The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) has announced the appointment of Gregg Caren to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Caren most recently served as the Executive Vice President, Sales and Strategic Business Development for ASM Global (formerly SMG), operator of over 350 venues worldwide, headquartered in Conshohocken, Pa. He also served in various senior leadership positions while with the company for over 20 years. Caren has more than three decades of industry experience and will join the PHLCVB on June 8, 2020.
“Gregg brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership from many facets of our industry, including prior sales, marketing and operations experience working with convention centers, hotels, and CVBs, both domestically and internationally,” said Nick DeBenedictis, Chairman, PHLCVB, adding, “He is familiar with our customers, our region and has been a close partner to the organization in his role at ASM Global, the operator of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. As we turn our attention towards recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are confident that Gregg will guide the PHLCVB towards future success on behalf of Philadelphia.”
“We believe that Gregg’s wide range of experience and collaborative nature are a great fit to lead the PHLCVB,” said John McNichol, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, who also served as the chair of the search committee for the president and CEO. “He understands our business, our market and our customers, and we are confident this will be an easy transition to build upon our recent successes.”
In his new role, Caren will oversee the PHLCVB’s efforts to promote and sell Philadelphia as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events, overseas travelers, and group tour visitors. He will also serve as the chief liaison for the PHLCVB’s tourism and hospitality partners, including the Pennsylvania Convention Center, as well as national industry associations, and the City of Philadelphia.
