(Boston, MA): March 19, 2013 -  Beth Stehley, Vice President of Convention Services and Sales for the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau has been named Industry Partner of the Year by the Massachusetts Lodging Association. Beth was recognized for her extraordinary contributions throughout 2012 to the Boston & Cambridge lodging industry. 2012 was a record year for the Boston & Cambridge hotel industry as new highs for occupancy, room, rate, rev par and total hotel room nights sold in the Boston/Cambridge market were all set. In addition, in 2012, her sales team generated 1255 leads with 723,856 room nights and 520 definite pieces of business for hotel members in the greater Boston region. In addition, her service team serviced 275 groups representing approximately 480,000 attendees.

"Beth is a true hospitality professional. She has instilled across our community a focus on serving the clients and customers needs. That laser like approach has resulted in the GBCVB and our hospitality community being singled out last year with a record number of awards, including being the only CVB in the US to win two awards from UK corporate & incentive meeting planners and UK associations, " said Patrick B. Moscaritolo, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. "The selection of Beth for this award reflects all that she does for the industry in setting all of these new records and in delivering award winning client services."

The Massachusetts lodging industry came together at the Colonnade Hotel on Friday, February 15, 2013 to honor exemplary employees and unique programs in the industry, at the 2012 Stars of the Industry Awards Gala. "Once again, we had an exceptional group of nominees to choose from," said Paul J. Sacco, President & CEO of the Massachusetts Lodging Association. "But Beth exemplifies the definition of an industry partner, working closely with the hotels and other CVB members to ensure not only in greater Boston but throughout the state that they are successful in meeting their goals by working with the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau."

Prior to joining the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Beth worked in senior sales positions for Hilton Boston Logan Hotel, Sheraton Boston Hotel and the Westin Copley Place Hotel among others over her 20 plus year career.

The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) is the primary private sector marketing and visitor service organization charged with the development of meetings, conventions and tourism- related business to enhance the economy of Boston, Cambridge and the greater metropolitan area. The GBCVB is a not-for-profit, membership driven sales and marketing business comprised of 1,200 companies across New England that depend upon the visitor industry for their own success and growth. For more information on what to do, where to stay and what to see when visiting Boston, call 1-888-SEE- BOSTON or visit us on-line. http://www.BostonUSA.com