Director of Sales & Marketing
Rowe, a 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry, has worked in sales and marketing for various companies, including Hilton Hotels Corp, Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Born into the travel industry, he has been in the hospitality business all of his career with the exception of three years active duty in the United States Army - West Germany.
Rowe began his love for travel at an early age traveling through out Mexico with his father who was a pioneer in the travel business to Mexico selling all inclusive travel packages exclusively to Mexico by Auto, Air and Rail.
In 1978 a sales leader is born. Rowe went to work in the family business Johnnie Rowe Travel and began to expand the business beyond DFW to all of Texas and on a national level. Attending trade shows and selling wholesale packages directly to travel agents. The business grew to over $10 million in sales. By 1980 Johnnie Rowe Travel was the #1 producer for Mexican Airlines receiving the Golden Aztec award.
In 1984 he bought his own small travel agency and successfully grew the business to a $1.5 million dollar agency. The travel industry would later become deregulated and Rowe quickly realized the relaxed government regulations on Airlines would mean a downturn in business for the average retail travel agency and sold the agency.
Rowe soon began a new career in hotel sales as a National Sales Manager for Hilton Hotels Corporation and later as a Director for Hilton and Marriott. He understood the value of ownership, cash flow and what it means to maximize revenue. Over the years he has built a strong customer base throughout the US with both association and corporate executives as a meeting partner who can help them plan a successful event, while at same time meeting corporate budgets and revenue goals for the hotel.
In his current position as Director of Sales & Marketing, Rowe is selling the dream of the beautiful restoration that is underway of the historic100 year old St Anthony hotel, while overseeing the Sales department which includes, catering, convention services and revenue management. This job combines two of his favorite passions, history and travel.
Rowe holds the designation of CASE (Certified Association Sales Executive) by PCMA Professional Convention Management Association. Rowe is a member of MPI and attends major industry events IT&ME - PCMA and ASAE.
