Dan Ledbetter Photography: Convention

Cincinnati USA CVB Annual Meeting

2009-02-16T07:33:00.001-08:00

Cammie Dierking, Anchor of Local 12 News

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory

Hamilton County Commissioner David Pepper

Nick Vehr, CVB Chairman of the Board and President of Vehr Communications

Dan Lincoln, President and CEO of Cincinnati USA CVB

Queen City Advocate Award, Iris Simpson-Bush, Flying Pig Marathon

Queen City Advocate Award, "Team Cincinnati USA Rocks VH-1", left to right, Dan Lincoln, Pam McDonald of TWC, Kristen Erwin of Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Film Commission, Buz Buse of Metaphor Studios, and Nick Vehr.

Champion Award, Anne Sisson Runyan, professor and department head of Women's Studies at University of Cincinnati

Champion Award, Jason Riveiro and Michael Beck of Cincinnati Chapter of LULAC for their success in securing Cincinnati a meeting destination for the largest Hispanic organization in the United States

Champion Award, Steven Reece, Sidney Broadnax, and Dr. Chester Pryor, flanked by Dan Lincoln and Jason Dunn on the left, and Nick Vehr on the right. The Honorable William McClain is not pictured. They are honored for their efforts to bring the 2008 and 2014 Annual Meetings of the United Supreme Council.

Partnership Award, Downtown Residents Council, represented by Conrad Theide

Partnership Award, representatives for Fifth Third Bank, Macy's, P & G, Toyota, Western & Southern Financial Group, Great American Financial Group, Duke Energy, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Kroger, National City, PNC Bank, Union Central Life Insurance Co., U.S. Bank, The E.W. Scripps Company, Frisch's, General Electric, and the State of Ohio.

Wendell P. Dabney Award for Diversity, Phil Castellini, COO for the Cincinnati Reds.

Pinnacle Award for Outstanding Service, Harold Willingham, Millenium Hotel Concierge; Amber Rice, Set Up Team Leader for Global Spectrum at Duke Energy Convention Center; Bobbi Hayes, PBX Operator at Hyatt Regency Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati USA CVB team

Cincinnati USA's October Familiarization Tour

2008-10-31T17:02:00.000-07:00

The October Fam Tour is, by far, my favorite. Those who love sports would beg to differ, as they would prefer the Spring Fam Tours when the guests of the CVB dine on the Bengals 50 yard line in Paul Brown Stadium, which has a charm of its own. But, the Fine Arts Fam Tour strikes a wonderous chord in its sheer beauty. Let's begin our journey through the day's events.

It always begins at Jean Robert's retaurant, Pigalls, where the guests dine in unpretentious elegance on sumptuous courses, the names of which I cannot begin to pronounce.

After dinner, the group boarded a touring bus and took a ride around downtown. There was a brief stop at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

This following photo is the eternal flame, seen across the Ohio River from Kentucky, from which slaves were secreted to Ohio to gain their freedom.

After a brief rest from a filling dinner at Pigalls followed by the city tour, the guests gathered at the Duke Energy Center, Cincinnati's primiere convention center, and visited with representatives from local government and the hospitality industry. Of course, the main attraction was the food.

While the guests were being entertained at DEC, I made my way over to Music Hall to get some photos before the guests arrived. When they entered the beautiful Hall, they were amazed at what they saw.

And, behind the curtain an elegant and intimate setting for dining.

Their evening at the Music Hall afforded them an opportunity to feast on a sampling of the arts. The first sample was the ballet. Val Liberatore, Dean of the Otto M. Budig Academy of the Cincinnati Ballet, introduced three wonderful students of the Academy who gave the guests a marvelous and impressive performance (pieces from the Nutcrack,er, if I recall correctly).

(If you want to see some of the other dance photos, just click on one of the photos above to be taken to Flickr.)

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra assistant conductor Vince Lee introduced the musicians, both of whom performed with french horns.

The opera was likewise represented. The young man's voice filled the Hall.

