Emerging Sponsorship Tech, Trends and Brand Categories with Bob Lynch

Thanks for joining us for another great episode of TRAVELING Podcast with our guest Bob Lynch, President & Founder at SponsorUnited.

Presented by HIP Network, Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP. In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter). In addition, Bob will give us a breakdown of his revolutionary SponsorUnited platform, what new brand categories and data centric tools emerged during the pandemic, how event organizers can better understand the goals of their customers and much more. 

Guest BIO:

Bob Lynch
President & Founder
SponsorUnited
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbylynch/

Bob Lynch is a sports and entertainment marketing executive and entrepreneur. He has driven advertising sales (Entercom Communications - Red Sox / Celtics Radio Networks, iHeart Media, Westwood One), led major sports & entertainment sponsorship entities (Miami Dolphins, Sun Life Stadium, Brooklyn Nets, NY Islanders, Barclays Center) and in 2018 introduced a ground-breaking technology platform for sponsorship properties, brands and agencies to identify, connect, execute and measure in the smartest, fastest way possible. Current partnerships span 1,000+ NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL teams, global brands as well as major sports and entertainment events, agencies and media entities.

Thanks for joining us for another great episode of TRAVELING Podcast with our guest Eric Ricaurte, Founder at Greenview. As always, the Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter). Dan will also give us a recap of his Las Vegas site visit to Caesars Forum, LVCC West Building and Resorts World.

Eric Ricaurte Discussion Points:

• Did the pandemic stall or accelerate the travel, tourism and event industry's focus on sustainability?
• From a consumer perspective, are we seeing a cultural shift or refocus on sustainable travel, lodging and transport?
• What is the new role the Biden Administration will play in climate change?
• How big of a role will carbon emissions play in our industry? 
• What role will diversify, equity and inclusion play into global brands sustainability policies moving forward?
• What current reporting standards or framework should event organizers, venues and host destinations utilize to report upon their sustainability impact?
• As we shift towards recovery, what steps can the industry take towards tracking and communicating environmental, social and economic progress?

Guest BIO:

Eric Ricaurte
Founder
Greenview
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericricaurte/

Eric founded Greenview in 2008, an international consultancy catalyzing innovation and best practice in sustainability and ESG, providing services for strategy, programs, data management, benchmarking, and reporting. 

Greenview’s clients include most of the largest hotel companies as well as hotel owners and developers, event organizers, cruise lines, NGOs, DMOs, OTAs and industry organizations including the WTTC and UNWTO. With 20 years of hands-on experience, Eric is a frequent speaker, convener, and researcher on the topic of sustainability. His notable industry work includes launching the Cornell Hotel Sustainability Benchmarking Index, Green Lodging Trends Report, Destination Water Risk Index, Hotel Global Decarbonisation Report, and Hotel Owners for Tomorrow Coalition. 

Eric is a member of the UFI Committee on Sustainable Development and the International Standards Working Group of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Prior to founding Greenview, Eric specialized in the operations and development of nature-based lodges, theme parks and attractions in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Brazil. Eric earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and a Master of Science degree in Tourism & Travel Management from New York University. He has held a research fellowship at the Cornell University Center for Hospitality Research and been an adjunct instructor at New York University.

Thanks for joining us for the Season 2 kick-off with our guest Ken Holsinger, Senior Vice President, Digital Solutions at Freeman. As always, the Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter). In addition, Ken will give us a deep dive on the new Freeman Event Research and Insights Report showing the majority of attendees and exhibitors in the U.S. plan to return to face-to-face events by the fall of 2021. According to the study, 78 percent of attendees expect to attend in-person events in fall 2021, increasing to 94 percent by winter. Exhibitors are slightly more optimistic with 80 percent returning this fall, 95 percent will do so by winter.

Discussion Points:

• Will the vaccine rollout propel confidence and interest in returning to large in-person events?
• What industries will return to in-person first?
• Will corporate travel restrictions inhibit a successful return to in-person events?
• What are the key elements to successfully execute a hybrid strategy?
• 5 core areas of focus for 2021 and beyond
• Freeman Event Research and Insights Report 

BIO:

Ken Holsinger
Senior Vice President, Data Solutions
Freeman
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenholsinger/

Ken serves as Senior Vice President of Data Solutions at Freeman and has over 25 years of experience in technology, media and event production as a lead executive, consultant, and speaker. He has served on the executive team in various roles for several different organizations. In addition, he has a background in event management, facility design, and start-up operations.

Ken leads the Data Practice for Freeman bringing together teams that are building innovative data science tools for integration and business intelligence, with data consulting, research, and industry benchmarking. These teams work with clients all over the world to drive decisions, improve results and measure their marketing efforts. In his role with Freeman, Ken works with their largest customers like Microsoft, Google, SAP, Intel, Cisco as well as consulting with the leading trade and industry associations to define their digital technology and data measurement infrastructure for their event portfolios.

Ken has been named on multiple hardware, software and process patents. Ken is a frequent presenter on numerous topics in the events, technology, and data-science space. In 2019 Ken was named as a finalist for the Visionary Award from The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Ken also actively involved in his local community in Boise, Idaho as a startup mentor and tech workforce development leader.

