Dave Evans.

BUILDING BRIDGES...

Enthusiasm, vibrance and leadership...a few of Dave Evans' characteristics that have enabled him to become a prominent leader in the association community. For almost 40 years, innovation, service and creativity have marked his involvement in the hospitality industry. Through his many contributions, Dave has left a legacy of unprecedented proportion, enabling the association community to move to even more great places.

UNEXPECTED ENGINEERING

Dave got an unexpected early start in the hotel industry, when he got a job working at a hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia that was owned by family friends. In 1953, after a start in the kitchen washing dishes, Dave eventually moved to front desk and then bellman, the first of many promotions in his hotel career.

Although he had an early start in the hotel business, it was not his original dream. His initial career aspiration was theatrical directing and producing. He majored in cinematic arts, television and radio at the University of Washington. Before long, he was offered a position as Floor Manager at the KING-TV station in Seattle.

In 1961, he accepted a "public relations" position at the Olympic Hotel in Seattle, hoping it would help his entertainment career aspirations and enable him to relocate to California.

APPROVING THE PLANS

The "public relations" position was actually a sales position in the early evolution of hotel hospitality sales. While the position did provide connections to the entertainment industry and a move to California, it ironically led him to his hotel industry career, when in 1965, he accepted a sales position at the new Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. Many of his accounts were TV networks and movie studios. He knew their language and culture and was consequently better able to sell to them. Thanks to his work, the entertainment center moved to the Century Plaza. Today Century City is still the entertainment center of Los Angeles, and ABC (one of the networks that Dave successfully courted) is the Westin Century Plaza's top customer.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION

His hard work paid off when he was named the hotel's director of sales/marketing at the ripe old age of 26.

One of his mentors encouraged Dave to maximize his natural enthusiasm and professional capabilities by recognizing and utilizing learning opportunities. Dave got involved in ASAE and other industry organizations in order to expose himself to these networking and learning forums.

Prior to sending Dave to his first Hotel Sales Management Association International (HSMAI) convention, his mentor instructed him to identify the best in the industry, get to know them and learn from them. He did, and consequently gained mentors who introduced him to a larger spectrum of the industry and helped continue his professional development through other such organizations.

In 1973 he returned to Seattle as corporate director of sales at Western International Hotel's (WIH) corporate headquarters. Another promotion followed shortly when, in 1974, he was elected vice president of WIH (WIH changed their name to Westin Hotels in 1984.). Dave was the youngest officer in the company at that time.

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES

When Dave joined Westin, it was a smaller upscale hotel brand. Successful selling required innovation and forward thinking. Dave channeled his creativity in order to get results. For example, at an ASAE trade show, he organized a basketball competition in his booth. The Westin "team" dressed in NBA outfits and invited attendees to play. His booth became the biggest hit of the show and set a new industry standard.

His creative spirit was also reflected in his commitment to service. From orchestrating the auction of a speaking part on Little House on the Prairie to benefit multiple sclerosis, to purchasing a needed piece of equipment for a children's hospital instead of hosting an elaborate reception, he introduced unique ways to serve and inspired others in the hospitality and association community to do likewise.

Dave's exemplary leadership and commitment to service have led to his involvement in many industry and charitable organizations. He is a charter member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the MPI Foundation Board; he was an HSMAI director, territorial director and chapter president; and he was a Convention Liaison Council delegate and member of the CMP board of directors. Dave served as a board member of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and was the first supplier member of the executive committee. He served as director, treasurer and chairman of the PCMA Foundation.

Outside the hospitality industry, Dave has been director and director emeritus for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Western Washington Chapter, as well as chair of their highly regarded "Sports Champions vs. MS" banquet. Currently, he is on the American Heart Association's Washington Affiliate's board of directors, the University of Washington's Alumni board of trustees and executive committee and a charter board member of the Seattle Sports Council.

MORE HARD WORK

Since he joined ASAE in 1965, Dave has been an active and involved leader. His term on the ASAE board of directors is one of his professional highlights.

Dave recognized the important role the ASAE Foundation has in the continued development of the association community. His commitment led him to a term on the Board of Directors and a year as Chair of the Fundraising Committee. Even before he came on the Board, he creatively developed a program whereby Westin would make a contribution to the ASAE Foundation for every individual that visited the Westin booth. This not only provided a financial benefit for the Foundation but also had his competitors (who were Foundation Board members) encouraging attendees to go to the Westin booth.

AWARD WINNING DESIGN

As you might expect, Dave has received many honors. Sigma Iota fraternity at Washington State University n him 1971 Hotel Salesman of the Year. In 1983, ASAE named him to their Academy of Leaders. He was awarded the US Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100's Chairman's Award in 1984. PCMA awarded him their Distinguished Service Award in 1987, the first Professional Achievement Award in 1994, and their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000. In 1995, he was inducted into the CLC's Hall of Leaders. This past year, MPI awarded him their President's Industry Award and the Travel Industry Association of America gave him their First Retirement Resolution.

DRAFTING NEW PLANS, BUILDING NEW BRIDGES...

Dave has climbed many mountains in his professional career, but none so high as his personal struggle with his heart condition. Since the 1970's, he has had several heart attacks, bypass surgery and heart failure. While his bypass surgery was successful and lasted an unusually long time, almost 15 years, by the late 1990's his heart health was on a dangerous decline. Fortunately, he was able to undergo a much needed and highly successful heart transplant.

Dave considers himself lucky, fortunate and blessed - lucky to have been in the right place at the right time for his career; fortunate to have been in a business with such great people; and blessed to have been given the gift of new life through the heart he received. Because Dave attributes his success to the work and efforts of others, he wants his legacy to be the gift of giving.

His first-hand experience with the gift of organ transplant has given Dave yet another cause to champion and promote. In his now healthy retirement, Dave plans to help increase awareness of organ donation and may even help develop a heart center for cardiovascular research at the University of Washington. In addition, in his future with David R. Evans and Associates, he plans to advise leading hotel brands worldwide.

Semi-retirement will also enable Dave to spend more time with his wife, Bobbie, of 39 years, their three sons, Gregory, Christopher and Jeffrey, and their three grandchildren, Haeli, Tanner and Hanah. Dave once remarked that he was cast perfectly in life and landed a part that was written just for him. We know that in his next stage of life he will fill his role perfectly there as well.