LOS ANGELES, Calif. (March 7, 2014) – Kathy McAdams, a seasoned hospitality executive, has been named Vice President of Convention Sales for The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism). In this new position, McAdams will be responsible for driving citywide convention sales, with a focus on new business generation and achieving hotel room night goals.

McAdams is well-versed in selling the destination, having joined L.A. Tourism in 1994 as Director of Sales.  Most recently, she was Vice President, Eastern Region Convention Sales for the destination and she will retain responsibility for key citywide sales accounts in her new role.

“The Los Angeles meetings and conventions product is growing exponentially and more and more opportunities exist for conventions of all sizes in Los Angeles,” said Darren K. Green, Senior Vice President, Sales.  “Kathy’s long-standing industry relationships and her proven track record selling L.A. make her the ideal person to partner with me to take our convention sales efforts to new heights.”

Prior to joining L.A. Tourism, McAdams was Director of Sales for Columbia Sussex Hotels in Washington, D.C. where she was responsible for selling 14 Radisson hotels.  Her sales experience also includes Director of Eastern Sales for Doubletree Hotels and National Sales Manager, Clarion Hotels.  She also worked as a meeting planner as the Manager, Meetings and Conventions for the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).

Active in the hospitality industry, McAdams sits on the Board of Directors and serves as Treasurer for the PCMA Capital Chapter.  She also serves on the PCMA Foundation Giving Task Force and recently served as a member of the ASAE Summit Awards Steering Committee.  McAdams is also affiliated with IAEE, which will be holding their annual conference in L.A. Dec. 9-11, 2014.  She has received many awards for her industry work, including the PCMA Capital Chapter Board Service Award in 2009, 2010 and 2012.  

Last year, Los Angeles welcomed a record 42.2 million visitors from around the globe, making it one of the most visited destinations in the U.S.   L.A.’s hotel occupancy set a record at 76.8 percent, and hotel rooms sold set a record at 27.2 million hotel room nights.  The destination is enjoying decade-high meetings and conventions performance with 29 conventions in 2014, including 11 shows new to L.A.