This will be an evening these folks will long remember.

Women's Health Conference

2008-10-13T05:58:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, women from the greater Cincinnati area came to the 5th Annual Women's Health Experience, where they heard from local medical experts talk about feeling great and staying healthy.

Founders, Mona and Dr. Karram

Dr. Karram, Mona, and Carol Williams (of WCPO, Channel 9)

Cincinnati Sports Club offered free sessions.

Winning Guidance, Healing Touch

Complimentary make-overs by Christian Dior

Mona addresses the luncheon crowd and introduces Carol Williams of WCPO.

Carol Williams

The luncheon was very well attended.

One of the main attractions of the luncheon was a fashion show.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Barbara Levy

Carol Williams moderates a panel discussion.

Cincinnati USA's June Familiarization Tour

2008-07-02T04:20:00.000-07:00

The CincinnatiUSA team and various CVB members, including Jean-Robert, Accent on Cincinnati, Crown Charters, Duke Energy Center, and others, are tirelessly working to encourage meeting planners from across the country to strongly consider Cincinnati as their meeting destination. One of the ways this is being accomplished are the More in 24 Familiarization Tours.

The second Familiarization Tour of 2008 hosted nine meeting planners from across the country. At noon the guests arrived with their escorts to there first stop of the day, Jean Robert at Pigalls, where the guests were treated to an exquisite dining experience in one of Cincinnati's finest restaurants.

At 1:30 sharp, dinner (lunch, if you are from the North) concluded and the guests boarded a deluxe touring bus provided by Crown Charters.

Harriet, the very competent and hopitable tour guide, enthusiastically greets everyone with a big smile and wave of the hand. (Truth is: she didn't want me to take her picture!)

The tour bus, after taking a drive around a couple of the downtown blocks, took the guests to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

The Freedom Center tour guide was superb.

If any of the participants caught his name, please let me know, as he should be recognized.

By four o'clock everyone was hungry again. The timing for said hunger could not have been more perfect as it was time for the guests to experience a Cincinnati dining tradition, Skyline Chili.

At 5:30, after the guests had a brief break in the hotel rooms to nap and freshen up, there was a reception in the Duke Energy Center, where, to no one's surprise, was a spread to titillate the senses. Check out the desserts. Ovations, the official caterer at the Center, deserves a standing ovation for their artistic display of culinary delights.

Barrie Perks, VP at Cincinnati USA, for reasons yet undetermined, began to have a meltdown.

Marc Edwards of the Millenium Hotel tells Barrie, "Get a grip, man!"

Don Roesch of Prestige Audio Visual converses with a couple of the out-of-town guests.

The next stop, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the guests were entertained at Paul Brown Stadium's Players Lounge (the planned dinner on the football field was changed to indoors due to inclement weather).

If you are a meeting planner, it would behoove you to contact CincinnatiUSA and reserve your spot for the next Fam Tour and experience Midwestern hospitality unlike you have ever experienced it before.

Cincinnati USA's April Familiarization Tour

2008-04-19T04:10:00.001-07:00

It was beautiful day for a Fam Tour, short for Familiarization Tour, a key component of Cincinnati USA's marketing campaign designed to give meeting planners a taste of the Queen City in a 24 hour period.

Every tour begins with a dinner at one of Cincinnati's premier restaurants, Pigalls, where the host is the master chef himself, Jean Robert. Over fine French cuisine the guests can chat with some of Cincinnati's hotel managers, event specialists, and Cincinnati USA staff.

Dan Lincoln, CEO of Cincinnati USA CVB, addresses the guests,
welcoming them and giving them a brief overview of what they could expect
today.

This is dessert, French dessert. I have no idea what it is called
(if you do, please let me know), but it looks sumptuous.

After lunch the guests boarded a luxury bus to take a two-hour tour of the city, which included downtown landmarks, Mt. Adams, Newport and Covington.

The tour guide was the incomparable Harriet, who always has
wonderful little stories about Cincinnati to share with the guests. If you look
closely, you can see her in the mirror at the back of the bus.

