Hotelier chosen to lead Salt Lake convention bureau

The Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau has chosen local hotelier Scott Beck as its new president and chief executive officer, citing his knowledge of Utah's hospitality industry and proven leadership record.

"He is a very, very energetic, enthusiastic, proven leader, who knows the local hospitality industry through and through," said Kelly K. Matthews, chairman of the bureau's executive committee. "We had a chance to look at and evaluate anyone with interest in the position across the entire country, and we believe that Scott Beck represents exactly what Salt Lake County and the Convention & Visitors Bureau need to achieve the public trust that was placed in the bureau by our political leaders in expanding the Salt Palace."

Beck, 41, served most recently as general manager of the Marriott Hotel City Center in downtown Salt Lake City. Prior to that, he was general manager of the Cedar Breaks Lodge in Brian Head and also has experience as director of sales and marketing at Sundance Resort.

At the bureau, Beck will oversee everything from convention sales and services to tourism sales to visitor services, administration and all private sector services. He is expected to take the reins at the bureau in mid-September.

"Being a native of Utah, and someone who thinks that Salt Lake is the best place on earth, this is a dream job," Beck told the Deseret Morning News Tuesday. "My goals are quite simple. I want Salt Lake to be seen as a strong destination for tourism, thereby increasing our ability to book conventions, increase our leisure sales and continue the growth of our ski product, the Ski Salt Lake initiative that was started after the Olympics."

The bureau's interim president, Cliff Doner, will maintain his position as chief financial officer and will continue to have a prominent role in leading the bureau, Beck said. Doner was named interim president following the death of the bureau's former president, Dianne Binger, in March.

"Cliff will maintain a very, very strong leadership role with the bureau," Beck said Tuesday. "His expertise in the operations and finances of the bureau are beyond important, and his presence and continuity throughout the transition is what I'm relying on."

Beck said it was too early to say whether there will be staffing or organizational changes at the bureau. However, he said his experience in the hospitality industry has shed light on certain points that are sure to be the bureau's focus going forward.

"We will focus on increasing hotel room nights," he said. "That will be the goal, and we will evaluate every process we have and put all of our energy into accomplishing that goal.