Group business is back, and competition is tougher than ever. In this high-impact panel, representatives from Cvent, HPN Global, HelmsBriscoe, ConferenceDirect, and LA Tourism—five of the most influential organizations in group sourcing and destination marketing—will share insider insights on how to stand out, respond smarter, and win more bookings. From current trends in group RFPs to strategies for positioning your hotel or venue on sourcing platforms, this conversation is packed with real-time data, tactical advice, and firsthand perspectives from those who drive booking decisions every day. Whether you're in sales, marketing, or operations, you’ll gain actionable tools to compete and succeed in today’s group business landscape.
Key Take Aways:
National Director, Hotels Sales
LA Tourism
Represents Los Angeles as a destination for future conferences, meetings and conventions for over twenty years. Main territory focus includes business coming from TX, TN, OK, AL, MS, LA, AK, MidAtlantic, areas of Southern California and the country of Canada.
Senior Regional Director
Cvent
Top producing Senior Regional Account Director at Cvent, the world’s largest meetings management software company. Cvent offers web-based software for meeting site selection, virtual and hybrid meetings, online registration, meetings management, marketing and web surveys.
Vice President, Global Accounts
HPN Global
Serves as a strategic partner for clients seeking optimal meeting venues, offering comprehensive sourcing and contracting services that save time and maximize value.
Global Account Executive
Conference Direct
Jessica Botticella has built a distinguished 14-year career with ConferenceDirect. She began as a Global Project Manager, supporting John Botticella with key responsibilities including site itineraries, RFPs, CRFs, and site selection. Four years ago, she was promoted to Global Account Executive, where she now leads site selection and contract negotiations for three major clients.
Prior to joining ConferenceDirect, Jessica demonstrated a strong commitment to her community by founding TEEF, a nonprofit foundation supporting the Glendale Unified School District. Under her leadership, the organization raised over $100,000 in support of the district’s Spanish FLAG program.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and remains actively engaged in community service. She serves on the Board of Governors for the Los Angeles Athletic Club and is a member of the Athena’s Choir. In her personal time, she enjoys playing tennis, practicing yoga, and singing with the choir.
Senior Director, Global Accounts
HelmsBriscoe
Hotel site selection and contract negotiations specialist. Trusted consultant to corporate clients and large associations for their groups meeting and room blocks needs.
National Director, Hotels Sales
LA Tourism
Represents Los Angeles as a destination for future conferences, meetings and conventions for over twenty years. Main territory focus includes business coming from TX, TN, OK, AL, MS, LA, AK, MidAtlantic, areas of Southern California and the country of Canada.
Senior Regional Director
Cvent
Top producing Senior Regional Account Director at Cvent, the world’s largest meetings management software company. Cvent offers web-based software for meeting site selection, virtual and hybrid meetings, online registration, meetings management, marketing and web surveys.
Vice President, Global Accounts
HPN Global
Serves as a strategic partner for clients seeking optimal meeting venues, offering comprehensive sourcing and contracting services that save time and maximize value.
Global Account Executive
Conference Direct
Jessica Botticella has built a distinguished 14-year career with ConferenceDirect. She began as a Global Project Manager, supporting John Botticella with key responsibilities including site itineraries, RFPs, CRFs, and site selection. Four years ago, she was promoted to Global Account Executive, where she now leads site selection and contract negotiations for three major clients.
Prior to joining ConferenceDirect, Jessica demonstrated a strong commitment to her community by founding TEEF, a nonprofit foundation supporting the Glendale Unified School District. Under her leadership, the organization raised over $100,000 in support of the district’s Spanish FLAG program.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and remains actively engaged in community service. She serves on the Board of Governors for the Los Angeles Athletic Club and is a member of the Athena’s Choir. In her personal time, she enjoys playing tennis, practicing yoga, and singing with the choir.
Senior Director, Global Accounts
HelmsBriscoe
Hotel site selection and contract negotiations specialist. Trusted consultant to corporate clients and large associations for their groups meeting and room blocks needs.
