Event Details

Kevin has more than 20 years of experience working in various roles in the global meetings and travel industry. He currently serves as Managing Director for Group Travel at the U.S. Travel Association, based in Washington, D.C. He is responsible for leading the advocacy organization’s strategy for growing group travel to and within the US.

Kevin has been a frequent speaker to audiences worldwide about the value of in-person meetings and has served as International Board Chair for Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and CEO of SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence), as well as a Board member of the Events Industry Council (EIC). He earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in 2023.

Kevin regularly practices yoga, is an avid tennis player and skier, and has two daughters (Amber, 24, and Sophia, 19) who regularly keep him in line.

Rutger Hoorn joined Ovation in 2009, with previous assignments were in sports marketing and brand consultancy. After almost a decade in Spain, 5 years in Switzerland and another 5 years in the USA, Rutger’s current role is Vice President of Global Sales and Strategic Partnerships at Ovation Global DMC. He is actively responsible for global account management and sales for corporate and third-party clients; additionally, he oversees all Global Strategic Alliances within different industry segments. He currently serves on the IRF Board of Trustees, FICP HPAC and is a former Board member of SITE Northeast and the Global Events Collective. Rutger was also named the Eventex 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry in 2021, 2022 and 2024. Rutger resides in Amsterdam with his wife, 3 kids and their Beagle, Zoey.

Katherine LaMacchia, Managing Director, Director of Corporate Events for Baird, a privately held, international financial services firm with offices in the United States, Europe and Asia and more than $300 billion in client assets.  Katherine joined Baird in 2008 and has had the great honor of serving the firm’s events needs throughout her tenure.  Her current responsibilities include leadership of a high-performing event management team that produces 300+ impactful events annually for the Private Wealth Management, Fixed Income and Firm business units.  

Katherine has been an active member of Financial and Insurance Conference Planners (FICP) since 2019, having served on several committees, including chairing the 2024 Education Forum, and currently serves as a board member.  She is passionate about wellness, having held ACE certifications in Personal Training, Group Fitness and Schwinn Cycle Instruction.  She enjoys giving back to her community and serves on the Discovery World Board. Katherine resides in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, Mario, and two children, Annabelle and Leo.