Leslie Lotten is the new Director of Event Services at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC). She’ll oversee the comprehensive management and execution of all event-related services at the convention center, including event services, exhibit services, UPS Store, and box office operations. Lotten has nearly 40 years of experience at the NOENMCC, including her most recent role as assistant director of event services.

Charles Beirne is now General Manager & CEO of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority in Georgia. He has more than 25 years of experience and will be responsible for the Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Galleria Specialty Shops and ArtsBridge Foundation. Beirne joins the organization from the Broward County Convention Center Expansion and Hotel Project, where he was the regional general manager.

Dianna Waldroup is now Destination DC’s (DDC) Vice President of Convention Services. She has spent more than 35 years at DDC. She oversees a team of more than 120 temporary personnel, known as “Redcoats,” who provide on-site assistance at events. Her new role will enhance customer experience and strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders. In 2020, Waldroup was honored as one of Connect Corporate’s “15 Over 50,” recognizing her contributions and leadership.

Chef Daniel Bennett has been appointed executive chef at the Washington Hilton. During his 20-year career he has worked at the Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton in California and Hilton Austin. He joins the property from Hilton Austin, where he was executive chef. He studied at the Secchia Institute of Culinary Education in Michigan. His duties in Washington will include overseeing the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.

David J. Cronin, CMP, is now the General Manager at W Scottsdale. He has more than 30 years of experience in the industry, including postings in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Houston, Minneapolis and Nashville. Most recently, Cronin served as resort manager at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Cronin also spent four years in Germany at the Frankfurt Marriott Hotel as senior catering sales manager.

Michelle Cruz was recently confirmed as the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development’s (DTTD) State Tourism Director. Cruz served as executive director of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce since 2022. In that role, she was responsible for operations of the chamber, including all programs, marketing efforts, membership and finances. Prior to that, she served as the Chamber’s community engagement manager for five years.