The U.S. Travel Association hired Aimee Misako Gabel as senior vice president of events and education. This new position will play a key role in shaping and transforming the association’s signature events—including U.S. Travel’s IPW, Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO), Summer Summit, and Future of Travel Mobility—and also deliver new programs aligned with U.S. Travel’s strategic priorities.
“Aimee brings an invigorating combination of event innovation and delivery excellence,” says Ellen Davis, U.S. Travel’s executive vice president of business strategy and industry engagement, in a prepared statement. “Her extensive tenure growing high-impact events ensures that she will play a crucial role in crafting valuable experiences for our members and the industry we serve.”
Gabel joins U.S. Travel from RE+, the fastest-growing and largest renewable energy event in North America, where she served most recently as chief experience officer. During her tenure, RE+ grew to a top 50 trade show, cited for the innovative ways it engaged attendees through significantly expanded programs, strategic initiatives, and partnerships, resulting in quadrupled event revenue. Gabel is routinely solicited to speak on industry best practices, diversity, and event sustainability.
Previously, she was a co-founder of The Rose Company, a consulting firm that supported executive client leadership and event strategy.
“As the trade association for one of America’s most important industries, I see nothing but opportunity to grow our events in ways that benefit the travel ecosystem,” says Gabel. “I am excited to join this talented team and work closely with our members as U.S. Travel continues to evolve alongside our thriving industry.”
She holds a master’s degree in organization development from American University in Washington D.C., a bachelor’s in history and Asian studies from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, and a certificate in strategy execution for public leadership from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Gabel has served on advisory boards for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, the City of Philadelphia, and the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas in Texas.
