October 23, 2025
8:30AM - 10:30AM
HSMAI Ohio Event -🏙️ Powering Ohio’s Tourism Future: Group Business & Market Trends Revealed
COhatch Westerville
240 S State St, Westerville, OH 43081
Please note: This is not an OHLA event. This event is hosted by HSMAI Ohio Chapter.
Though OHLA supports HSMAI Ohio, these are two different entities. HSMAI Ohio is the Ohio Chapter for the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International. It is an organization for individuals in specifically hospitality sales, marketing, & revenue positions that helps with education, networking, and career development. You can find more info here: https://hsmaiohio.org/
Additional Event Details -
| Event Description |
🏙️ Powering Ohio’s Tourism Future: Group Business & Market Trends Revealed
Join the Chief Sales Officers from Destination Cleveland, Experience Columbus, and Visit Cincy for an exclusive networking and panel discussion focused on the evolving landscape of group business and vertical market trends driving tourism growth across Ohio!
From conventions to corporate meetings, medical to tech, get firsthand insights into how each destination is adapting, collaborating, and competing in today’s dynamic market.
| Panelists |
William Adams
Chief Sales Officer
Experience Columbus
William Adams is a charismatic and seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the attraction, tourism, and hospitality sector. He is a proactive leader known for driving business growth while fostering a collaborative team environment that delivers on organizational goals, boosts productivity, and lifts employee morale.
Quick to adapt, William has a strong capacity to absorb new ideas, concepts, and technologies — applying them efficiently to enhance operations. His blend of dedication, innovation, and self‑motivation is complemented by exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and problem‑resolution skills.
Andy Conklin
Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Visit Cincy
Andy Conklin is an accomplished sales and marketing executive with 28 years of global experience in the hotel, destination, and hospitality sectors. He has consistently produced measurable growth through effective leadership in both local and international markets.
Andy currently serves as Executive Vice President of Sales at the Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he focuses on increasing regional visitor spending and tax revenue. These funds are reinvested into development and infrastructure to benefit the wider community.
Before joining the CVB, Andy was Vice President of Sales for Trump Hotels, where he led global sales teams and brand awareness initiatives. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles at Hyatt and Starwood Hotels over a twenty‑year span, driving revenue growth, shaping marketing programs, and mentoring high‑performing teams.
Gordon Taylor III
Chief Sales Officer
Destination Cleveland
Gordon Taylor III is a senior executive in destination marketing and sales, currently serving as Chief Sales Officer at Destination Cleveland, a role he stepped into in January 2023 following a promotion from Vice President of Sales & Services.
Since joining Destination Cleveland in 2019, Taylor has overseen restructuring of the sales and services teams, led process improvements, and guided the organization’s response during the pandemic — including rebooking over 100 meetings and conventions for future years. His leadership has helped secure major bookings, elevate citywide group business, and reinforce Cleveland’s position as a premier meetings and events destination
Earlier in his career, Gordon held senior sales and marketing roles in the hotel industry, including at Waldorf Astoria Chicago & Conrad Chicago. He brings deep understanding of both hotel operations and destination marketing, enabling him to bridge planning, development, and execution.
| Agenda |
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
8:30 AM - Welcome & Networking
9:00 AM - Program Begins
9:05 AM - Panel Begins
10:05 AM - Audience Q&A
10:30 AM- Event Concludes
| Event Description |
Members - $45
Non-Members - $60
| Nearby Parking |
A parking lot is available on site at the venue.
| Food & Beverage |
Light food & beverages will be available during the meeting.
| Recommended Attire |
Business Casual
Relating to or denoting a style of clothing that is less formal than traditional business wear, but is still intended to give a professional and businesslike impression.
| Cancellation Policy |
No refunds after October 15. No shows will be billed.
Interested in Sponsoring an event like this one? Contact HSMAI Ohio President at njanysek@westincleveland.com