Keith Kirsten named to Director of Sales

Ontario Convention Center – Citizens Business Bank Arena – Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau  

Ontario, California – (March 12, 2019) The Ontario Convention Center, Citizens Business Bank Arena, and the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau are pleased to announce the hire of Keith Kirsten as Director of Sales.  “We are pleased to welcome Keith to our team and look forward to his valuable experience guiding our sales efforts” said Michael Krouse, President and CEO. “With a rich background in hotels plus convention and visitor bureaus we are certain Keith will provide the leadership, knowledge, and results to contribute to the economic impact of the Greater Ontario area.”

Keith Kirsten is a sales professional with over thirty years of experience producing multi-million-dollar revenue in highly competitive markets.  His knowledge of hotel contracts, mentoring and coaching abilities, plus excellent negotiation and facilitation skills will benefit the venues and bureau.   Keith is a forward-thinking communicator with the ability to handle multiple tasks and set priorities through strong organization skills.

Most recently Keith was with the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, directing a staff of eighteen to increase business for the greater metro Detroit area. His past experience includes the Rio Mar Beach Resort, Reno Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, and Marriott International.   Keith has a B.A. from Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio.  He has facilitated pricing workshops and sales classes at Marriott National Sales School and has conducted hotel contract classes for Cal State University, Long Beach, California.  His affiliations include PCMA President, Program and membership Chairperson of the southwest chapter plus he served as a national committee member of ASAE; Ethics & Standards and Housing & Programming.

Keith will be relocating to the local area with his wife from Detroit, Michigan.   His new position started on March 4, 2019 and he is refamiliarizing himself with the region.

ONTARIO CONVENTION CENTER 

A breathtaking venue, frequently used by filmmakers as an onsite location for movies and commercials, Ontario Convention Center is ideally located in Southern California.  This is the place to meet, connect, and explore! Built and owned by the City of Ontario and privately managed by SMG.  Contemporary in design and equipped with the latest in technology, it boasts more than 225,000 square feet of flexible exhibit space, 2,600 parking spaces, meeting and function space and is ideal for conventions, trade shows, exhibits and meetings. The Center provides a full range of services, world-class cuisine and flexible options provided by a professional, award-winning staff. There are over 6,000 full service and economy hotel rooms in the Greater Ontario area, including 2,500 rooms within walking distance to The Ontario Convention Center.  For more information visit GOcvb.org

CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA

Built and owned by the City of Ontario, operated by SMG, the Arena can accommodate over 11,000 guests.  The 225,000-square foot venue features 36 luxury suites located on two levels and a continuous concourse hosting a variety of concession and refreshment stands, merchandise kiosks, the San Manuel VIP Club and other fan amenities. Citizens Business Bank Arena hosts over 225 events annually including concerts, family shows, and sporting competitions. The Arena is home to several sport teams including Ontario Reign (American Hockey League), Ontario Fury (Major Arena Soccer League), Aqua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (G League Basketball), and LA Temptation (Legends Football League). Since opening in 2008, Citizens Business Bank Arena is the biggest and most modern arena within the Inland Empire, an area with over 4.7 million people. It is located in Southern California, in the City of Ontario, on a 37-acre parcel located between Haven Avenue and Milliken Avenue, Fourth Street and the Interstate 10. For more information visit CBBankArena.com

GREATER ONTARIO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization to promote the cities of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga, California to visitors nationally and internationally.  As destination experts we provide leisure, meeting groups and meeting professionals with an unbiased, comprehensive resource when booking a tour, convention, meeting or event within the cities of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga, California.  Ideal for leisure and business travel, the region boasts scenic mountains, deserts, vineyards and metropolitan areas that are both historic and cosmopolitan in character. Under the umbrella of the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau is the California Welcome Center and several Signature Events to support the overall mission to drive visitors to the region.  The Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau provides the necessary destination support tools to execute a successful experience. For more informationvisit GOcvb.org