Visit Anaheim has strategically deployed a dedicated Convention Sales team, operating both locally and in-market, to secure conventions and meetings directly for the Anaheim Convention Center (ACC). This team is the only group that books events at the ACC, making them vital to the city’s flourishing event industry.
 

Led By Expertise: Lora Stanley, Vice President of Convention Sales

At the helm of this team is Lora Stanley, Visit Anaheim’s Vice President of Convention Sales, who has been with the organization for 29 years. With her wealth of knowledge and extensive experience, Lora and her team of Sales Directors collectively secured 50 convention bookings for 2024, with nearly 1 million attendees expected to visit the ACC by year’s end. These events will contribute to an estimated $1.5 billion in economic impact for the local community, showcasing the significance of meeting and convention business in Anaheim.
 

Local and In-Market Sales Teams: A Comprehensive Approach

In contrast to Visit Anaheim’s Meeting Sales team that is based in Anaheim, the Convention Sales Team remains remote in strategic locations to support client needs in their respective market. Both sales teams, while focused on different pillars of the meetings and events business, collaborate closely to provide best-in-class support for all clients. This cross-functional approach ensures that whether booking citywide conventions or self-contained meetings, the teams are equipped to promote Anaheim as a top-tier destination.

Nationwide and International Coverage by Convention Sales Directors

Visit Anaheim’s Convention Sales Directors offer national and international coverage, ensuring support is readily available to clients beyond our local region. Here’s a breakdown of the team’s regional coverage:

• Karna Zelidon: Northwest U.S. and Asia Pacific
• AJ Arnett: Southern U.S., Mexico, and South America
• Nancy Umansky: Midwest U.S.
• Julie Rice Northest U.S. and Canada
• Tom Michalisko: DC and Maryland
• Kimberly Mladenik: Virginia, Europe, and Australia

New Strategic Roles to Boost Convention Bookings

To further enhance service for stakeholders and clients, Visit Anaheim has created three new roles with the Convention Sales Team:

• Sue Stemley: Business Development Manager, responsible for identifying new convention business opportunities.

• Veronica Dixon: Convention Sales Manager, focused on 999 peak rooms or fewer that utilize meeting space at the ACC.

• Katie Wright: Convention Sales Director, focused on sports development.

Anaheim’s Future: OCVIBE and DisneylandForward

Meet the Team