Ashley White finds her home in the industry.
From arranging familiarization trips and expediting RFPs to providing swag or planning assistance, convention and visitors bureaus are a tremendous resource for meeting and event planners. They serve as an invaluable team member when organizing an event outside of your home base. Ashley White, director of marketing for Visit The Woodlands, shares her path to and passion for CVBs and the hospitality industry.
What drew you to your career?
I wanted a career that would help make a positive impact in my local community. Shortly after graduating college, I was recommended for a job at Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau. At the time, I was not very familiar with the hospitality industry, but I was interested. Now, 15 years later, I can definitely say the hospitality industry is my home.
What is the best part of your job?
I’ve often referred to destination marketers as storytellers. Whether we tell it through an ad campaign, social media, website content or pitching media, we are telling the story of our destination and asking someone to trust us with their next vacation or special occasion. I am honored when someone chooses The Woodlands. People aren’t just choosing to spend their money here; they’re choosing to spend their time here, which is far more valuable. Knowing that we get to be a part of helping people create lasting memories is both exciting and humbling.
What is your favorite career memory?
My family always attends The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival. During our first visit, I was struggling to decide between two pieces of art, so I asked my oldest son for his opinion. His answer was so insightful, I decided to buy the piece he recommended, and to this day, it hangs by my bedside table. It captures the memory of that day for me perfectly and will always hold a special place in my heart. That’s exactly what we’re trying to create for visitors who come to The Woodlands: a memory they can cherish long after they leave.
Any advice for someone who wants to enter the industry? The industry is full of incredibly talented people who are inspiring, passionate and always looking toward the future. I encourage industry newcomers to be curious and ask questions. They’ll find others will share their knowledge and collaborate on ideas. For me, this industry feels like a family.
