JoAnn Kurtz-Ahlers established Kurtz-Ahlers & Associates in 2002, after two decades of experience as an industry-leading Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Ritz-Carlton, where she was the first female ever to attain this position. During her tenure she oversaw business development worldwide, including new and existing properties in Dubai, Spain, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey.

An active promoter of the hospitality industry and past chairman of the Meeting Planners International (MPI) Editorial Committee, JoAnn has participated as a frequent panelist at industry conferences, and continues to be an active leader within MPI. She has twice been named one of the “100 Most Powerful Women in Travel” by Travel Agent magazine, and was selected as one of Meeting News’ “25 Most Influential People.”

influential, interesting,