Melinda Laughon

Biography

Melinda is an accomplished hospitality professional with over 30 years of experience in many aspects of hotel sales. 

Having worked for Marriott International and Hilton Hotels, her experience includes Catering, Business Travel, Group (corporate, association, government and SMERF) as well as Area and Worldwide Sales.  She has represented limited and full-service hotels, an IACC-approved conference center and 28 resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America. 

She has worked extensively in the markets of Philadelphia, Chicago and Washington, DC, as well as the Mid-Atlantic states of Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina. 

Melinda is a proud Hokie and graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Education.  

Education and Certifications

• Virginia Tech, Bachelor of Science in Education, 1987
• Marriott International, Certified Trainer, 1993
• Florida Atlantic University, Hospitality & Tourism Management Certificate, 2020
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Certified Practitioner, 2021

Background

• Marriott Caribbean & Latin America
  • Market Director, Group Account Sales – Association Specialist, United States, 2018 – 2020
  • Director, Account Sales, Mid-Atlantic Territory, 2009 – 2018
• Eisenman & Associates, Inc.
  • Vice President of Meeting Services, Mid-Atlantic Territory, 2007 – 2009
• Marriott International, Inc.
  • Senior Account Executive – Territory Sales Team, Mid-Atlantic Territory, 2004 – 2007
• The Roanoke Times
  • Recruitment Advertising Account Manager, 2003 – 2004
• The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
  • Business Travel Sales Manager, 1998 – 2002
  • Sales Manager, 1995 - 1998

Professional Engagement

• Executive Women International Roanoke Chapter 1999 - 2004
• Virginia Society Association Executives, Member 2005 - 2020
• Association of Executives of North Carolina, Member 2009 – 2020
• Professional Conference Management Association, Member 2015 -2020
• South Carolina Society of Association Executives, Member 2016 - 2019
• American Society of Association Executives, Member 2018 - 2020