Theis joins the CCTB with sixteen years of experience in the meetings and convention industry, having led the sales efforts for organizations including the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau (LA Inc.) and Marriott Hotels and Resorts. 

�Mark�s destination sales experience and commitment to the customer will be  terrific assets to the Bureau as we aggressively focus on our core mission as a destination sales and marketing organization,� said Roby. 

During a total of 12 years with the San Francisco CVB (2000-2006, 1990-1996), Theis served in lead sales roles, most recently as Vice President of the 22-person convention division.  He was also involved in significant milestones, including the 2003 addition of Moscone West to the city�s convention center, achieved record-breaking room night sales production in a more competitive climate, and contributed to several new hotel development and community projects for the Bay Area.

While with Mariott Hotels & Resorts, Theis managed the greater Washington DC accounts, and as Regional Director of Sales with LA Inc., he directed the New York City office. 

�I am proud to join one of the strongest sales teams in the industry, and look forward to the opportunity to sell a world-class destination, complete with incomparable meeting and convention facilities and acclaimed cultural attractions,� said Theis.  �I am anxious to play a part in taking the CCTB to new heights.� 

Theis is a member of numerous industry organizations, including the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI).

The Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB) is the sales and marketing organization charged with bringing both business and leisure visitors to Chicago, actively booking group meetings at McCormick Place, Navy Pier and other venues, as well as promoting Chicago as a destination to the visitor industry.  The CCTB works in partnership with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, the Chicago Office of Tourism, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity�s Bureau of Tourism to maintain Chicago�s position as the country�s premier convention and visitor destination.

Meghan Risch
312-567-8540