OKLAHOMA CITY – Visit Oklahoma City (Visit OKC) announces the selection of Shaun Yates as the new Vice President of Convention Sales & Services. This leadership position plays a critical role in bringing large-scale meetings and conventions to Oklahoma City by promoting the destination’s wide range of new and growing convention offerings. Yates joined Visit OKC on Dec. 18 and brings more than 20 years of extensive industry experience. Honing his skills in various sales roles, Yates spent the last seven years in Austin, TX, working at a downtown convention hotel until joining Kalahari Resorts & Conventions as Director of Sales in May 2021.
“After a competitive nationwide search, Visit OKC is excited to welcome Shaun to Oklahoma City. His valuable expertise will further enhance our already strong team and allow us to build on our current momentum,” said Visit OKC President Zac Craig.
Yates brings a diverse background in hotel sales, catering and convention services. His career spans top-tier convention and resort properties, including the Waldorf Astoria Orlando & Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Caesars Palace, as well as the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, among others.
“Working in hospitality is not simply a job or a building, but rather a true desire to connect with individuals and create experiences,” said Yates. “At its core, hospitality is relationships and I look forward to building on existing relationships to benefit OKC, as well as growing new ones with our community partners.”
As a graduate of the University of South Carolina, Yates began his career in hospitality at Caesars Palace as a Colosseum Sales Intern for the Celine Dion show, A New Day.
"I quickly realized I loved the energy and excitement of hospitality, and that passion has only grown as my career developed through learning the ropes of catering and convention services, resort and hotel operations, and ultimately convention sales,” said Yates. “I look forward to bringing my knowledge to the Oklahoma City market and working with the dynamic team to continue building on the success of this emerging meetings destination.”