Visit Knoxville Convention Sales Team
The team at Visit Knoxville would love to tell you more about our city, our facilities and the people who will work to make your next conference or gathering a true success.
Chad Culver
Senior Director of Sports Commission & Convention Sales
Culver is a Chattanooga native with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management from The University of Tennessee. He has over 20 years of experience in the sports industry in recruiting and managing events. Prior to Visit Knoxville, Culver was employed by Kingsport Convention and Visitors Bureau where he served as Director of Sports Marketing. Culver also served on staff with the University of Tennessee Athletics Department from 2001-2005.
Kelli Gibson
Senior Director of Convention Services
Gibson began her stint at Visit Knoxville in 2007 as Director of Event Operations. A Greeneville, TN native, she graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Education, with a concentration in Sport Management and a Master’s of Science in Sport Administration. Prior to joining Visit Knoxville, Gibson served as the Assistant Manager of the Tennessee Theatre, Event Operations Manager at the Greater Louisville Sports Commission and as Program & Media Relations Coordinator at the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission. Gibson enjoys showcasing Knoxville by creating unique experiences for planners and convention attendees.
Pearl Dorsey
Director of Sales
Pearl is a native Knoxvillian. Working in the hospitality industry for over 10 years, Pearl brings sales and marketing experience to her role at Visit Knoxville. She enjoys family time, listening to a variety of music, and laughing with friends. What she most likes about Knoxville is the beautiful four seasons - especially fall, when she can cheer on the VOLS!
Pearl focuses on the following market segments: State Associations, Health & Medical, Government, Legal, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Corporate.
Christina Clayton
Director of Convention Services
Her family roots are planted in Knoxville, but in 2005, Christina Clayton attended The University of Alabama where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Management. In 2011, she joined the Visit Knoxville team as Convention Services Manager. Prior to joining the team, Christina worked for Crimson Tide Hospitality in Tuscaloosa, AL, managed by REVELxp (formerly The Colonnade Group) which manages the operations of premium areas for Alabama Athletics.
A Knoxville native, Christina is passionate about enhancing her community and improving the lives of the people of East Tennessee. Currently she serves on the Board of Directors of the Clayton Family Foundation and Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR). Clayton is also involved with the Lakeshore Park Conservancy, First Tee Tennessee, Tennessee Golf Foundation and serves on the committee for the Friends of Knoxville Junior Golf. In addition, Christina is a member of Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) where she serves on the conference planning committee.
Christina enjoys building industry relationships, event design & theming, and curating memorable Knoxville experiences for meeting planners and convention attendees utilizing a consultative approach based on the unique needs, specific goals, and attendee interests of each group.
Cindy Hinson
Sales Director
Cindy is a Southwest Florida native who has previously lived in East Tennessee. She enjoyed our destination so much, that she has permanently moved to the Knoxville area. Cindy graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication and Rhetoric. Before Visit Knoxville, she was a Communications Manager of the Lee County VCB and the Director of Communications & Public Relations for the Punta Gorda Englewood Beach VCB.
With over ten years of experience in the Travel and Tourism industry and fifteen years of sales experience, she brings initiative, drive, and enthusiasm to the Visit Knoxville team.
The markets she will be focusing on are Social, Military, Education, Religious, Fraternal (SMERF), Heritage/Patriotic/Veterans, Cultural, Fine Arts, Libraries, Hobby/Vocational, Real Estate, and Ethnic.
Hannah Fuller
Senior Manager of Convention Services
Hannah is an East Tennessee native, calling Knoxville home since becoming a Vol in 2013. Hannah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Tennessee. During her time as a Vol, she interned at multiple Knoxville event venues and was on the opening team for the Tennessean Hotel. Prior to joining the Visit Knoxville team, Hannah managed travel and meetings at the corporate level at Discovery, Inc. Currently, Hannah is on the Convention Services team, providing expert recommendations and assistance to planners bringing meetings to Knoxville. She also oversees the Team Knoxville Volunteers program of Visit Knoxville, recruiting, managing, and training volunteers. Hannah is a third-generation hospitality professional and the granddaughter of an immigrant, which means she has a servant heart and knows how to hustle!
Teresa Hall
Sales Coordinator
Teresa retired as Visit Knoxville's Director of Administration having been with the Convention and Visitors Bureau for over 40 years, but has returned in a part-time capacity as Sales Coordinator. She has lived in Knoxville all of her life, and what she likes best about Knoxville is the friendly people. Teresa has one daughter, two grandchildren, one cat, five raccoons & a husband (and that’s exactly how she ranks them!).