After two hours sitting on a tour bus, the folks were famished. Skyline Chili was the next stop.

There to greet them was Mayor Mark Mallory.

The Mayor and Dan Lincoln talk about Cincinnati and answer any
questions the meeting planners had.

The guests being new to the whole Skyline experience, Dan and the Mayor explain
the difference between a 4-way and 5-way with beans or onions.

The verdict: all the guests gave it a thumbs up.

Before parting, the Mayor posed with the group.

After an hour's rest, the entourage began their progressive dinner with cocktails at the Duke Energy Center. From there they made their way to the Cincinnati Art Museum for salad. The evening concluded with dinner and dessert at the Cincinnati Museum Center. Now think about this: they began at noon with an 1 1/2 hour 5-course lunch at Pigalls, then Skyline Chili at 4:00, and a progressive dinner beginning at 6:00. More in 24 takes on a whole new meaning.

The Cincinnati Art Museum

The Cincinnati Museum Center

Carla Ballard of Cincinnati USA poses with meeting planners from the Department
of Education.
This was another very successful Fam Tour. The Cincinnati USA team and the member sponsors are all working hard to cultivate an excitement amongst meetings planners for Cincinnati as their meeting destination.

2nd Annual CSPN Awards Ceremony

2008-04-09T06:18:00.000-07:00

The 2nd Annual CSPN Awards Ceremony was held last night, April 9, 2008, in the beautiful Hall of Mirrors of the Hilton Netherland Plaza. The ceremony recognizes key individuals in the Cincinnati sports market. The guest speaker was the Hall of Famer Gale Sayers.

Prior to the event a VIP reception was held in one of the salons:

Mr. Sayers meets with some of the VIPs

The LaRosa brothers, Mark and Michael

Mr. and Mrs. Dennison, parents of Bill "Seg" Dennison, radio personality.

The award recipients gather for a group shot before heading out to the banquet to be publicly recognized for their incredible contributions to the sports industry in Cincinnati.

Mr. Sayers and his wife were presented the key to the city by Councilman David Crowley.

The VIPs moved to the Hall of Mirrors where the banquet was held. It was a well-attended event:

Leslie Spencer, Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Sports Corporation.

Wayne Box Miller, radio personality of 1230 WBDZ the Buzz, was the emcee, who kept things moving with his great humor. Check out his MySpace page and blog.

Todd Portune, County Commissioner, offered some remarks.

Mr. Sayers gave the keynote address and, at the end, answered some questions from the audience. Everyone listened intently as he shared his experiences on the field and in life.

The guests of honor were recognized:

Sports Executive Life Time Achievement: Northern Kentucky University athletic director Jane Meier

Corporate Citizen of the Year: Buddy LaRosa (Michael LaRosa accepts the award for his father who was unable to attend)

Sports Executive of the Year: Miami RedHawks hockey coach Enrico Blasi

Sports Event of the Year: Bengals vs. Ravens Monday Night Football & UFC Championship

Event of the Year: Bengals vs. Ravens Monday Night Football & UFC Championship

Sports Media Personality of the Year: WLW's Bill "Seg" Dennison

Story of the Year: UC's football team

CSPN Scholarship Recipient: NKU's Michael Mertle

The evening finisehd out with Mr. Sayers signing his book for his fans.

Mr. Sayers said at some point during his talk that he was surprised that after 30 plus years he still had fans, given that his career was cut short due to an injury. That he still does have fans is a testament to the character of this man.

TCGC's Annual Rose Awards Banquet

2008-04-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

The annual Rose Awards of the Tourism Council of Greater Cincinnati was held on April 3rd, 2008, in the Grand Ballroom of the Duke Energy Center.

The Rose Awards are awarded to those individuals in the hospitality industry who go above and beyond in cultivating a memorable experience for their customers. This year there were 51 nominees. While each of these hospitality professionals demostrate excellence in the workplace, seven rose to the top to be recognized as this year's finalists.

