These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to kassidy.tarala@tigeroak.com.
Roz Dixon and Sarah Bessler were recently appointed as account executives of Meet Chicago Northwest.
1. What are you looking forward to the most in your new role?
Roz Dixon: I’m looking most forward to being able to connect new and existing clients to more than 65 of our Northwest Chicago region’s beautiful hotels which will create a great economic impact to our communities.
Sarah Bessler: I am really looking forward to building, establishing, and nurturing new relationships that can help make a measurable impact in the MCNW community.
2. How do you think past experiences have prepared you for this role?
RD: Being in the hospitality industry for the last five years working on the hotel side, it has allowed me to see things from the hotel side and having that component when coming to the destination sales side allows for realistic transparency between the client, hotel and CVB.
SB: I’ve had exposure in hotels, event sales, and leadership. I believe this role will take bits and pieces from all of my buckets and will sculpt me into a strong asset to my new team.
3. How did you get into the industry?
RD: I actually got a phone call from a friend who told me that the company they worked for was opening a new hotel in downtown Ann Arbor and that they needed a coordinator. I took a gamble and left my other sales job in hopes I’d like the industry. Once I started, I knew hotels would be a great industry for me to flourish in.
SB: I was always the natural planner among my friends and family, I gravitate towards the details and have always been a net-worker, after receiving a degree in hospitality management from Kendall College, I landed my first sales job where I was immediately exposed to all different types of markets and clients, providing me with diverse experience from the get go.
4. What are you hoping to achieve in your new role?
RD: I’m hoping to help maximize profits for our hotels in our region as well as networking with lots of people that can help bring business to Northwest Chicago.
SB: I’m hoping with my fresh perspective and energy, I will be able to seek new opportunities and maximize on missed opportunities to really make a difference to the bureau and our surrounding community by driving sales and groups to our fabulous destination.
5. What do you enjoy most about the industry?
RD: Being able to make connections with many people is what I love most about the industry. I’m naturally a talker and a jokester so being able to break down barriers and connect with the majority of the people I meet, lights up my day.
SB: This industry is always evolving and being a part of the constant innovative growth let’s me channel my creativity and keeps me challenged and engaged.