That's a wrap for Season 1! Thanks for joining us on Episode 27 as we discuss the biggest stories and trendlines in 2020, which include: Navigating the Global Pandemic, Pivot to Virtual, Government Inaction, DEI and The Future of Meetings and Events. The Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In addition, we'll look back on our first season and share insights our personal insights on each episode which featured: Tony Lorenz, Erik Moses, Tracy Judge, Brad Weaber, Joyce Leveston, Elliott Ferguson, Mike Dominquez, Jeff Borman, Bill Lynch, Brett Sullivan, Butch Spyridon, Kimberly Lewis, Tamara Kennedy-Hill, Liz King, John Toner, Derek Gaskins, Johnnie White, Allison Parc, Lisa Messina, David DuBois, Allison Kafalas and Dennis Edwards.

The Traveling Podcast is presented by HIP Network, a B2B digital media company shaping the industry’s agenda with expertly curated content that fuels growth. To learn more visit www.HipNetwork.com and be sure to sign up for the Market in a Minute tri-weekly newsletter for a real-time roundup of the current state of the industry. 

Thanks for joining us on Episode 26 as we discuss the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter).

In addition, we'll look back on our first season and share insights from our influential guests about “Navigating the Hotel Landscape in 2020”, which include: Lisa Messina, Mike Dominquez and Jeff Borman. The Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

Thanks for joining us on Episode 25 as we discuss the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter).

In addition, we'll look back on our first season and share personal insights about diversity, equity and inclusion from Kimberly Lewis, Tamara Kennedy-Hill, Joyce Leveston and Brad Weaber. The Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

Thanks for joining us on Episode 24 as we discuss the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter).

In addition, we'll look back on our first season and reflect on how industry leaders navigated their organizations, staff and community through the COVID-19 pandemic with insights from  Butch Spyridon, Denny Edwards and Derek Gaskins. The Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

Thanks for joining us on Episode 23 as we discuss the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter).

In addition, we'll look back on our first season and reflect on the importance of mentorship with insights from Mike Dominguez, Elliott Ferguson, Allison Parc and Bill Lynch. The Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

Thanks for joining us on Episode 22 with our guest Dennis Edwards, President & CEO at Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter). In addition, Denny will share his insight on new strategic investments into destination asset visualization tools, why sports will help power the travel rebound, how Raleigh is emerging as a global Esports leader and preparing for the return of live events.

Dennis Edwards
President & CEO
Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-edwards-639030a/

BIO:
Denny is the President and CEO for the Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau whose role is to sell and market Greater Raleigh as a tourist and meetings destination. The GRCVB has a staff of 32 people and an annual budget of $8.2 million. He has served in this capacity since April 2007.

Prior to joining the GRCVB, Denny served as the Senior Vice President for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau for ten years. A 38 year CVB veteran, Denny was also the Director of Sales for the Greater Houston CVB and prior to that served as the Director of Sales for the Palm Springs Desert Resorts CVB.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Travel & Tourism Coalition, East Carolina Hospitality Management Advisory Board, Wake County Economic Development and the Regional Transportation Alliance. 

Denny served on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Association Executives, Professional Convention Management Association and Destinations International where he also served on the Foundation Board. He was an APEX Commissioner for the Convention Industry Council and also served on the International Association of Exhibitions and Events Exhibitor Advisory Council and is a past President for the Florida Chapter. Denny received the Business Leader 2009 Triangle Mover and Shaker Award. 

An Iowa native, Denny is a graduate from the University of Northern Iowa where he received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Public Relations and minors in Business and Marketing. He and his wife Cindy have two boys Bryce and Drake. 

Thanks for joining us on Episode 21 with our guest Allison Kafalas, Director of Beverage, Americas at Hilton Hotels. The Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter). In addition, our guest Allison Kafalas will share what makes a hotel brand stand out, her vision for creating an immersive food and beverage experiences, searching for the next big cocktail or spirt, how entrepreneurs can gain a foothold with buyers and much more..

Allison Kafalas
Directory of Beverage, Americas
Hilton Hotels
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-glassman-kafalas-b5a72529/

BIO:
Allison Kafalas is the Director of Beverage, Americas, for Hilton Hotels. In her role, Allison is responsible for anything and everything beverage-related within the full service and luxury brands within Hilton (including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Canopy, Hilton, Embassy Suites and Double Tree).

Allison started her professional career in hospitality working for Starwood Hotels & Resorts.  During her 10 years with Starwood, she moved across departments and disciplines including Operations, Marketing, Brand Management, and Food & Beverage.  In her role as Director of Food & Beverage, North America, Allison ran the National Beverage program for the 9 full-service brands under the Starwood umbrella.  As well, she was responsible for marketing initiatives and Banquets & Catering projects.  

After Starwood, Allison switched hospitality channels and entered the airport space.  She held the title of Director of Beverage for OTG Management, an upscale, design-led airport concessionaire company that spanned 10 airports with over 100 unique full-service restaurant concepts.  

Allison earned her Bachelor’s Degree from New York University in Hotel & Tourism Management.  She resides in NYC with her husband and very spirited 2 ½ year old son.