January 29, 2009

Orlando CVB Names Disney Executive George Aguel as Chairman of the Board

Orlando, Fla. – The Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando CVB) has announced that George Aguel, senior vice president for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, has been selected to serve a two-year term as the 2009-2010 Chairman of the organization’s Board of Directors. In this role, Aguel will work closely with the 30-member Board of Directors and the Orlando CVB management team to ensure the prosperity of the area’s dynamic tourism industry for the continued economic benefit of the community.

Aguel succeeds Mark McHugh, Gatorland president and CEO, who served as Orlando CVB Chairman from 2006-2008.

“I am very excited about working with George and the other accomplished executives making up our Board of Directors to continue the organizational excellence and innovation that has made the Orlando CVB one of the top destination management organizations in the country,” said Gary Sain, Orlando CVB president and CEO. “I have known George for more than 20 years and have had the distinct pleasure of working with him more closely since I took the helm of the Orlando CVB in February 2007. There could not be a finer choice to direct our Board as we navigate these rapidly changing times and chart a vibrant course for our industry’s future.”

“It has been very gratifying to have been involved with the Orlando CVB and the region’s tourism industry over the many years that I have been in this community,” said George Aguel. “I look forward to further collaboration with my Board colleagues and the talented CVB management team to provide leadership, energy and focus to further strengthen Orlando’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations.”

A 33-year hospitality veteran, Aguel has served on the Orlando CVB’s Board of Directors since 2004, acting as Secretary in 2006 and 2007 and Chair Elect in 2008. He has held key leadership positions with numerous professional associations including former chairman of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Board Member for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). He has held similar leadership positions with the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), the Convention Industry Council (CIC), the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) as well as the U.S. Travel Association (formerly the Travel Industry Association of America). Aguel also serves as a member of the Orange County Tourist Development Council.

About the Orlando CVB
The Orlando CVB is the branding, sales and marketing organization responsible for positioning Orlando as the destination of choice for leisure and meetings business for the economic benefit of the Orlando region. The organization celebrates 25 years of destination management excellence in 2009.