SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - March 27, 2012--John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts today announced the newest additions to the management team of the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center as well as the Springfield Expo Center, all located in the heart of downtown Springfield, Mo. The upscale facilities represent 150,000 square feet of combined flexible meeting and exhibit space and are available for touring with the sales and catering team. Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is the largest private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States.

Newly appointed General Manager Robert Henley is now joined by a complete executive line-up including:

• Assistant General Manager Kevin Klein: Klein brings a wealth of food and beverage knowledge to the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center and Springfield Expo Center from his 25 plus years’ experience as a hospitality executive. Most recently, Klein was general manager of Ramada Oasis Hotel & Convention Center as well as Fire and Ice Restaurant & Bar in Springfield.
• Association Sales Manager Anjanette Labellarte: Labellarte will be responsible for generating association market top-line revenue. Her major areas of responsibility will include sales generation and client interaction. Labellarte returns to University Plaza Hotel, where she was corporate sales manager in 2004. Most recently, she was coordinator of membership sales and services at the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce. Labellarte was recognized in Springfield Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” in 2006 for personal accomplishments in civic and professional arenas.
• Local Catering Sales Manager Shelby Williams: Williams will be responsible for generating top-line catering revenue through local contacts, referrals and leads. He comes to University Plaza Hotel from 425 Downtown Events and Catering, where he was sales and operations manager. Previously, Williams was director of sales and marketing for Ramada Oasis Hotel and Convention Center in Springfield. He was recognized in Springfield Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” in 2005 for personal accomplishments in civic and professional arenas.

“The impressive talent additions to the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center management round out our professional team line-up for enhanced collaboration with clients on seamless, successful events,” Henley said.

For more information about the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, go to www.upspringfield.com or call (417) 864-7333.

About John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts
Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is the largest private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States, representing brands such as: Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center; Courtyard by Marriott; Embassy Suites Hotels; Hampton Inn & Suites; Hilton; Holiday Inn; Homewood Suites by Hilton; Marriott; Plaza Hotels Collection; Radisson; Renaissance; Residence Inn by Marriott; and Sheraton. With a portfolio of 78 hotels representing nearly 19,000 guest rooms/suites in 24 states, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts’ properties are dominant in their markets. Founded on the extraordinary vision of John Q. Hammons and built on his legacy of excellence spanning more than 50 years, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts has become one of the most recognized and award-winning companies in the hospitality industry. Built to be the best, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts continues to set the standard in hospitality management and hotel development. For more information about John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, visit the company’s website at www.jqhhotels.com or www.facebook.com/jqhhotelsresorts.