Julie Coker to Lead NYC Tourism and Conventions
Julie Coker to Lead NYC Tourism and Conventions
Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority is soon to leave San Diego and head up the New York City Tourism and Conventions as its new president and CEO. Coker will remain in her current role until the end of the year.
It’s an exciting chapter for the former president and CEO, as Coker will be moving to the new role for NYC Tourism and Conventions.
SDTA’s Board of Directors will begin the process of forming a search committee to identify and select a new president and CEO, according to SDTA officials.
“Thank you to the SDTA team, the SDTA Board of Directors, our tourism community, and San Diego at large for your friendship and support. San Diego will always hold a special place in my heart, and I have no doubt that you will reach even greater heights in the years to come.” Coker publishes on Linkedin.
Leading in San Diego
After joining in 2020, Coker navigated the organization’s sales and marketing efforts throughout the long and challenging stint of the global pandemic. Coker apushed the business toward recovery and full rebound. Under her leadership, San Diego was consistently ranked as the top U.S. destination for tourism. Coker has long been recognized as a prominent figure in the tourism industry (Source: TTW) and will continue to share her wealth of knowledge in the big apple at the end of the year.
“Julie is a respected industry expert and deeply experienced leader who will steward both NYC Tourism + Conventions and New York City’s $74 billion tourism economy,” says NYCTaC Board Chair and Shubert Organization EVP Charles Flateman in a statement.
A champion of diversity and inclusion within the travel and tourism sector, Coker established key DEI initiatives for the industry during her years as president and CEO. Her reigning 30-year travel and tourism experience and commitment is key to her success within significant SDTA initiatives. The history of her glass ceiling initiatives include the launch of the award-winning Tourism Accelerator program, which helps connect businesses run by women, veterans and people of color, as well as LGBTQ and people living with disabilities.
Since launching these programs, 65% of past participants report revenue growth and 45% expand their operations. Her efforts also led to the appointment of the organization’s first director of DEI and community engagement.
In January 2016, Coker made history as the first African American female president and CEO to lead a major conventions and visitors bureau in one of the top 50 U.S. markets when she gained her position at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. Her career history expands with two decades with Hyatt Hotels, where she held general manager positions for properties in Philadelphia, Chicago, and Oakbrook.
Additional to this, Coker holds various executive board positions with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, U.S. Travel Association, Visit California, and other San Diego-based organizations.
Ten things the ordinary tourist doesn't see in Manhattan: MICE and Incentives in the city
Ten things the ordinary tourist doesn’t see in Manhattan: MICE and Incentives in the city
- Brekkie at Little Ruby’s Cafe
Green eggs, ricotta hotcakes or a giant breakfast burrito – this spot has you covered for breakfast and brunch dishes to start the day off just right. Since 2002, Little Ruby’s has brought an Australian twist to Soho, East Village, Murray Hill, and West Village, offering locally sourced cuisine, specialty drinks, and delicious coffees. - A trip to the Hamptons
The summer playground for the rich and famous, and just two hours east of New York. Spend the day on the beach, take a bike ride through the residential blocks, or shop ’till you drop & lunch on the dunes. Finish the day at Shippy’s with a nice cold beer. - Sink some drinks in Alphabet City
Spend the evening exploring midtown east’s Alphabet City, where there are more dive bars than people. Enjoy some drinks and listen to the live music at Double Down Saloon. - Tai Chi in Central Park
There’s no better way to enjoy the park and break the ice for a group getting a work-out in overlooking Central Park. - Host a private dinner on the UES
Bring your group to an exclusive hire space on the upper east side. The Astor House offers private dining rooms, retreats, meetings and seminar spaces for 5-200 people. - Tour of the Metropolitan, Guggenheim, or another museum with a working artist
See the Museum through the artist’s eyes of his or hers favourite “Top Ten” works. - Robert De Niro’s personal Screening Room
This unique space is the perfect spot to host a group event or talk, or conduct a meeting prior to lunch in the actor’s restaurant – the TriBeCa Grill. - Ride the Yellow Water Taxi
Greet your guests from either JFK or EWR, and travel about 20 minutes to board a yellow water taxi for a two hour tour of the East River and the Hudson.
