by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:30 AM ET, Fri March 15, 2024
WHY IT RATES: The tourism
organization's latest hire is being touted as an innovator poised to improve U.S. Travel's signature events such as IPW as well as deliver new programs focused on the organization's strategic priorities.—Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior
Writer.
The U.S. Travel Association announced that Aimee
Misako Gabel has joined the organization as Senior Vice President, Events and
Education.
This new position will play a key role in shaping and
transforming the association’s signature events – including U.S. Travel’s IPW,
ESTO, Summer Summit and Future of Travel Mobility – and also deliver new
programs aligned with U.S. Travel’s strategic priorities.
“Aimee brings an invigorating combination of event
innovation and delivery excellence,” said Ellen Davis, U.S. Travel’s Executive
Vice President, Business Strategy and Industry Engagement. “Her extensive
tenure growing high-impact events ensures that she will play a crucial role in
crafting valuable experiences for our members and the industry we serve.”
Gabel joins U.S. Travel from RE+, the fastest growing and
largest renewable energy event in North America, where she served most recently
as Chief Experience Officer.
During her tenure, RE+ grew to a top 50 tradeshow, cited for
the innovative ways it engaged attendees through significantly expanded
programs, strategic initiatives and partnerships, resulting in quadrupled event
revenue. Gabel is routinely solicited to speak on industry best practices,
diversity and event sustainability.
Previously, she was a co-founder of The Rose Company, a
consulting firm that supported executive client leadership and event strategy.
“As the trade association for one of America’s most
important industries, I see nothing but opportunity to grow our events in ways
that benefit the travel ecosystem,” said Gabel. “I am excited to join this
talented team and work closely with our members as U.S. Travel continues to
evolve alongside our thriving industry.”
She holds a master’s degree in organization development from
American University, a bachelor’s in history and Asian studies from Colorado
College, and a certificate in strategy execution for public leadership from the
Harvard Kennedy School.
Gabel has served on advisory boards for the Los Angeles
Tourism and Convention Board, the City of Philadelphia, and the Kay Bailey
Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.
SOURCE: U.S. Travel
Association press release.
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