Bringing 25 years of Travel Industry experience, Steven Paganelli joined TripAdvisor in January 2013 as Head of Destination Marketing – Americas. In this role, Steve spearheads innovative ways to connect DMOs with 315 million monthly TripAdvisor users, supports a seasoned sales team, and works to forge strategic relationships with industry organizations. Steve serves on the German National Tourist Office Advisory Board and the Western Association of CVBs Foundation Board.
Prior to joining TripAdvisor, Steve spent six years with cooperative marketing and digital agencies serving DMOs. Five of those years were focused on launching a successful Destination Division for the interactive marketing agency, TIG Global. There, Steve developed the company’s product and service offering, managed business development ultimately building a portfolio of 30 destination clients and served as Destination Strategist on DMO accounts.
Before returning to the private sector, Steve spent 13 years at DMOs in Connecticut – nine as President & CEO. His other roles included VP of Sales & Marketing and Director of Convention Sales. In these positions, Steve oversaw all print and online marketing efforts including website development and the selection and integration of CRM solutions. In addition, Steve’s bureaus were early adopters of online tactics winning recognition for efforts in SEM, email marketing and social media including HSMAI’s prestigious Adrian Award.
Steve has chaired numerous committees and organizations, served on the Destination Marketing Association International Board of Directors and received his Destination Marketing Executive Certification (CDME). Steve majored in Speech Communication Arts at Hofstra University with minors in English, History, and Psychology.
