Our Staff

Dan Concepcion

General Manager

joined the City of Monterey in 1998 as manager of the Monterey Conference Center. In 2007 he was promoted to the role of general manager which increased his responsibilities to overseeing operations, financial performance, brand awareness and marketing of this award-winning facility as well as fostering relationships with clients, facility users, hospitality industry professionals and community leaders.

Dan is very involved with the community, serving on the board of directors for the Monterey County Film Commission and Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County. He also devotes time and energy to industry associations International Association of Assembly Managers (IAMM) and Meeting Planners International (MPI); and children’s organizations Compassion International and Special Kids Crusade.

Dayna Swanson

Event Supervisor

earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the California Polytechnic State University in Pomona. Dayna has over twelve years of experience working in hotels, restaurants, and convention centers in catering, front desk services, and on-site event management. While working at the San Jose Convention & Cultural Facilities she coordinated the food and beverage needs for conventions, tradeshows, corporate meetings, holiday parties, consumer shows, performing arts, sporting events, and charity fundraisers. Dayna joined our team as Event Supervisor of the Monterey Conference Center in 2003. She utilizes her work experience and education to maximize the services she provides to her clients. She is a member of the International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM).

Jesse Chambers III

Operations Supervisor

has been a resident of the Monterey Peninsula since 1974. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1979-1984 and immediately joined the Monterey Conference Center team thereafter. For 17 years worked as a Facility Attendant, meeting the set up needs of all clients and users. In 2000 he was promoted to Senior Facility Attendant expanding his role with supervisory responsibilities. In October 2004, Jesse was promoted to the position of Operations Supervisor. In his leisure time he enjoys his family and playing basketball.

Tonya Hufford, CMP

Event Coordinator

joined the Monterey Conference Center in 2001. Previous to that she was a Convention Services Manager for the Doubletree Hotel, now known as Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay. She has been a Monterey Peninsula resident for most of her life with the exception of living in Sacramento while attending Sacramento State University. Tonya stays involved in the community serving as an Ambassador for the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. She is an active member for the International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM), MPI Northern California (MPINCC) and the Convention Industry Council (CIC). She is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), since 2004.

Gilbert Edwards

Senior Facility Attendant

has been with the City of Monterey at the Monterey Conference Center for the past 19 years as a Facility Attendant. In December 2004, Gilbert was promoted to Senior Facility Attendant and brings a wealth of experience and customer service to the position. Gilbert has been a resident of the Monterey Peninsula since 1966 coming from Panama where he was born and lived until he was 9 years old. In his free time Gilbert enjoys cooking for his family and friends.

Sales Team

Deborah Josue

Senior Sales Manager

has been working with meeting planners for over 14 years to bring their conferences to the Monterey Peninsula. In 2000 Deborah joined the sales team as the Sales Manager representing the City of Monterey and was later promoted to Senior Sales Manager. Prior to transitioning to sales for the City of Monterey, Deborah was the Event Supervisor at the Monterey Conference Center. Deborah has also had sales and conference services positions on the Monterey Peninsula at the Pebble Beach Resorts and at Asilomar Conference Center.

Maggie Akins

Sales Manager

her 26+ years of hospitality industry experience includes Director of Sales & Marketing of the Monterey Convention Authority for the City of Monterey and previously leading sales efforts at the Monterey County CVB. Her experience incorporates positions with 10 hotels in 7 different geographical locations including the Highlands Inn — Park Hyatt Carmel, and as Director of Sales & Marketing for the Embassy Suites Hotel on Monterey Bay. Eighteen of the years in hotel management were spent primarily in Director of Sales & Marketing positions with the exception of a chain’s corporate office as National Sales Manager and Regional Director of Sales.

Liza Linsao

Sales Assistant

assists the Sales Managers in pursuing group business for both the Monterey Meeting Connection and the Monterey Conference Center. She also manages the daily operation of the department while providing full administrative support to the team.

Prior to joining the City of Monterey sales office in 2004, Liza was the Administrative Assistant at the Embassy Suites on Monterey Bay and was awarded the 2002 Employee of the Year. She brings over 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including positions in Front Office Management and assisted in numerous areas such as Sales, Catering, Accounting, Human Resources, and Food & Beverage.

Lisa Kincaid

Sales Assistant

Lisa Kincaid, Sales Assistant, supports the sales managers with Trade Shows, Conference Center site tours and booking space for future meetings. In addition, Lisa provides ongoing follow up to meeting planners presenting the benefits of Monterey for future events. She brings over 15 years of Sales and Customer Service Management experiences. As manager of Customer Care and Sales for two wireless companies and her extensive training, she brings a high level of professionalism and integrity to our office.

Administration Team

Patty Tognetti Administrative Assistant

Laura Pratt Sales and Event Assistant

Marijo Giardina Sales and Event Assistant

Operations Team

Jesus Garcia, Custodian
Harry Christensen, Facility Attendant
Ben Catlin, Facility Attendant