Irene Alvarez

Irene is the marketing project manager for Experience Columbus, where she’s worked for the past three years. She heads up social media for the organization, often acts as our in-house graphic designer and manages a variety of projects. She’ll tell you no two days are alike, but they all involve coffee and at least one laugh.

Some places in Columbus you’re likely to find her: A theater performance (Available Light is a favorite in that category), one of the Dine Originals Columbus restaurants (she’s a board member, but assures you she loved them long before that), or an art show/sale/festival that she talked her husband into attending with her.

Follow Irene on Twitter here .
Check out her blog posts here .

Kelly Brooks

Kelly is the events/marketing coordinator at Experience Columbus. Whether she is working on event floor plans, editing publications or working with our photo library, everyday brings something new and exciting.

Some places in Columbus you’re likely to find her: Anywhere and everywhere! Since moving here last year, Kelly has hit the streets to experience everything Columbus has to offer, from comedy shows at Funny Bone to canoe trips in the Hocking Hills. You will often find her out and about with her boyfriend, her friends or her family when they visit from Cleveland. Any restaurant that is unique and delicious is probably on the agenda (some favorites: Café Corner, Figlio and Tasi).

Follow Kelly on Twitter here .
Check out her blog posts here .

Melissa DeGraw Metz

As the membership manager for Experience Columbus, Melissa has the privilege of working with over 950 business owners/managers of Columbus’ great places to play, stay, dine or shop. Where in Columbus are you likely to find her? Anywhere in Grandview. Born and raised there, Melissa can’t get enough of it – from Vino Vino to The Candle Lab and The Grandview Hop, Grandview is her favorite place to be.

In her spare time, Melissa and her new husband love settling into their new house and relaxing on their front porch with a glass of wine.

Follow Melissa on Twitter here .
Check out her blog posts here .

Meg Gordon

Meg is a convention sales assistant for Experience Columbus. During the past two years, she has supported our sales managers by completing just about any task that helps bring a convention to the wonderful city of Columbus. Whether she’s creating a convention bid or compiling a site inspection of the city, she can definitely say her job is never boring.

Some places in Columbus you’re likely to find her: As a resident of Victorian Village, you’ll often find her strolling the sidewalks of the Short North or going out with her friends in the Arena District. On Ohio State football weekends, she’ll be on campus cheering on her alma mater. She frequents as many concerts and Broadway shows that she can possibly fit into her schedule and loves any restaurant that offers great food.

Follow Meg on Twitter here .
Check out her blog posts here .

Cathe Moog

Cathe Moog is the director of marketing for Experience Columbus and is responsible for all kinds of things from our Web site and e-marketing to print publications and trade advertising. She’s been with the organization for a long time, having worked in our tourism and membership departments, too. In addition to her Experience Columbus tasks, she also works closely with our sister organization, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission.

Some places in Columbus you’re likely to find her: As a Worthington lifer, Olde Worthington is a frequent haunt, especially House Wine and often in combination with The Candle Lab. She also loves the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market. Her whole family loves visits to Franklin Park Conservatory, Metro Parks and the Zoo (Wildlights is the best!). On date night, she and her husband can be found at J. Alexander’s or Figlio.

Follow Cathe on Twitter here .
Check out her blog posts here .

Scott Peacock

As media relations manager for Experience Columbus, Scott works to generate positive media exposure for Columbus as a destination for leisure travel, conventions and meetings. It’s not unusual to see him (literally) running around our office, working with various members of our staff to meet publication and reporter deadlines. From time to time you may also see him on local TV discussing upcoming events and initiatives.

Some places in Columbus you’re likely to find him: Dining with friends and family at Tasi’s in the Short North, walking the brick streets of German Village, exploring the latest additions at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium or cheering on his beloved Columbus Crew and Blue Jackets. Scott enjoys Columbus most when he’s outdoors, be it a night on the patio at Sugar or Barcelona or riding his bike at Alum Creek or Central Ohio’s Greenways.

Follow Scott on Twitter here .
Check out his blog posts here .

Sayaka Sekiguchi

As the events manager for Experience Columbus, Sayaka plans major events for the organization, including our Annual Meeting and the Muirfield Hospitality Program. Have you seen the colorful 8-foot banners that line the city streets? She manages those, too. During event season, her office looks like it blew up, but she’s in there somewhere working hard.

Some places in Columbus you’re likely to find her: Anywhere that has food! Sayaka’s always on the move and she eats often to refuel her energy. She loves going to festivals and special events and spending time with friends during happy hour – Park Street is her favorite spot. Although she doesn’t quite know all of the rules to the games, she also enjoys going to sporting events (mostly for the beer and hot dogs).

Follow Sayaka on Twitter here .
Check out her blog posts here .

Ben Walters

Ben is the receptionist and visitor information specialist in the Experience Columbus Visitor Center in the Arena District, where he’s worked for the past two years. If you’re looking for something to do in Columbus, he’s the guy who’ll be able to help you. Though he may know most of what’s going on across the city, it’s pretty rare to find him outside of the Short North Arts District.

If you do spot him outside of the Short North, he’s likely attending the ballet, opera or other Columbus arts performance. You might also spot him at one of Columbus’ great music venues taking in a show, at the disc golf course, cycling the Olentangy Trail or at the North Market to buy what he needs for another one of his culinary creations.

Follow Ben on Twitter here .
Check out his blog posts here .