Welcome to The Breakout – the new Sales Blog from the ATL Airport District! We’re here to provide insights and helpful information for all things meetings, trade shows, and conventions. Learn how a CVB can work for you! But first, let us introduce ourselves. Meet the incredible team on the frontlines of the District.
Kristin Schneider – Director of Sales
Kristin joined the ATL Airport District team in 2015, after working for our nearby partner, the Georgia International Convention Center – Georgia’s second largest convention center. Kristin shines at promoting the District, where her focus lies primarily on corporate and association groups, as well as sports. Did you know Kristin was a women’s college basketball coach in a previous life? She helped lead teams to March Madness and has been to an Elite 8 tournament and several Sweet Sixteens. She also traveled the world recruiting players, including two All-Americans. Through these past experiences, Kristin brings a unique skillset to the team – flexibility, hard work, and a dedication to teamwork unmatched by other CVBs. She loves working with meeting planners – who she believes bring a level of creativity to the conversation that elevates the District’s overall planning. The collaborative nature is what Kristin loves most, allowing her to level-up our service and approach.
In her spare time, Kristin enjoys traveling, playing golf, and watching college and pro football. You can also find her around the ATL Airport District at Volare Bistro enjoying a glass of wine from their extensive wine selection or dining outside on Brake Pad’s sunlit patio.
Kimberly Payne-Ward, CFMP – Senior Sales Manager
A self-described conversationalist and people-person, Kimberly knew she was destined for the hospitality and tourism industry from an early age. With more than nine years of industry experience under her belt, Kimberly brings warm and positive energy to the ATL Airport District CVB team as senior sales manager. She joined our team after serving as Director of Sales for Fairfield Inn and Suites and Director of Sales and Convention Services for the Macon Convention & Visitors Bureau. Her favorite part about her career is understanding the unique facets that make each city special and having the opportunity to promote these daily. Among her many accomplishments, Kimberly received her Leadership in Excellence Certification (LEC) from the GACVB in 2018 and her designation as a Certified Faith Based Meeting Professional (CFMP) from the Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA) in 2020.
Fun fact: Kimberly grew up on the Jersey Shore just five blocks from the beach, and she is the mother of identical twins. She has also recently become a new grandma to a sweet little one named Jordan Jr. aka J.J. Her favorite part of being a grandma is seeing all of the new things J.J. is starting to do, including saying DaDa and walking in his walker. In the District, you can find Kimberly at the Corner Grille in downtown College Park – she can’t resist the delicious Nawlins’ cuisine!
Tyler Runyon – Sales Manager
Joining the ATL Airport District team in 2017 after several years of hotel operations and sales experience, Tyler brings great client relations and a vast knowledge of management and sales to the table. In his current role, Tyler manages sales for both association and corporate markets in the District. He loves working with meeting planners because they understand they are in the people business and they embrace it, which makes for an amazing working relationship.
Originally from Monticello, Indiana, Tyler is a graduate of IUPUI (Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis) with a degree in tourism, convention and event management. He and his wife Travasha welcomed their first child, a daughter named Lynnix Marie, last March. This past year, he has enjoyed being a new dad – embracing all of the new experiences and watching her do new things every day. In this new role, he has learned to slow down and be in the moment. Around the District, Tyler loves the vibrant mural by Yoyo Ferro, an acclaimed Atlanta muralist, because the color and energy fosters a positive and freeing vibe. You can find this life-size, Instagram-worthy work of art in downtown College Park at the corner of Harvard & Main.
Jenna Snyder, CMP – Director of Convention Services
Jenna wears many hats as the Director of Convention Services for the ATL Airport District. She assists meeting planners in creating extraordinary local events that, in collaboration with the sales team, promotes the District as a leading convention location. She is a proficient multi-tasker and hospitality extraordinaire, bringing over 13 years of industry experience to the team. Jenna enjoys connecting with others, showcasing the unique facets of the area, and sharing her enthusiasm for the District. She also makes a mean welcome basket! Her favorite thing about working with groups coming to the District is learning about every organization’s mission and dynamics. This way she can provide them with all of the information they need to make their event a success.
Although she is a seasoned member of the hospitality industry, Jenna prides herself on remaining curious and works to broaden her knowledge each day. One way she has done this is by receiving her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation last year, which has been one of her biggest accomplishments since joining the AAD team in 2019. She also helped launch the District’s NAV (Neighbors Assisting Visitors) and DISH (Dining. Incentives. Support. Hospitality.) programs. Jenna enjoys weekend hikes with her dog, gardening, and trying new restaurants. Some of her favorite places to dine in the District include Virgil’s for southern inspired fare, Corner Tavern for outdoor dining, Arden’s Garden for healthy options, and Restaurant 356 for special occasions.
Now that you know us a little better – we’re excited to meet YOU! Contact us today to plan your next event in the ATL Airport District.
