Our Leadership
Since 1970, ACCESS Destination Services (formerly California Leisure Consultants, Inc) has set the standard for excellence in destination management services in North America. We combine local expertise, professionalism and creativity to produce exciting and memorable programs for meeting, convention and incentive travel groups.
Christopher Lee, DMCP, Chief Executive Officer
Chris began his destination management career in the early 1980's, working for ACCESS Destination Services (then named California Leisure Consultants) in San Diego and Los Angeles. In 1989 Chris purchased the San Diego office and became President of that operation. He is a Co-founder and Past President of the Association of Destination Management Executives, a contributing author to "The Guide To Successful Destination Management", and the 2006 Destination Management Professional of the Year honoree. Chris was also named one of the 25 most influential people in the meetings industry by Meeting News Magazine. He is a featured speaker and serves on numerous advisory boards in the hospitality industry.
Candace Bisconte, DMCP, Partner, Orange County
Candi began her destination management career in 1978 with ACCESS Destination Services (then named California Leisure Consultants). Over the next ten years, she held operations, sales, and management positions with the company in San Diego, Palm Springs and Orange County. In 1989, Candi and her husband Greg purchased the Orange County office and she became President of that operation. Candi currently serves as President of ACCESS Destination Services. As one of the founders of ACCESS, Candi represents over 20 years of experience in destination management and event production.
Barbara Smith, DMCP, Partner, Palm Springs
Barb began her destination management career in 1976, with ACCESS Destination Services (then named California Leisure Consultants). She excelled in sales and management roles in all of Cal Leisure's offices before purchasing the Palm Springs office in 1988 with her husband Ken, where Barb served as President. The Smiths are destination management veterans. Barb is well known and respected across the country as a destination management expert.
Ilene Reinhart, DMCP, CMP, Partner, Los Angeles
Ilene has been involved in the meeting management industry since 1977 having worked in the corporate, association, and convention bureau segments. Since joining ACCESS Destination Services in 1981 (then named California Leisure Consultants), Ilene has worked with clients from both the Sales Services in and Program Management departments. In 1989, Ilene purchased the Los Angeles office and is currently a partner in ACCESS Destination Services. She remains active in several industry associations, having served as president of the Southern California Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. She is currently President-Elect for the Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME) and has served as Chair of ADME's DMCP Certification Board. Ilene also currently serves as ADME’S representative on CIC’S CMP Board.
Mary Carvotta-Trexler, Partner, Northern California & Wine Country
Mary's background includes over 20 years of national event, meeting planning and destination management experience combined with nationally recognized expertise in event design and aesthetics. Prior to joining ACCESS, Mary was one of the founding principals of Perfect World Events, a San Francisco destination management company. Mary managed the firm's corporate sales initiatives, proposal development and creative teams. Mary's diverse background and unmatched experience is partnered with an enormous amount of creativity, knowledge and professionalism. A Bay Area resident since 1995, her hands-on knowledge of the region with its unique and diverse offerings enables her to develop customized programs tailored to every client's needs.
Rob Elliott, Partner, Northern California & Wine Country
Rob brings more than 25 years of domestic and international event management experience to ACCESS Northern California. Prior to joining ACCESS, Rob was one of the founding principals of Perfect World Events, a San Francisco destination management company, where he managed the company's program operations and marketing efforts. Additionally, Rob's credentials include having directed event management and implementation activities for a blue chip roster of clients including NBC Sports, Nike, NBA, and many others. He also served as managing director of a joint venture between the NBA and Host Communications in Geneva, Switzerland; established Pamplona Marketing and Events, a lifestyle marketing company; and presided over Sport and Social Clubs of the U.S.
Greg Bisconte, Partner, Orange County
Greg spent twenty years in real estate development and commercial property ownership and management before entering the meetings industry. In 1989, Greg and his wife Candi purchased the Orange County office of ACCESS Destination Services (then named California Leisure Consultants), and he became Vice President and General Manager of that office. He continues to serve in that capacity today. In addition to his local management role, Greg oversees the I.T. systems of ACCESS Destination Services, ensuring that we are constantly equipped with the latest technology to provide superior service, quick response time, and immediate access to program information and resources.
Ken Smith, Partner, Palm Springs
Ken was involved in the commercial building industry in the San Diego, Orange County and New England areas for over 15 years before joining his wife Barb, in 1988, as an owner and General Manager of ACCESS Destination Services Palm Springs office (then named California Leisure Consultants). Ken is currently a partner in ACCESS Destination Services and is actively involved on a local level with the business and hospitality community. In addition to managing the Palm Springs office, Ken is also responsible for the management and operations of ACCESS Destination Services, Las Vegas.
Jennifer Miller, DMCP, General Manager - San Diego & Los Angeles
Jennifer Miller began her career in the hospitality industry over 14 years ago as a meeting planner/account executive for a local incentive travel firm. In 2000, Jennifer joined ACCESS San Diego as a Program Manager. Then, as Director of Operations, she managed a team of program managers and was responsible for all client program operations and key account management. In 2004, Jennifer was promoted to General Manager of the San Diego office based on her client satisfaction record, leadership skills and business acumen. Jennifer is especially proud of leading a team of business professionals and growing the San Diego office which has twice been named by the San Diego Business Journal as one of "San Diego's Best Places to Work."
Gary W. Marr, CMP, LES, Partner - Chicago
Starting in his teens as a buffet runner for his mother's catering business, Gary eventually found himself the Senior Director of Catering in Chicago's largest convention hotel, the Hyatt Regency Chicago for over 13 years. He was also a national trainer with Hyatt in Catering Sales & Marketing, Event Design and Creativity. Prior to Hyatt, Gary spent 20 years with Marriott Hotels spanning the country. While opening the Maui Marriott he fell in love with the design and creation of major themed events and business theatre where he says that he learned from the best of the best in the special events and Destination Management industries. He is an industry recognized expert in 'all things catering' and is known for his sense of style and scale of managing special events.
Phil Lehman, Partner - Florida
In 1994, Phil began his destination management career in Orlando with his brother Fritz. Phil held positions in all areas of his company including Executive Vice President just prior to the sale of the company in 2000. In February of 2002, Phil founded Experience Florida, Inc. Under his leadership as President, the company became a statewide leader in destination management over the next nine years. As owner of ACCESS Florida, Phil continues to advance his expertise in overall management and client relations with a focus on complete customer satisfaction and program success.