IACVB Taps Gehrisch As CEO - 2001-01-29
<B>IACVB Taps Gehrisch As CEO</B>
By Chris Davis
The new president and CEO of the International Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus believes the association must offer new services or affiliations, with companies that exist specifically to serve the technological needs of corporate meeting and travel buyers.
Michael Gehrisch, a veteran of the hotel and Internet industries, earlier this month was named the IACVB's new leader and on Feb. 12 officially will begin in his new position. Gehrisch, formerly a vice president of sales with leisure travel booking engine WorldRes.com and executive vice president of the American Hotel & Motel Association, signed a four-year contract to succeed Ed Nielsen.
While Gehrisch said it would be premature and presumptuous to lay out an agenda of the goals of his term without first working with the IACVB's board, directors and staff, he said that the association would consider expanding its role in the corporate meeting industry, particularly as it relates to technology.
"There are a lot of third-party technology vendors that are trying to assume roles traditionally held by CVBs," Gehrisch said. "Most are executed because of new technology. This association should be a provider of what's out there, even if that means partnering with some of these third parties to remain competitive. There needs to be higher IACVB involvement with the companies that gear themselves to providing technology to the corporate meeting planner."
Gehrisch also stressed the importance of an increased presence in the travel and meetings industry. "We need to be a forum for corporate meeting planners to discuss specifically what they want from CVBs," Gehrisch said. "Corporate meeting planners have their own expertise and, to a point, they're going to operate the way they will. But we need to make sure IACVB provides them with a forum for their ideas, be it technology or anything related to reducing meeting costs and streamlining the process."
Gehrisch, who also lists stints with Hilton and Marriott hotels on his résumé, said his experience in various circles of the travel industry will help him to communicate with members and all interested parties, and set goals for the association.
"The hotel, association and technology experience is a good fit for someone in this position and something I think you need to have," Gehrisch said. "There's a real opportunity here to increase the visibility and the involvement of the IACVB in the meeting industry."
IACVB chairman Charles Ahlers pointed to the breadth of Gehrisch's experience as a key factor in his appointment.
"He brings a keen knowledge of and interest in the technology world, and he understands the importance of CVBs to be connected to succeed in the future," Ahlers said. "In addition, he has great relationships within the hotel and hospitality communities. That will be an important factor in strengthening IACVB's position at the forefront of the industry."
Nielsen in August announced his resignation upon the completion of his three-year term on Dec. 31, 2000. Ahlers said Nielsen had accomplished the goals of his term, including improving its focus on "creating an inclusive, accessible and responsive organization for all bureau professionals." Nielsen's future plans were undisclosed.