The following are highlights of the event.

Lindsay Fish, Chairman of the Board of TCGC

Director of Sales, La Quinta Inn Suites

David Freeman, Administrator of TCGC
President, Accent on Cincinnati

Karen Salmon, sponsor of the event
President, Transportation Connection

Sheree Paolello, evening's Emcee
Anchor, Channel 5 News

51 nominees awaiting their turn to recieve their certificate and recognition from industry peers.

Six of the seven finalists: (L to R) Darlene St. Clair, Holiday Inn Airport; Tabitha Mendoza-Christ, Cincinnati Airport Marriott; Chastity Dixon, Doubletree Guest Suites Cincinnati; David Smith, Kings Island Inn Resort and Conference Center; Ashley Fisher, Holiday Inn Eastgate; Amy LaMotta, Vernon Manor Hotel;

African-American Chamber of Commerce ChamberNet

2008-03-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday, March 20, the Greater Cincinnati African-American Chamber of Commerce held a networking event at the Duke Energy Center. It was a great opportunity for folks to mingle and exchange business cards and to learn how to do busines with Duke Energy.

Sean Rugless, president of the Chamber, greets Mayor Mark Mallory and Julie Calvert of Cincinnati USA.

Mr. Rugless speaks with some business leaders.

Sean Rugless; Julie Calvert, VP of Marketing and Strategic Development, Cincinnati USA; Myron J. Rivers, Manger and Member Services, Chamber; and, Mayor Mark Mallory.

Some of the folks who came out.

Mr. Rugless addresses the gathering.

Dan Lincoln, CEO of Cincinnati USA, a sponsor of the ChamberNet event, addresses the crowd.

The Mayor having a little fun with the camera man.

The 2008 Annual Meeting of the Cincinnati USA CVB

2008-03-07T06:57:00.000-08:00

The 2008 Annual Meeting of the Cincinnati USA CVB was held on February 26 at the Duke Energy Center in the third level Grand Ballroom.

There were over 400 in attendance.

The meeting opened with a rousing performance by the winners of the Clash of the Choirs, Team Lachey, who were so instrumental putting the spotlight on Cincinnati.

They were each presented a Spirit Award, which is awarded to those who are instrumental in bringing convention and tourists to Cincinnati.

Regina Russo of Fox 19, who introduced the choir, was clearly overtaken by their contagious energy. Ms. Russo shared the duties of emceeing the event with Dan Lincoln, President and CEO of the Cincinnati USA CVB.
Also speaking (in order of appearance) were Mayor Mark Mallory, Commissioner Todd Portune, Nick Vehr, Chairman of the Board of Cincinnati USA CVB, and Linda Antus, President of the Regional Tourism Network.

There were other Spirit Award recipients.

The Bureau had on display a new exhibit (I believe I was told it is new.)

To view all of the photos of the event, click here. You will be required to register your email address.

Cincinnati USA's September Familiarization Tour: A Black and White Experience

2007-10-31T10:47:00.001-07:00

The bi-monthly Familiarization Tour of the Cincinnati USA CVB was exquisite.

Just when you thought the folks at Cincinnati USA and Accent on Cincinnati, the latter instrumental in planning and executing the Fam Tours, could never surpass in impact and awe-inspiring magic the previous Fam Tour, they pull something else out of the hat.

As a lover of the arts, this particular Fam Tour spoke directly to my heart.

I've entitled this A Black and White Experience. Through black and white photography, I interpret the evening, a beautiful, timeless, classy evening that each of the guests will never forget. (I bypass the earlier part of the day, which you can get a representative sample of in the previous FAMs here and here.)

(Hint: To get the full visual impact, press F11 to put your monitor in full-screen mode.)

The guests entered the lobby of Cincinnati's Music Hall, where they stopped for a moment to admire its wonderful ornate interior.

There in the lobby to welcome them was Evans Mirageas, Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Oper a.

After the warm welcome, the guests were ushered into the theater.