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Experience Marketing: The Finishing Touch for Busan’s MICE Industry with FTN
Experience Marketing: The Finishing Touch for Busan’s MICE Industry (FTN)
By
Busan’s MICE industry has matured significantly since the opening of BEXCO, the city’s landmark MICE venue, in 2001, and the establishment of the Convention Bureau in 2005.
To be recognized as an expert in any field, one typically needs at least 20 years of experience, and this principle applies to national industries as well.
With over 20 years of history, Busan’s MICE industry is now in need of a renaissance.
The end of COVID-19 has catalyzed the evolution of Busan’s MICE sector, which some are dubbing “MICE 2.0” in the era of the experience economy. The pandemic highlighted the convenience and vast potential of the online world, exemplified by platforms like Zoom and the metaverse. Traditional information sharing and product sales within the MICE context are no longer sufficient to meet the expectations of event-goers. To attract those accustomed to digital interaction, the MICE industry is evolving to emphasize unique local experiences, providing offerings that can only be enjoyed through physical attendance.
Busan’s MICE Marketing in the Experience Economy Era
As MICE event-goers around the world seek special real-life experiences, Busan’s MICE organizers are focusing on planning and marketing experiences that incorporate knowledge, content, and engaging activities. A notable example of this effort is the Busan International Footwear, Textile & Fashion Exhibition, held in October of last year.
The main exhibition took place at BEXCO, while the buyers’ dinner was hosted at Museum 1, Korea’s largest contemporary media art gallery. This unique venue provided visitors with an unforgettable experience, showcasing the identity of the Busan International Footwear, Textile & Fashion Exhibition through captivating media art.
Combining a region’s unique venues with MICE events is a strategy that offers event-goers more than just a program to attend—it provides them with an authentic local experience. Those who have enjoyed a distinctive experience in a region are likely to return for a longer stay. This highlights the significance of the Busan Convention Bureau’s efforts in selecting Busan Unique Venues.
In the second half of 2024, the Busan Convention Bureau identified 15 new unique venues, each well-suited for MICE events. These venues showcase Busan’s rich history and culture while offering dynamic leisure activities. They were chosen for their strong appeal to MICE event-goers. The Busan Unique Venues are collaborating with the city of Busan and local businesses to ensure that visitors have an unforgettable MICE experience.
Busan: The Destination for Unforgettable Experiences
Few cities can rival Busan’s diverse MICE infrastructure and growth potential. BEXCO, along with unique venues, stunning oceanfront leisure activities, five-star hotels, and resorts, collectively make up Busan’s world-class MICE ecosystem. As a comprehensive MICE city, Busan must integrate its MICE infrastructure with local tourism to offer event-goers a truly exceptional experience that encourages them to stay longer and return in the future. In this new era, Busan can embrace experience marketing to position itself as a leader in the global MICE industry.
Top 5 corporate retreat locations in Miami
1. Isla Bella Beach Resort
Located on the shore of Florida Keys, Isla Bella Beach Resort is a tropical haven featuring luxury and natural beauty.
The resort boasts 24 beautiful oceanfront acres with exquisite white sand and vibrant blue sea. The mile long waterfront property has been carefully designed within every room to exhibit a breathtaking ocean view as well as an expansive outdoor terrace to enjoy it throughout your stay. The resort is the perfect dining spot with a beautiful beach bar surrounded by palm trees, five resort pools, and access to fishing and adventurous activities.
The resort offers the most exciting water activities including snorkeling and paddle-boarding. For dinner, treat yourself to Mahina, a Polynesian-inspired restaurant, or enjoy the fantastic asian cuisine of Sushi Cabana.
Relax on the private beach or treat yourself at the resort spa.
2. Bungalows Key Largo
In the heart of the Florida Keys, Bungalows Key Largo offers an adults-only paradise for the ideal corporate retreat. This lush escape is an all-inclusive resort, nestled in a botanical garden. Spread along 1000 feet of ocean shoreline, the resort is just a few miles from the Gulf Stream. Each resort bungalow features outdoor tubs and stunning views.
