Puerto Rico Convention Bureau names 2 new directors
Minnette Vélez
Puerto Rico Convention Bureau President Milton Segarra, announced the appointments of Minnette Vélez as director of marketing and Mari Waid as director of destination support services. These appointments come as part of a restructuring of the organization.
As Director of Marketing, Vélez will work with the trade group’s “Meet Puerto Rico” initiative, along with the communications and sales team executives, as well as the organization’s newly appointed advertising and social media agencies to plan and implement the organization’s branding and marketing initiatives.
Vélez began her career as a radio journalist before moving into various communications positions with Burson-Marsteller and Hill & Knowlton in Puerto Rico. She then worked in corporate communications with American Airlines for Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Central America and the U.S. Hispanic market before joining Ford Motor Company in public affairs, where she managed corporate communication, branding and social media strategies.
“Minnette’s broad spectrum of experience in marketing and communications, along with branding skills developed at top-tier companies such as American Airlines and Ford Motor Company make [her] an outstanding addition to the ‘Meet Puerto Rico’ team,” Segarra said.
Mari Waid
Meanwhile, in her new role as director of destination support services, Waid will work with “Meet Puerto Rico’s” professional team that directly assist meeting planners with their on-island group needs, including site inspections. Waid has already taken steps to introduce a “one-stop-shop” approach where planners are provided a dedicated destination services executive to provide assistance throughout the group meeting planning process.
Waid began her career with Overnite Transportation in Florida before joining the Caribe Hilton in corporate sales. Later, she worked as senior group sales manager at the Sheraton Old San Juan. Most recently, Waid worked as sales manager for the Hotel Division of PSAV – Presentation Services at El Conquistador, A Waldorf-Astoria Resort.
“Mari brings an outstanding track record for understanding and serving her client’s needs,” Segarra said. “Combined with her expertise in sales, and knowledge of the group market, her experience makes her supremely qualified for the demands of this position.”
