Dan Williams SHares how the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau Champions the City’s Attributes
RCB President Jeff Stone with Rotarians Nick Willis and Dan WIlliams
This week, the Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) welcomed Rotarian Dan Williams, President & CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau. He outlined how tourism drove $2.6 billion in direct economic impact and supported nearly 52,000 jobs in Jefferson County in 2024, generating over $300 million in state and local tax revenue. Williams described the CVB's four operating areas—convention sales, sports, tourism, and marketing/communications—and previewed priorities going forward, including, pursuit of a tourism improvement district, establishment of a dedicated sports commission and rebranding the organization to better reflect Birmingham's modern identity.
Williams pointed to community collaboration as Birmingham's biggest opportunity, stressing the importance of public-private partnership. He discussed plans to improve downtown wayfinding, promote outdoor recreation assets, and engage younger residents through a proposed youth board. He urged Rotarians to serve as ambassadors for the city, telling friends, family, and business contacts about what Birmingham has to offer.
Bio for Dan Williams
Dan Williams was named President & CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) in April 2025. With nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, Dan is a dynamic leader known for driving growth, cultivating strong partnerships, and delivering results.
He joined the GBCVB from Experience Columbus, where he spent 13 years — most recently as Chief Sales Officer. In that role, Dan led the convention sales division and managed a high-performing team across multiple markets, including satellite offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C. He was instrumental in developing innovative sales strategies and fostering strong partnerships with hotels, venues, and key stakeholders to maximize economic impact.
Prior to his time in Columbus, Dan served as Vice President of Sales at Positively Cleveland, where he further honed his expertise in destination marketing and strategic sales leadership.
An active voice in the industry, Dan is a member of Destinations International (DI), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP).
Beyond his professional achievements, Dan is passionate about mentoring the next generation of hospitality leaders. He frequently visits schools and supports students from diverse backgrounds, inspiring them to pursue careers in tourism and hospitality.
With a blend of strategic vision, relationship-driven leadership, and a deep commitment to inclusivity, Dan is proud to lead the GBCVB—championing Birmingham as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, and visitors from around the world, and leveraging tourism as a powerful driver of economic impact for the region.