Scheduled to open in December 2004, the facility will target consumer and trade shows, conventions and corporate meetings and feature nearly 50,000 square feet of meeting space, including breakout room capability. The center will accommodate 4,500 seats for major concerts and boxing events and is being built simultaneously with a new 12-story, 250-room hotel.

Stroh, who will be relocating soon to the Coachella Valley, brings to the position more than 30 years experience in the meeting and convention business, most recently as General Manager of the Ontario (Calif.) Convention Center. Prior to his tenure with Ontario, he was President of the Columbus (Ohio) Convention & Visitors Bureau and Vice President of Sales for the Miami and Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureaus.

�I am pleased to welcome Ty to the Fantasy Springs Resort management team,� DeRosa said. �With his background, I know he will contribute greatly to our exciting new expansion project.�

Stroh has proven abilities in operations, sales and marketing management. He also is skilled in short and long-term strategic planning, budgeting, administration, sales forecasting and personnel development. Furthermore, he has an excellent track record in team building and achieving sales goals.