Mr. Mirageas led the guests down the center aisle and up a set of steps to the stage, where many fine performers have captivated audiences for over 100 years.

When everyone was assembled on the stage, on cue the curtain opened and the guests beheld this:

The idea of this evening at the Music Hall was to give each of the guestsa of taste of the arts in Cincinnati.

Introducing them to Cincinnati's nationally and internationally renown ballet was Victoria Morgan.

Three dancers performed a sensuously moving routine (forgive me if the terminology is incorrect) created by Ms. Morgan.

After that performance, the guests were treated to a taste of the symphony. The world-renown Paavo Jarvi, conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, introduced the musicians.

Everyone one surprised when one of the violinists pulled out a banjo and the two classically trained musicians began to play bluegrass.

Evans Mirageas introduced the Opera.

It was a night none of the guests will ever forget.

Blogged with Flock

Catholic Charities USA, Annual Conference

2007-10-01T17:33:00.001-07:00

During the week of September 10, 2007, Dan Ledbetter had the honor of photographing the Annual Conference of Catholic Charities USA. There were many people from all over the country.

The conference began with some great music by an African-American choir led by a very energetic director.

The attendees were also treated to a great performance by the Steeles.

Those giving of themselves selflessly in helping others were recognized.

There were a variety of speakers addressing the issue of race and poverty. Dr. Robert Franklin, Jr. gave the keynote on Sunday morning, during the last session of the conference. Dr. Franklin is an author and educator and recently wrote Crisis in the Village: Restoring Hope to African American Communities.

Dr. Franklin and Janet Valente Pape, Chair of the Board of Trustees, pause for a photo.

The highlight of the conference was Saturday Mass at Covington, Kentucky's Basilica.

After Mass, the attendees marched across the suspension bridge from Covington to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Given that the underground railroad ran through this part of Kentucky and Ohio, this march was a symbolic re-enactment of the slaves crossing the river to freedom.

Cincinnati USA's July Fam Tour

2007-08-11T14:30:00.001-07:00

The tour begins with dinner at Cincinnati's premier four-star restaurant, Jean-Robert at Pigall's

The staff of Jean-Robert explain every delicious, savory detail of the dinner they are about to enjoy.

Kathy of Cincinnati USA gives the official welcome.

After dinner, the guests boarded the tour coach and received a personalized tour of downtown Cincinnati.

One of the stops was at the Cincinnati Museum Center.

The honored guests paused for a photo op.

From the Cincinnati Museum Center, the tour continued, with a stop at another Cincinnati landmark, Skyline Chili. The store manager welcomed the guests and gave them a little history about Skyline and suggestions on what to order.

While the guests awaited their food orders, David Pepper, Hamilton County Commissioner, welcomed them to the city and encouraged them to make this their meeting destination.

Everyone got suited up for dinner. Bibs are an important part of the experience. Otherwise, you wear the experience.

The chili dog is supposed to be consumed like this:

But, he was not with this tour. He was on the last one.

These guests were a little more, what should I say, dignified. Notice the fork. No shoving it in the mouth with these folks.

From Skyline, the guests made other stops. I had to part company and take care of some Fam-related business. My next appearance was the grand finale of the evening--dinner at Paul Brown Stadium.

Look closely at the scoreboard. Each of the guests had their name in lights. A wonderful touch.

When the guests walked out onto the field, they were thoroughly surprised.

They had a special visit from a very special guest.

The guests and their hosts gathered for another photo op on the 50 yard line.

CVB staffers Kelsey Clark, Marketing Coordinator, and Jessie Folmar, Communications Manager, took a moment for a photo op.

Barrie Perks, VP of Sales and Services, having just arrived from out-of-town business, joined the guests for dinner.

Everyone enjoyed dinner and conversation.

Some of the guests hit the field to try their hand at kicking a field goal. Bill Beavers was impressive.

Then came Marc Edwards of the Millennium Hotel Cincinnati.

What incredible form.

