Teri Awwad
Sales Orlando
Teri has been in the industry since January of 1987. She started her career working as a Regional Assistant, handling the Orlando, New Orleans, New York, and South Florida territories for our Regional Manager. Teri has planned, managed, and assisted with programmes such as the Beach Olympics in South Florida with 1,600 attendees, and programs with as many as 4,000 attendees in New Orleans that included tours, Mardi Gras parades and top name entertainment. She has also managed spouse programme Fashion Shows in New York City, as well as theme park buyouts in Orlando for thousands of incentive award winners. Teri has many strengths, especially when it comes to larger, more complex programmes.
WHAT IS YOUR REGIONAL TERRITORY OR DESTINATION OF FOCUS?
My current role in Sales directs the Sales efforts for Orlando, South Florida, Washington, D.C. and New York. Central Florida- Orlando specifically is my home.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FEATURE ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION?
I love the variety of unique venues where we can conduct dinner gatherings and special events. From the most amazing theme parks to the most elaborately decorated restaurants, the venues here in Orlando are totally unique and special, and we love to surprise people with venue options they never would have considered!
HAVE YOU EMBRACED USING SOCIAL MEDIA IN YOUR WORK? IF SO, HOW?
Linked-In is my online source for staying connected with industry colleagues. I use it regularly and it serves me well.
HOW HAVE YOUR CLIENTS USE SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE PLANNING OF MEETINGS, INCENTIVES AND EVENTS?
One of my past clients recently contacted me via LinkedIn, since we had not done business together in several years. She found me on LinkedIn, and she submitted an RFP using LinkedIn’s messaging feature! I was thrilled!
WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU FINDING WTH PROMOTION OF GREEN INITIATIVES IN YOUR CLIENT PROGRAMMES?
Clean the World is headquartered right here in Orlando, and since CSR programme are becoming almost standard in program design, we’re seeing a great deal of clients wanting to contribute environmentally and to help those in need. Recently one our programmes, helped earthquake and tsunami victims, promote environmental health.
WHAT’S NEW AND HOT IN YOUR DESTINATION?
Dave & Buster’s is opening in July 2011! This is a fun new venue in Orlando .
DESCRIBE THE BIGGEST MISPERCEPTION OF YOUR DESTINATION?
Central Florida is not all about theme parks. Some of the most authentic Florida experiences are only 30 minutes away – air-boating, zip lining, horseback riding and kayaking. They are all available for groups seeking to visit Florida’s natural habitats and explore the area in a different way.
WITH WHAT OTHER DESTINATION DOES YOUR DESTINATION COMMONLY COMPETE?
Central Florida always competes with Las Vegas and most recently with San Diego.
DESCRIBE SOMETHING FUN OR A TWIST ON EVENT CONCEPTS THAT YOU RECENTLY DID?
Something fun we recently did was bring an outdoor pool party indoors, and the attendees were astounded at the creativity. But you have to call us to find out more details!