James Daniels President / CEO and company owner A native of New Orleans, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA and a Master’s Degree from The University of Southern Mississippi. James began his career as a meeting planner for WorldTravel Meetings and Incentives and has worked in various sales and management roles with Radisson/Carlson, Hilton, and Wyndham. Prior to opening The Meeting Designers in 2005, he was Director of National Sales for Wyndham International, where he was a multiple nominee for Director of the Year. After living in Manhattan Beach, CA for 15 years, James now rotates his time between the Houston suburb of Sugar Land, TX and New Orleans, LA. He’s an avid New Orleans Saints football fan and involved in many philanthropic organizations throughout the nation. Carla Coleman Director of Sales and Marketing A native of Panama City, FL, she is a graduate of Florida State University’s School of Hospitality. Carla brings 23 years of diversified experience in both event planning and hotel sales, including working as a National Sales Manager at The Inverness Hotel Denver. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a private consultant helping hotels throughout the nation with their sales and marketing plans, new business development, and transient and group sales. An avid Florida State University football fan, Carla resides in the Denver suburb of Highlands Ranch, CO with her son, dog, and two cats.
Carole Hashimoto Executive Vice President A graduate of the University of Reno, her experience includes a 13-year tenure as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Peppermill Casino Resort Reno. She is a past member of the Board of Directors for the American Marketing Association. Carole also owns the RoxyAnn Winery and Hillcrest Orchard in Medford, Oregon, which has won numerous wine awards. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her two daughters. She resides in Reno, NV. Danielle Hashimoto Director of National Accounts A 2013 graduate of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management. She was most recently part of the Catering and Sales Department at The Silver Legacy Casino Resort in Reno prior to joining the team. Danielle was Miss Nevada Teen USA 2007 and competed in the nationally televised 2007 Miss Teen USA Pageant. She also was Miss Lake Tahoe USA 2014. A huge animal lover, Danielle enjoys spending time with her dogs and hopes to open her own dog rescue shelter one day. She resides in Reno, NV. Ben Britten Creative Director Partner Although born and raised just miles from Hollywood, Ben was homeschooled and grew up without a television thus allowing his creativity and imagination to flourish in a different kind of way. His business Graphic VI strives to develop bold and original design by listening closely to clients and then visually reflecting the uniqueness that lies within each person and their business. Among Graphic VI's many clients both home and abroad, Ben and his business are proud to serve The Meeting Designers and their clients with all their needs from web design to branding to writing and editing copy. Ben most enjoys simply spending time with loved ones. He also practices veganism and likes being in nature.
Suzanne Robertson Senior Vice President A native of Kentucky and a graduate of the University of Kentucky, Suzanne has extensive experience in event planning and hotel sales. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a National Sales Manager at The Inverness Hotel in Denver. Suzanne currently is the Vice President for Newcomers of the First Coast organization in Jacksonville, FL, where she resides with her husband and two golden retrievers. She also is an avid Kentucky Wildcats Basketball fan. Jennifer Watkins Executive Assistant to the President / CEO A native of New Jersey, she has prior experience as an Account Executive with a national marketing and direct mail fulfillment company. She has past experience working as a contractor handling registration desks and on-site meeting management for various organizations. She also has worked in the Food and Beverage Department at The University of Delaware. Jennifer loves all types of music, the beach, and the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies sports teams. She resides in Pennsville, NJ with her two children.
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