Contact:
Megan Risch
312-567-8540
(CHICAGO, IL) May 14, 2007- Mark Theis, Executive Vice President, Sales for the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB) announced today the appointment of industry veteran, Mark Tunney, CMP, to Managing Director, Convention Sales. He will join the CCTB on June 4, 2007.
Tunney comes to the CCTB with more than 22 years of sales and marketing experience within the hotel and convention and tourism industry. Most recently, he held the position of Director of Sales and Marketing for the Renaissance Chicago Hotel. Prior to his time with Renaissance, Tunney was Vice President of Sales for Travel Technology Group.
He has led the sales and marketing efforts for several Chicago-based hotel properties over the last decade, including Westin Michigan Avenue, Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, Hyatt Regency Chicago. Additionally, Tunney held national sales positions with Marriott International and the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau.
In this position, Tunney will lead and manage a staff of 11 between the Chicago and Washington, DC Regional sales office to help grow the account base and uncover new business opportunities for Chicago’s McCormick Place, Navy Pier and hotel community.
“Mark’s extensive experience and established reputation and respect within the community and industry-wide will compliment the CCTB’s aggressive focus and efforts in securing new and returning meetings and convention business for Chicago. ” said Theis.
"I am thrilled and honored to be joining the CCTB,” said Tunney. “I have always been a sales advocate for Chicago, especially since I have worked in some of its premier convention facilities. With the vision that Tim Roby and Mark Theis are creating for the CCTB it is truly an exciting time to be representing Chicago as a premier visitor destination."
Tunney is a member of several industry organizations, including the Professional Convention Management Association PCMA, American Society of Association Executives ASAE and Meeting Professionals International MPI.
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