Marc's performance elicited some good-natured laughing from Bob Louis of the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza.

Bob showed Marc how it is done.

Marc is not about to be outdone. What a stretch!

Marc, having demonstrated his athletic abilities, gave Kathy instructions.

Kathy appeared not to need any instructions.

Barrie Perks showed the Americans how to really kick a ball.

Barrie kicked it into the stands, and someone had to retrieve it.

After the festivities ended at the stadium, the guests were taken to Fountain Square for some Graeters ice cream. A wonderful conclusion to a wonderful day.

Blogged with Flock

Cincinnati USA CVB May 2007 Familiarization Tour

2007-05-28T04:29:00.001-07:00

More in 24 began with a visit to Cincinnati's finest restaurant, Jean Robert at Pigalls. Barrie Perks, VP of Sales and Service, addresses the group, welcoming them to Cincinnati and encouraging them to allow Cincinnati to be host to their organizations' meetings.

Richard, Jean Robert's maitre d', welcomes the guests and describes for them the wonderful and sumptuous meal about to be served.

The master chef himself, Jean Robert, made an appearance. He expressed hope in seeing them again when they return to Cincinnati.

The guests and their hosts left Pigalls on a touring coach to take in the sites of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

From 4-star to 4-way, the guests were treated to Cincinnati's unique style of chili. Five out of five guests gave the chili a thumbs-up, including the one Texan amongst the group.

The mayor of Cincinnati, Mark Mallory, personally greeting the guests and demostrated once again what a gracious host he is.

In a day full of highlights, the guests were not prepared for dinner on the field of the Paul Brown Stadium.

The excitement of the group is summed up in this one photograph.

He was so excited he went to the 50 yard line and made a call to someone to tell them where he was standing. More memorable.

More memorable, indeed!

Each of the honored guests received a personally signed football from Marvin Lewis, the Cincinnati Bengals' head coach.

Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau March FAM Tour

2007-04-10T06:38:00.000-07:00

Let the FAM Tour begin:

The first stop for the national meeting planners was Jean-Robert at Pigall's, Cincinnati's finest four-star restaurant.

Awaiting the entourage was a beautifully and elegantly set table.

Once the guests were seated, Dan Lincoln, President of Cincinnati USA, welcomed the group and highlighted the many reasons they should choose Cincinnati as their national meeting destination.

There was a lot of laughter.

Awaiting the guests outside Jean-Robert was a touring coach.

The honored guests were treated to a fun tour of the city.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The Freedom Center was the first stop of the city tour.

It was poignant moment.

From the Freedom Center the coach headed across the river to the People Purple Bridge, where they were greeted by the folks of the People Purple Bridge Cl!mb. Were any of them game for a stroll on top of the bridge? Maybe when they return to the city.

Did I mention, fun was had by all?

After the tour of Newport and Covington, awaiting the guests at Skyline Chili was Mayor Mark Mallory, who welcomed the group to our wonderful city of Cincinnati.

The Mayor was a gracious host.

Everyone waited anxiously for their first taste of Cincinnati's unique style of chili.

The verdict: delicious!

The guests concluded their whirlwind tour of Cincinnati with an exquisite and intimate dining experience at Cincinnati's Union Terminal.

The setting was fit for a king and queen. The talented team at Accent on Cincinnati were the architects of this wonderful atmosphere.

What a perfect conclusion to a perfect day.

Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau 2007 Annual Meeting at the Duke Energy Center

2007-03-06T16:41:00.000-08:00

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory and Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune

Cininnati's Motorcycle patrol

Duke Energy Center, Grand Ballroom
Dan Lincoln, President Cincinnati USA

Nick Vehr, Cincinnati USA Chairman of the Board

Cincinnati's Duke Energy Center

2006-10-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

The convention floor

2006-10-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

Conference Exhibit

2006-10-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

2006-10-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hyatt Regency Ballroom

2006-10-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

Board of Directors of ASM International

2006-10-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

2006-10-19T04:37:00.000-07:00