Ernest Stovall is Vice President of Sales, Catering and Conference Services of Mandalay Bay Resort and Convention Center and Luxor. He oversees the 5th largest convention center in the United States with over 2.1M gross sq. ft. of convention and meeting space. Ernest’s responsibilities include implementing objectives and strategies within the convention segment that drive revenue, enhance the guest experience, and nurture a culture of collaboration and inclusion within the overall campus.
Ernest previously served as Vice President of Sales, Catering and Conference Services at the MGM Grand. There, he oversaw the 2018 - $130M expansion of the convention center adding 230,000 gross sq. ft. of meeting space. In addition, Ernest is a diversity champion within MGM Resorts and has led group projects within the MICE segment regarding marketing campaigns, incentives, and expansions.
Prior to joining MGMRI, Ernest worked as Director of Sales for the Venetian|Palazzo and Director of Sales at the Gaylord Texan. He currently serves on the MPI Global Board of Trustees as well as the board of Nevada Public Radio. Ernest brings more than 25 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies to secure substantial results in the luxury hospitality and convention market. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Ernest received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from The University of Houston.
In her role, she holds significant responsibilities, including overseeing events for one of the largest convention centers in the United States, with over 2.1 million gross square feet of convention meeting space. Kara's leadership extends to various aspects of the business, including Catering, Group Dining, Hospitality, and Wedding Sales. She is tasked with aligning strategic objectives to maximize revenue and develop brand standards, particularly focusing on trendsetting food and beverage, unique venue offerings, and impactful sustainability initiatives.
Before her tenure at MGM Resorts International (MGMRI), Kara served as the Associate Director of Catering for Gaylord Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. In this position, she managed convention space of 600,000 square feet, along with notable attractions such as the Grand Ole Opry, the Springs Golf Course, and the General Jackson showboat.
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Kara is a Certified Specialist of Wine from Gallo Academy, a level 1 Sommelier from International Sommelier Guild and a level 1 Cicerone.
Linda Paterson is Executive Director of Convention Services of Mandalay Bay Resort and Convention Center. She oversees the 5th largest convention center in the United States with over 2.1M gross sq.ft of convention and meeting space. Linda’s responsibilities include overseeing a team of 58 people in the roles of Convention Services, Exhibitor Services and IT. Her role is to implement strategies within the convention center to drive revenue, enhance the guest experience and develop a culture of collaboration between internal departments and vendors.
Linda is a seasoned leader and hospitality executive with over two decades of experience in the industry. Linda has proudly been a part of the Mandalay Bay family for 16 years.
A Certified Meeting Planner, Linda has overseen numerous events from 60,000 person tradeshows to intimate, curated events for corporate groups. In most recent years, her passion has moved from overseeing groups to leading a team of skilled professionals and helping them grow and develop in the field she loves.
Linda received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.
As Executive Director of Sales for Mandalay Bay, Delano Las Vegas, and Luxor with a 15+ year tenure within the organization, Vicente Rivera, leads the sales teams that represents over 2.1 million square feet of meeting space and over 8,700 hotel rooms. Vicente’s responsibilities include implementing and overseeing the strategic initiatives that drive revenue within the convention segment, enhance the guest experience, and nurture a culture of collaboration amongst the sales organization and all supporting departments.
As a Las Vegas native, Vicente is passionate about the Tourism & Hospitality Industry and the impact that it has on our communities. In his time away from work, he enjoys golfing, travelling, and spending time with his family.
