WDI Economic Development Luncheon

Details:

ECONOMIC IMPACT:
THE POWER OF PLACEMAKING THROUGH HOSPITALITY

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Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (WDI) invites you to attend our Economic Development Luncheon on Wednesday, November 20 for an insightful event that will explore how hospitality and placemaking drive economic vitality in Wilmington’s Central Business District.

WDI will unveil the findings of its Economic Impact Study for Wilmington’s Hospitality Development Initiatives, followed by a panel discussion featuring prominent leaders in the hospitality industry.

This comprehensive two-part study is being conducted by Tom Hazinski and Courtney Vris of Chicago-based HVS, a global consulting and services organization that specializes in the hotel, restaurant, shared services, gaming, and leisure industries.

The first component of the study evaluates the economic impacts of three key Wilmington venues: Wilmington Convention Center, Live Oak Bank Pavilion, and Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. The second component includes a hotel needs assessment and a feasibility study for a potential new development site.

A distinguished panel of hotel developers and leaders in tourism will discuss the crucial role of hospitality in shaping downtown Wilmington’s future.

The event will conclude with a brief Q&A session. A buffet lunch will be provided.

The HVS presenters and our panel discussion speakers include:

Presenters:

Thomas Hazinski, Managing Director HVS Convention, Sports & Entertainment. Thomas founded HVS Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Consulting practice (HVS CSE), in 2001. Tom advises state and local governments and private entities on the development of convention centers, sports facilities, performing arts centers, and many other types of public assembly facilities. Tom has seven years of governmental experience and over 30 years of consulting experience, he is a widely published industry leader.

Courtney Vris, Vice President-Leader HVS Atlanta Office. Courtney has a decade of experience working in multiple facets of the hospitality industry. Since joining HVS, Courtney has performed appraisals and studies for a wide range of hotel product types and asset classes, including independent boutiques, branded convention hotels, and conversions, with a particular focus on the Southeast region.

Panelists:

• Zachary Brigman, General Manager of Embassy Suites. In this role, Zach has been integral in all facets of hotel management, including the strategic recruitment and leadership of the inaugural team. His contributions to the industry have been recognized through his appointments to the New Hanover County Tourism and Development Authority and the Convention Center Advisory Committee.



• Jonah Dicker, Principal with ARRIVE Hotels. Jonah is a multifaceted professional in the construction and hospitality development industry, combining expertise as a general contractor, landscape designer, and entrepreneur. Currently, he serves as a key figure at FuzzRock Projects, where he leads the development of the ARRIVE Albuquerque hotel project among other ventures. Jonah brings a comprehensive approach to development projects.



• Kim Hufham, President and CEO of the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau. Kim has over 35 years of experience in Destination Management & Marketing and she was the recipient of the 2012 NC Travel Industry Association Bill Sharpe Public Service Award for outstanding contributions to the development of tourism in North Carolina.

10% gross sales will be donated to support relief efforts in Western North Carolina.

Click here to purchase tickets.

We are pleased to share that parking for this event is complimentary in the Convention Center and Skyline Center parking decks, courtesy of our sponsor, Pivot Parking!

We greatly appreciate our sponsors for this event!