Mon Sep 23 21:51:12 UTC 2024: ## San Francisco Appoints First Female CEO to Revitalize Convention Business
**San Francisco, CA** – In a move aimed at reviving the city’s struggling convention business, the San Francisco Travel Association has appointed Anna Marie Presutti as its new president and CEO. This marks the first time a woman will lead the organization.
Presutti, who previously served as interim CEO, has outlined her goal to attract large-scale events and conferences back to the city. “My priority is to lean into the momentum building and return our convention business to a healthy level,” she stated.
San Francisco’s convention business suffered during the pandemic due to the slow recovery of business travel and the rise of remote and hybrid work. However, the city has seen some positive signs recently, with events like Dreamforce bringing renewed optimism.
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff recently announced a new agreement to keep Dreamforce in San Francisco for another three years. The city’s hotel occupancy rates have also been on the rise, fueled in part by its growing reputation as an AI tech hub.
While the city faces challenges, including safety concerns, Presutti remains optimistic about the future. “We will invest in marketing San Francisco’s great strengths, including its culinary scene and arts and culture,” she said.
Presutti’s appointment comes as more women are taking leadership roles in the tourism industry. She joins a growing number of female CEOs heading up Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) across the country.
San Francisco Travel Association is the official destination marketing organization for the city and county. In 2023, tourism in San Francisco generated $9.3 billion in visitor spending and $610 million in tax revenue.
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