The Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida will honor Bill Davis and Kathie Canning at The Pineapple Ball® on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, FL. The event will be produced by Rosen College faculty, staff and students. Proceeds will benefit academic initiatives and scholarships.
“We are proud to honor two of the region’s most respected hospitality executives who have both contributed so much to Orlando’s success as a destination,” said Dr. Abraham Pizam, dean of Rosen College. “Their impact extends far beyond their organizations and will leave a lasting impression on Central Florida’s hospitality industry for decades to come.”
Mr. Davis is president and chief operating officer of Universal Orlando Resort. He is responsible for oversight of Universal Orlando, including the Universal Studios theme park, the Islands of Adventure theme park, the 30-acre CityWalk entertainment complex and the nearby Universal Parks & Resort’s Wet n’ Wild water park. Mr. Davis has 40 years of theme park experience, including several positions with the Anheuser-Busch company. He is a past president of the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau and current Executive Committee Board Member. He has also served on the Give Kids the World Board of Directors, the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Committee, and the American Zoological Association as a Professional Fellow.
Ms. Canning is the executive director of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). She is responsible for directing and supervising all aspects of finance, marketing and operations of the facility. She joined the OCCC in 1985 and provided invaluable assistance in the sales, service planning and development for the Center’s three expansion projects. In December 2002, Ms. Canning was promoted to the position of deputy general manager and in 2012, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs appointed her executive director. During her career, she has devoted her time to many not-for-profit organizations, including The United Way Leadership Club, Orlando Chamber of Commerce and Visit Orlando.
Tickets and sponsorship information for The Pineapple Ball® will be available at hospitality.ucf.edu/the-pineapple-ball. For questions about the event, please contact Jessica Richards at 407-823-1589 or jessica.richards@ucf.edu.