Lately, press releases have reflected steady improvement when statistically reporting on the health of today’s meetings and events industry. For instance, over in Houston, Texas, its Houston First sales team reported a record year in 2024 with 759 future meetings booked, representing nearly 862,000 room nights, surpassing the previous record set in 2019 and a 25 percent increase over 2023. Additionally, meetings and events booked by the Houston First team and held in 2024 represented approximately 740,000 room nights, surpassing the previous record of 733,000 room nights set in 2019.
That said, such promising numbers have resulted in Houston First making a couple of senior-level decisions within its organization to ensure Houston’s continued growth and alpha position in the meetings and events industry. These changes include Nathan Tollett as Senior Vice President of Convention Sales. He replaces John Solis, who is taking on the organization’s newly created role of Senior Vice President of Convention Growth and Development.
According to a recent Houston First announcement, as SVP of Convention Sales, Tollett will be responsible for driving the department’s overall strategy. He will oversee all of the department’s various sub-components, including the Citywide and In-House teams and the Facility Optimization Team that helps manage the revenue side of the George R. Brown Convention Center’s (GRB) operations. He most recently served as Vice President of Citywide Sales.
Likewise, in his new role as SVP of Convention Growth & Development, Solis will leverage his nearly four decades of experience and senior-level relationships with high-value customers and industry leaders to ensure Houston First is booking optimal business. This will become even more important as the organization transforms the GRB to meet the evolving needs of convention and meetings clients. Solis will also advise the development team leading the construction project and provide ongoing advice and guidance to Tollett as he transitions into the role.
Regarding these changes, Houston First’s President/CEO, Michael Heckman, explained further: “Under John Solis’ leadership, our sales team has shown tremendous fortitude in recent years, helping us to quickly regain what was lost in the pandemic and reaching new records in terms of booked business. But to maximize results, we must innovate and evolve as an organization, embracing new challenges and opportunities. Having worked in multiple areas of our industry, Nathan Tollette has tremendous experience and perspective that, along with his creativity and passion, have translated to one win after another for Houston. This new role is one he richly deserves. Now, we have an opportunity with John’s substantial experience, skill, relationships, and Nathan’s knowledge and innovation to chart a fantastic course and prepare our team for the future with a reimagined campus.”
Since joining the Houston team in 2009, Solis has played a significant role in successful bids for the 2017 Super Bowl, 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four, and the 2024 College Football Playoff Championship. Before coming to Houston, Solis served in a senior leadership role at the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau, where he oversaw strategies related to marketing, public relations, tourism, convention sales, and services. “I’m immensely proud of what our team has accomplished over the past 15 years since I joined the organization. Through challenges and successes, we’ve remained committed to delivering for Houston and our hospitality community,” Solis said. “Now, with the convention center expansion project, we have a unique opportunity to elevate our impact further. I’m excited to contribute my industry expertise and customer-focused perspective to this initiative. Additionally, I look forward to continuing my collaboration with Nathan Tollett as we work together on this exciting next chapter.”
Similarly, Tollett began his hospitality career as an event manager at the George R. Brown Convention Center in 2002. He served in various sales leadership roles with the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau (predecessor to Houston First) and The Golden Nugget in Las Vegas before rejoining this organization in 2009. Tollett is well-recognized for his creative approach to client experiences. “It has been an honor to represent Houston in various capacities over the past 21 years, and I’m thrilled to help guide our destination toward new milestones,” Tollett said. “We have an outstanding team dedicated to delivering first-class customer service and showcasing the exceptional value of hosting events in our vibrant city.”
At F&D, we look forward to Houston’s First’s continued success. For the latest news and information regarding Houston First and how it can maximize the success of your next meeting or event, visit www.houstonfirst.com.
