Michael O'Connor, CMP, Vice President of Conference Management
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

"Our convention service and catering managers are focused on partnering with the meeting planners to deliver customized conference planning that fully prepares the Operation to deliver a meetings experience that exceeds expectations."

Achieving a smooth, successful convention or conference in a property with 2,881 guestrooms and 600,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space requires strong leadership behind the scenes. Michael O'Connor, a highly successful hotelier with more than 25 years of experience in the industry, is that strong leader for Gaylord Opryland® Resort & Convention Center. As the vice president of conference management, he is responsible for the overall direction and operation of the Conference Management division, which includes Convention Services, Catering and Convention Center Operations.

O'Connor began his career with the Nashville, Tenn.-based Gaylord Opryland in 1994, when he was named the assistant director of convention services. He held this position for nearly three years before accepting a promotion elsewhere. But Gaylord Opryland Resort eventually won him back, as he returned to Nashville as the director of convention services. With his dedication to meeting planner satisfaction and his unrivaled expertise, O'Connor was soon promoted to his current position.

In his role, O'Connor plans to increase meeting planner satisfaction by supporting the conference planning teams, who build strong customer relationships, as well as the resort operation, which aims at providing a flawless meeting experience for all attendees.

Outside his Gaylord career, his most recent position was as the director of catering and group services at the Fontainbleau Resort in Miami Beach, Fla.He has worked at many of the nation's other large convention properties, including resorts and hotels in Hollywood, Fla.; Dallas; Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; San Francisco; and Atlanta.

O'Connor is a graduate of Florida International University's School of Hospitality Management. He is an American Hotel & Motel Association Certified Energy Manager, and a Certified Meeting Professional.

He and his wife, Becki, have a son, Sean, and a daughter, Haley. When he is not working, O'Connor's interests revolve around the outdoors. He enjoys walking his dog and spending time in support of his children's activities. An avid motor sports fan, he also enjoys boating, fishing, relaxing poolside and working in the yard. He likes cooking, home-brewing beer and the art of outdoor grilling.

<  Back to Meet Our Senior Leaders