William Tirone has been named to the newly created position of director of sales and marketing at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. The city owned, 267-room hotel, formerly Crowne Plaza Five Seasons, is undergoing an extensive $130 million renovation which includes the adjacent 10,000-seat U.S. Cellular Arena, as well as the construction of a new convention center. All three projects are scheduled to be completed by June of 2013.
With more than 30 years of hospitality meetings planning experience, Tirone most recently held the position of assistant general manager at Hiltons of Branson and the Branson Convention Center, in Branson M.O. Prior to joining Hilton in 2005 he served as the director of market strategy for St. Louis Marriott Downtown Cluster. Earlier in his career, Tirone held various director positions in the sales departments of St. Louis Marriott Pavilion Hotel, Embassy Suites Hotel – St. Louis and Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Tirone is a Certified Meetings Professional (CMP) and has earned the Certified in Exhibition Management designation by the International Association of Exhibition and Events (IAEE), the premier mark of professional development and achievement. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in hotel administration with a minor in Marketing from the University of New Hampshire. Tirone has been an active member of various commerce and charitable organizations.
“Bill’s talents, coupled with his impressive track record of directing highly effective sales and marketing programs, will be a true asset to the project,” said Matt Felling, complex general manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. “He brings with him a keen understanding of the special events and meetings segment of the hospitality industry which is a highly desirable skill set in emerging markets such as Cedar Rapids,” added Felling.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex will open in June as an upscale, full service property serving both leisure travelers and business customers. Hotel enhancements include a contemporary color palate and luxury furnishings for the hotel’s 267 guest rooms and public spaces, as well as updated bathrooms. The hotel also will feature 11,500 square feet of new meetings space, a new restaurant located on the 16th floor with fantastic views of the city, indoor swimming pool and state-of-the art work-out facilities with Precor exercise equipment.
About DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels
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About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 640,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.
