“I have had the pleasure of working with Casandra for several years, beginning as she successfully launched Visit San Antonio as a private, non-profit after being a long-term City department. I was immediately struck by her drive and ability to garner collaboration and support for major initiatives (for example, taking VSA private, launching a membership organization, starting a TPID) and moving those initiatives across the finish line in record speed. Casandra is true a visionary in the DMO industry, always thinking creatively and proactively about the future. When I think of the best in our business, she is always on the top of my list!”
About
Activity
-
🌟Exciting News🌟 Lisa Messina will join Visit Orlando as Chief Sales Officer! Lisa is a powerhouse in the meetings and conventions industry, has a…
🌟Exciting News🌟 Lisa Messina will join Visit Orlando as Chief Sales Officer! Lisa is a powerhouse in the meetings and conventions industry, has a…
Shared by Casandra Matej
-
Always wonderful to join community leaders and business professionals at the International Drive Chamber of Commerce's annual "Heart of I-Drive"…
Always wonderful to join community leaders and business professionals at the International Drive Chamber of Commerce's annual "Heart of I-Drive"…
Liked by Casandra Matej
-
Following its July 1 acquisition of event registration, onsite and lead services provider Convention Data Services (CDS) from global events…
Following its July 1 acquisition of event registration, onsite and lead services provider Convention Data Services (CDS) from global events…
Liked by Casandra Matej
Experience & Education
Courses
-
2015 Certified Destination Management Executive
-
Honors & Awards
-
2023 Leading Ladies
Orlando Family Magazine
Orlando Family Magazine recognizes the area's most inspiring women and their paths to success.
-
50 Most Powerful People of 2023
Orlando Magazine
This is Casandra's second consecutive year being recognized by Orlando Magazine for making Orlando the best place in the world ensuring our region remains a hub of activity, a destination of choice and a place where people and opportunities converge.
-
2023 Businesswoman of the Year
Orlando Business Journal
-
2023 Women of the Year Vibrant Visionaries
Orange Appeal Magazine
-
2019 Tribute to Women Business Leaders, Hope Award
San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
Recognizes a woman who has had a notable impact on our community through outstanding philanthropic, community, or public service.
-
2018 Ally of the Year Award
San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce
In recognition of contributions to advance the LGBT Community. Award given in recognition of efforts to prevent legislation that would have been damaging to the LGBT community.
-
2017 Board Member of the Year
2017 Boysville, Inc.
-
2017 Order of the Pearl
Kappa Delta Sorority
Order of the Pearl is given to an alumna who has made outstanding contributions at the national, state or local level in areas other than service to Kappa Delta. Nominated by her Kappa Delta sisters and selected by a committee, the recipient has exemplified in every way the ideals of the sorority through service to the community.
-
2015 Women’s Leadership Award
San Antonio Business Journal
Business Journal recognizes women who are leaders in their fields and in our community, what many would call agents of positive change.
-
2011 Executive Excellence Award
Event Service Professionals Association
Each year at the Annual Conference, ESPA recognizes an executive for his or her commitment and dedication to the profession of event service and to giving key support and leadership to members of their services team.
Recommendations received
-
LinkedIn User
21 people have recommended Casandra
Join now to viewMore activity by Casandra
-
Today marks my final day as President and CEO of Brand USA, and I am filled with immense gratitude, humility, and pride. Leading our nation’s…
Today marks my final day as President and CEO of Brand USA, and I am filled with immense gratitude, humility, and pride. Leading our nation’s…
Liked by Casandra Matej
-
As part of Orlando’s Summer of Soccer, with several major international events held in our destination, Visit Orlando collaborated with ESPN Chile to…
As part of Orlando’s Summer of Soccer, with several major international events held in our destination, Visit Orlando collaborated with ESPN Chile to…
Liked by Casandra Matej
-
Congratulations on your achievement @seankeeney! Another way that Visit Orlando focuses on elevating our expertise to assist our customers!…
Congratulations on your achievement @seankeeney! Another way that Visit Orlando focuses on elevating our expertise to assist our customers!…
Shared by Casandra Matej
-
Thank you to Southern Living Magazine for ranking Orlando as one of the best cities to #vacation in #Florida. We were recognized for having plenty to…
Thank you to Southern Living Magazine for ranking Orlando as one of the best cities to #vacation in #Florida. We were recognized for having plenty to…
Shared by Casandra Matej
-
Get ready for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining presented by Orlando Health! We have a record-breaking 150 restaurants on board ready to serve you Aug…
Get ready for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining presented by Orlando Health! We have a record-breaking 150 restaurants on board ready to serve you Aug…
Shared by Casandra Matej
-
Visit Orlando’s travel industry sales team participated in the Travel Planners International Open House, a tradeshow mixer attended by over 200…
Visit Orlando’s travel industry sales team participated in the Travel Planners International Open House, a tradeshow mixer attended by over 200…
Liked by Casandra Matej
-
Welcome to all those celebrating #IndependenceDay in #Orlando! As one of the top domestic locations for this #holiday, we expect a busy weekend of…
Welcome to all those celebrating #IndependenceDay in #Orlando! As one of the top domestic locations for this #holiday, we expect a busy weekend of…
Shared by Casandra Matej
-
Orlando is shining bright this July 4th holiday week with many travelers choosing Orlando to celebrate Independence Day. According to our data…
Orlando is shining bright this July 4th holiday week with many travelers choosing Orlando to celebrate Independence Day. According to our data…
Liked by Casandra Matej
-
🎉 Congratulations🎉 to Rosen Hotels & Resorts on celebrating 50 incredible years! Since opening your doors in 1974, you have helped shape Central…
🎉 Congratulations🎉 to Rosen Hotels & Resorts on celebrating 50 incredible years! Since opening your doors in 1974, you have helped shape Central…
Shared by Casandra Matej
-
Congratulations to Rosen Hotels & Resorts on your 50-year anniversary! Since opening on June 24, 1974, Rosen Hotels & Resorts has tremendously…
Congratulations to Rosen Hotels & Resorts on your 50-year anniversary! Since opening on June 24, 1974, Rosen Hotels & Resorts has tremendously…
Liked by Casandra Matej
-
Hold on a second .... I know that guy!
Hold on a second .... I know that guy!
Liked by Casandra Matej
-
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Industry Insights Forum. At Visit Orlando, research and insights are at the heart of everything we…
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Industry Insights Forum. At Visit Orlando, research and insights are at the heart of everything we…
Liked by Casandra Matej
Other similar profiles
-
Mario J. Bass
Connect -
Mike Waterman
Connect -
Terry Prather
Senior Executive with extensive experience in the hospitality & tourism industry.
Connect -
Kathy Brown, MBA, CPXP
Connect -
Tim Giuliani
Connect -
Katherine Ramsberger
Connect -
Maritza Martinez-Guerrero
Vice President, External Affairs & Philanthropy
Connect -
Kristin Rothbauer-Westover
External Affairs | Advocacy & Government Relations | Community Outreach & Engagement
Connect -
Elaine Blazys
Connect -
Jennifer Lastik
Executive Vice President at Greater Orlando Sports Commission
Connect
Explore collaborative articles
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
Explore More