There are 3 on-site restaurants including the waterfront restaurant Bogie and Bacall, or you can indulge in cooking classes or live music at the Hemingway Bar.
Treat yourself at the Zen Garden Spa, or discover the vibrant marine life during snorkeling or paddle boarding adventures.
3. Hawks Cay Resort
On the small, secluded island of Duck Key, bottlenose dolphins readily greet guests, and visitors and locals alike discover the best seaside dining, coastal living and aquatic adventures.
Hawks Cay Resort offers the ultimate tropical escape.
Coral Cay boasts a saltwater lagoon and private cabanas, perfect for team meetings, team building or brainstorming sessions.
Dine in at Angler and Ale, and enjoy the Key’s favorite dishes with a stunning ocean view.
The resort provides the ultimate spa experience at Calm Waters Spa, as well as offering various unique experiences like paddle-board yoga.
4. Shephard’s Beach Resort
Shephard’s Beach Resort is the ultimate spot for a vibrant corporate retreat by the water. The gulf-front resort offers elite rooms with private balconies and ocean views.
The Dolphin Room is a private venue for the perfect corporate meetings and celebrations. Complete with state of the art sound system and audio visual capabilities.
The resort’s Cove Kitchen and Bar provides a lively beachfront experience, serving cocktails and fresh seafood. Stop by Soak Pool and enjoy live music in the sun over team drinks.
The resort boasts two outdoor pools and a private beach.
Water sports enthusiasts can embark on jet ski rentals and parasailing adventures. Enjoy a team sunset cruise and dolphin-viewing boat trip.
5. The Brazilian Court Hotel
Located in Palm Beach, The Brazilian Court Hotel is a private and secluded space for your next corporate retreat.
A historic landmark infused throughout with Roaring 1920s glamour, the private, 80-room hotel is the classic Palm Beach luxury getaway. The high-style accommodations and impeccable service provides an unforgettable experience for your team.
Soak in the hot tub, sunbathe at the private beach, and take in the stunning tropical courtyards.
Guests are invited to enjoy the cuisine of internationally acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud at Café Boulud. Treat yourself at the Brazilian Court Salon or simply vanish into tranquility by the secluded outdoor pool. Spend your time relaxing in one of the tropically landscaped courtyards or by taking a warm walk and strolling down Worth Avenue.
The hotel features 3,500 sq. ft. of flexible indoor/outdoor event spaces, ideal for corporate events.
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Axios NYC is about making brand impressions
Insights
Axios NYC is about making brand impressions.
Featured: Leading event design agency in NYC
Axios NYC: 'We advance the power of the brand through spatial design and experiential innovation. we create immersive spaces that tell compelling stories and engage audiences'
Axios NYC is an award winning spatial design, interactive technology and production company. We tell stories through experiential activations. Axios NYC works between advertising agencies and clients to make immersive brand experiences in the physical space.
Axios NYC drives memorable engagement through tech-focused design. We bring brands to life by elevating their digital content. We design and produce booths, produce interactive technology and turn 3D digitally designed assets into beautiful physical sculptures. We offer trade-fair logistics and show management for our booths as well.
Axios NYC offers comprehensive, vertically integrated solutions. What makes us different is that we bring design, build, fabrication, execution, interactive, sculpture, video, hospitality, in-house.
Location
80 39th Street
Suite 519
Brooklyn NY, 11232
Contact
+1 917-704-0241
Brooklyn Navy Yard for MICE events
Ideal for groups of 150 to 1500, Building 77 offers a state-of-the-art food manufacturing hub, expansive ceilings, modern industrial design, an open floor plan, outdoor forecourt, a loading area, and parking.
Brooklyn Storehouse is an iconic, flexible space that sits at the intersection of NYC’s industrial past and creative future. With 105,000 square feet of flexible event space, it’s big, bold, and provides a completely unique platform for culture in all its forms to evolve and develop.
Get in touch with the venue for interest in awards, corporate dinners, exhibitions and incentives.
https://brooklynstorehouse.com/rental/
For general inquiries, please email Brooklyn Storehouse
[email protected] or call +1 646 846 2426. For rental inquiries, call +1 347 625 8435 or email [email protected].