Leveraging the Power of Communities for Real Progress

1:45 – 2:45 p.m., Monday, Forum on Social and Economic Progress

As president and CEO of Experience Columbus, Brian Ross is responsible for leading destination sales and marketing efforts to attract conventions, trade shows, meetings and leisure visitors to the Greater Columbus region.

Ross assumed the leadership role at Experience Columbus in 2013, after serving as the organization’s vice president of sales for six years. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Ross worked 17 years for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in sales and marketing, including two stints at the Hyatt Regency Columbus. His last job with the company was as executive director of sales, overseeing 25 hotels in the western region.

At Experience Columbus, Ross has set his sights on putting Columbus among the top three destinations in its competitive set and growing the local tourism economy, along with its widespread economic benefits to the entire community.

Ross lives in the Arena District with his wife Mary and son Jake, where they embrace an urban lifestyle with a wealth of festivals, neighborhoods, restaurants and entertainment within walking distance.