151: Every Seat Matters with Cleo Battle

<p><strong>The Business of Meetings – Episode 151 – Every Seat Matters with Cleo Battle</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today, Eric is joined by Cleo Battle, the President, and CEO of Louisville Tourism and the new Chair of the international board of MPI! </span></p> <p><strong>Cleo Battle Biography: </strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cleo Battle, a hospitality industry veteran of nearly 35 years, currently serves as President & CEO of Louisville Tourism. Before coming to Louisville, he spent 12 years as Vice President of Sales & Services of the Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau in Richmond, VA. He held the positions of Director of Sales and Sales Manager at the Richmond CVB. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Battle began his hospitality career in the hotel industry by working for Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn, and Sheraton Hotels. Battle is a native of Denver and a graduate of Metropolitan State University in Denver with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management. He earned his Master's of Business Administration in 1997 from Averett University in Virginia. He is both a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) and Certified Association Sales Executive (CASE). </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Battle’s most recent industry recognition includes Events Industry Council 2020 Social Impact award winner, Business First Louisville’s inaugural Power 50 as well as The Courier-Journal’s 12 People to Watch in 2021. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Battle currently serves on the Meeting Planners International Board of Directors, Kentucky Derby Museum Board of Directors, Louisville Sports Commission Executive Board, LRAA Board, Kentucky State Fair Board, Louisville Zoo Foundation Board, Funds for the Arts Board, and Board Member for Northeast YMCA of Louisville. He is the Past Chair of Destination & Travel Foundation, Destination International Sales & Services Committee, and the Virginia State University Hospitality Department Advisory B