Barbara Balaguras

Barbara Balaguras has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Barbara started their career as a Management Trainee at Gant Travel Management and then worked as a Travel Coordinator at O'Connor & Associates/Swiss Bank Corporation. Barbara later joined Hyatt Hotels of Chicago as a Sales Manager, where they developed incentives for corporate and travel agency accounts. Barbara then moved on to Hilton as a Director of Business Travel Sales, where they increased market revenue and was nominated for Sales Manager of the Year. Barbara continued their success at Chicago Marriott & Renaissance Hotels as a Senior Sales Manager, increasing business travel revenue and managing a team. Barbara then became the Director of Sales & Marketing at The Whitehall Hotel, overseeing sales and advertising efforts. Barbara's next role was as a National Account Director at Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, where they achieved 105% of their goal in the first year. Barbara then joined Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as a Director of National Sales, managing the business travel sales effort for 150 hotels and creating training programs. Barbara's next position was as the Director of Corporate Sales at Choose Chicago, where they promoted the city as a convention location and generated over 100,000 room nights annually. Currently, they work as a National Accounts Director at Visit Orlando, representing the city as a leading meetings and convention destination. Throughout their career, Barbara has consistently demonstrated their expertise in sales, marketing, and customer relations.

Barbara Balaguras completed their undergraduate education from 1983 to 1987 at Indiana University Bloomington. During this time, they pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.