ConVis Official Named HMA Allied Person of the Year
Salvatore Giametta Honored for Exceptional Contributions
By Joanne DiBona, jdibona@sdcvb.org
Salvatore Giametta, a 16-year veteran of the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau (ConVis), was named San Diego Hotel Motel Association Allied Person of the Year at the organization’s recent 30th Anniversary Gold Key Awards ceremony.
Giametta, who serves as ConVis vice president of public affairs and communications, was honored for his steadfast efforts to raise community awareness of the visitor industry’s significant contributions to San Diego’s economy and quality of life. He was also lauded for outstanding community service. Over the years, he has volunteered his time to serve on the boards and committees of organizations such as the Downtown San Diego Partnership, the Little Italy Association, SDSU’s School of Hospitality and Travel Management, the San Diego Workforce Partnership, the San Diego Film Commission, the San Diego Library Commission, MTDB’s Taxicab Advisory Committee, the San Diego Press Club, and the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation, among others.
“Sal’s talents as a ConVis spokesperson, writer, and industry liaison have been demonstrated time and again throughout his career,” said David Peckinpaugh, ConVis President & CEO. “Even when faced with events such as 9-11, the devastating wildfires, and recessionary economies which greatly challenged our industry over the years, Sal consistently responded to local and national media with speed, candor and truth.
“During good years, when the eyes of the world fell on San Diego during major events such as the Super Bowl, Americas Cup and Republican National Convention, he was always on call to speak to media around the world about San Diego’s attractions and amenities. With every positive word, he raised awareness of San Diego’s reputation as a first-class visitor destination to the world at large,” Peckinpaugh added.
Giametta received San Diego Press Club’s Andy Mace Award for outstanding contributions in the field of public relations in 2004.
Industry veteran Patti Roscoe served as chairperson of the event and presented the award. In recognition of Roscoe’s lifelong commitment to the visitor industry, the award’s name was officially changed from the Allied Person of the Year to the Patti Roscoe Award during the evening ceremony, making Giametta the first-ever recipient.
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