YOUR EXPERTS
John Lambeth
John, President and CEO of Civitas Advisors, is an attorney who specializes in creating and operating business improvement districts. He was the primary author of the Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994 and assisted with the creation of the first property-based improvement districts in California. He is a frequent speaker on tourism improvement districts and property and business improvement districts. Mr. Lambeth has been involved in all aspects of district formation and modification, including outreach, plan development, and petition and ballot drives. He formerly served as clerk to the Honorable Malcolm M. Lucas, Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court.
Mike Gamble
Mike is the Founder of Tourism Diversity Matters and Co-founder of Searchwide Global, a full-service executive search firm. Prior to TDM and Searchwide Global, he was SVP of Sales and Marketing for the Philadelphia CVB and held various leadership roles with Marriott International. He has served on the foundation boards of Destinations International, PCMA, MPI, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities and is currently on HSMAI America’s board and Foundation as well as the U.S. Travel Association Board of Directors.
Julie Hart
Julie founded CFO by Design in 2012 with the vision of supporting executives and organizations by using finances as the foundation for organizational excellence. Since then Julie has had the privilege of working with DMO’s and associations across the nation. Julie’s experience does not follow the traditional path and includes serving two terms on the City Council in Bastrop. Julie is known for her expertise in developing easy to understand financial statements, training of executives and boards and taking a long-term, holistic strategic planning approach to organizational finances.
Bill Geist
Bill is the Chief Instigator at DMOproz, a firm specializing in strategic planning, governance, destination development and legislative issues for Destination Marketing and Management Organizations. Bill is the author of Destination Leadership and a contributor to Fundamentals in Destination Marketing. Prior to forming his company in 1995, Bill served as the President/CEO of the Greater Madison (WI) Convention & Visitors Bureau. During his tenure, he was the lead spokesperson and co-strategist for the successful public referendum fight to build the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace Convention Center. He also hosts the DMO sector podcast DMOU (Destination Marketing Organization University) and currently sits on the Destinations International Foundation.
Chris Ihrig
Chris, CEO of FiredUp! Culture started carving out his path towards success from an early age. After completing his academic activity with a BA from The Evergreen State College and an MBA in Organizational Development from the Regent University, he managed to build a thriving career in corporate leadership and gain national recognition for his work in Leadership Development, Organizational Change, and Culture sectors. He is a best-selling author, speaker, and master facilitator. Passionate about social improvement and evolution, he has always been an active part of his community, serving for more than ten years as an elected School Board Member and supporting programs for people with disabilities and special needs.
“One of the best and relevant sessions I have attended. Well done and many thanks for the hours you all put into planning.”
-Doug Price, Visit Colorado Springs
Fantastic event and I am planning to attend next year.”
- Kyle Edmonton, Visit Lake Charles