As we navigate through these challenging times, you may be one of the many looking to make a career change within the hospitality industry and not quite sure how to proceed. The silver lining to our current situation is that it has allowed us time to reflect on how we will make a comeback and what we want to achieve in the future. We can help you evaluate the option of transitioning from employee to entrepreneur and taking charge of your future.

Why Now?

Individuals are approaching us interested in turning these turbulent times into an opportunity by moving away from being an employee to becoming an entrepreneur/small business owner. They have a desire to be a part of the new future while being their own boss and taking charge of their career and income.

Why ConferenceDirect?

To achieve the transition, it is important for you to align with a great partner. ConferenceDirect is a full-service meeting management company with a strong brand reputation and recognition in the industry. Our portfolio of services along with the tools, resources and systems available make ConferenceDirect the right choice to affiliate with. We were established in 1998 and offer the following services to our clients:

• Sourcing
• Site Selection
• Contract Negotiations
• Conference Management
• Registration Management
• Housing Management
• Incentive Programs
• Event Technology
• Registration
• Strategic Meetings
• Cruise Services
• Virtual Meetings

Why Team Baarman?

In order to jump start your new career and ensure financial success, you will want to be a part of a successful team within a known brand. For over 13 years, Team Baarman has been the number one or two top producing team within ConferenceDirect. We have established a success culture and you will have access to the knowledge and mentorship from those who have successfully traveled the path before you. You will also have a dedicated coach and mentor, me, with access to professional coaching tools and a motivated leader that is directly tied to your success.

Who Is Doug Baarman?

Doug Baarman joined ConferenceDirect in July of 2007 to utilize his 30+ years of sales, marketing and meeting planning experience. He has worked on both sides of the industry giving him an insider’s perspective with experience from some of the largest hotel companies such as Marriott International and Gaylord Hotels, and from the buyer’s side – National Trade Productions. During his career with Marriott International, he trained Marriott salespeople on contracting and led a Field Sales team focused on new business development with an independent structure and an alternative compensation model.

Prior to Field Sales, he was VP of Sales & Marketing for Marriott ExecuStay, an acquisition that required integration with their other brands. His Marriott career also included 13 years working in various direct sales and sales leadership positions in hotels throughout Missouri, Florida and the Washington, DC area. At Gaylord Hotels, he helped establish the pre-opening team for the largest hotel ever built in the Washington, DC area. At National Trade Productions, Doug was responsible for exhibit sales for shows targeting the government and government contractor markets. As an independent meeting planner with ConferenceDirect, he has built a team of over 35 active individual meeting planning professionals that have placed over $850 million dollars of revenue for their clients into hotels around the world.

Doug is a graduate of Ferris State University in Michigan where he received a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. He serves on the Ferris State University Business School / Hospitality Management Advisory Board.

We can only accept a limited number of people to join our team. If you or anyone you know would be interested, please have them reach out to me at doug.baarman@conferencedirect.com or 301-605-7011.