Associate
RPMxpo

Griff, a YP himself, has worked for RPMxpo for 4 and a half years as a National Sales Associate. Griff has produced events across the Southeast and country on the General Service Contractor side. While he might be a YP, he has experience with “mature professionals” as his Grandmother is nearly 90 years old and used to be a meeting planner.