Chris Schimek’s been promoted to President of Freeman Events & Exhibits by the Freeman Company (TFC). He has 30 years on experience. Schimek has spent the majority of his career with TFC and recently was COO of Freeman Events & Exhibits. He has led teams responsible for planning, producing, and executing thousands of live events annually. As President of Freeman Events & Exhibits, he’ll continue leading event operations.

Ray Mannon is now General Manager of Kimpton Ashbel New York–Park Avenue, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio. Mannon brings nearly two decades of experience to Kimpton Ashbel New York–Park Avenue, returning to the Kimpton family where he began his career and spent more than 15 years across properties including Kimpton Hotel Marlowe, The Muse New York, and Ink 48 Hotel.

Kurt Schwan is now The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta’s Director of Sales & Marketing. Schwan rejoins The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta after serving as the director of sales & marketing for InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, where he led sales, catering and conference services as a member of the Executive Committee. From 2017–2024, he served as the director of sales at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta. He oversaw the group, catering and transient markets.

Yvonne Everhardt is joining the The Eliza Jane, Autograph Collection, in New Orleans as the Director of Sales and Marketing. She was director of sales and marketing of Le Méridien New Orleans and held the same role at New Orleans Marriott Metairie at Lakeway. A New Orleans native, Everhardt holds a master’s degree from the University of New Orleans with a concentration in restaurant, hospitality, and tourism.

Joseph Palminteri is now InterContinental Washington, D.C. The Wharf’s Director of Food and Beverage. He has more than two decades of experience across luxury hospitality properties and served as corporate director of food & beverage of EOS Hospitality, where he oversaw concept development, financial strategy, and operations across a diverse portfolio generating more than $140 million in annual revenue. He served with Black Drum Brewing in Myrtle Beach.

Jennifer Nicholson has been named Vice President of Commercial Strategy & Sales at the Seattle Convention Center (SCC). Nicholson joins SCC from Hyatt, where she served as area director of sales & marketing of the Seattle Hyatt Collection, representing Hyatt Regency Seattle, Grand Hyatt Seattle and Hyatt at Olive 8. While there she directed commercial strategy, oversaw sales and marketing, revenue strategy, market positioning, and team performance.

Alec Strandburg has been appointed General Manager of Cypress Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Strandburg joins Cypress Inn after more than 15 years working in hospitality throughout Monterey County. A Michigan State University graduate, Strandburg relocated to Monterey County in 2011 and has held a variety of leadership positions with several hospitality organizations, including Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pebble Beach Resorts, Carmel Mission Inn, and Bernardus Lodge & Spa.