Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC), a cross-industry communications and advocacy initiative, announced an appointment on Jan. 13. Michael Dominguez, senior vice president of corporate sales, MGM Resorts International, was named coalition co-chair.
Dominguez will work with fellow co-chair David Peckinpaugh, president, Maritz Travel, to lead the organization as it showcases the substantial value of meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, tradeshows and exhibitions.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Michael and look forward to working together to demonstrate how our industry creates personal connections, drives business results and builds strong communities,” said Peckinpaugh. “Last year, we established MMBC as the central platform for industry leaders and the grassroots community to work together to ensure our industry’s value is well understood.”
Under Dominguez and Peckinpaugh’s leadership, MMBC will expand its advocacy efforts through an industry-wide advocacy platform, work with partners in Canada and Mexico to host the first annual North American Meetings Industry Day (NAMID) and continue engaging with the media and business leaders.
The MGM executive assumes the leadership position previously held by Larry Luteran, senior vice president of group sales and industry relations, Hilton Worldwide. Luteran, who co-led MMBC since the coalition’s launch in 2009, has been a vital proponent in gaining momentum within the industry with key initiatives.
During Luteran’s tenure, MMBC united all facets of the meetings and events industry to speak with one voice, launched the Meetings Mean Business mobile app and educated key stakeholders, media and policymakers.
With more than 25 years of experience and as senior vice president of corporate sales at MGM Resorts International, Dominguez provides oversight for the company’s sales strategies in the convention, leisure and transient segments, including industry relations, diversity sales and MGM Resorts events. Prior to his position at MGM Resorts International, he served as vice president of global sales for Loews Hotels & Resorts, where he oversaw sales efforts for 18 luxury hotels in the U.S. and Canada.
