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 lauren.pahmeier@tigeroak.com.
Debbie Glenn was recently named the National Sales Director for Long Beach CVB.
1. What are you looking forward to most in your new role?
In my new role, I am most looking forward to becoming an expert on Long Beach and offering creative and memorable meeting experiences for my clients. Long Beach is a big city with a small city charm and warm community feel. I look forward to inviting clients to come experience and explore Long Beach with me and have a lot of fun along the way!
2. How do you think past experiences have prepared you for this role?
My past experience in both selling Southern California and my client relationships in the DC, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) market have prepared me for this role. I have had the pleasure of handling accounts based in DMV for over 20 years, and have made so many wonderful relationships with my clients over the years. I managed this market for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board for the past 14 years. I am based in Maryland and have a passion for selling Southern California.
3. How did you get into this industry?
Like many other people in our industry, I fell into it. I went to college to become a teacher. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree and had planned to complete my internship for teaching–until I ran into a friend who worked at a hotel and told me about an open hotel sales manager position. She said, “It is so much fun, you should apply.” I applied, got the job, and never looked back; that was over 30 years ago.
4. What are you hoping to achieve in your new role?
In my new role, my goal is to share the best-kept secret in Southern California to my clients…Long Beach! I am excited to share all of the benefits Long Beach has to offer, including the unique turn-key venues, affordability, fabulous year-round weather, incredible ocean views, great range of hotels, and amazing attractions and dining options. And of course, book lots of business – LOL!
5. What do you enjoy most about the industry?
The people! The meetings & hospitality industry is a very tight-knit industry made up of wonderful, fun and amazing people. During COVID-19, we really saw how everyone came together to support each other during these devastating times. I have made so many life-long friends in this industry and look forward to making many more.
