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Marc Garcia, President and CEO, and Alison Brooks, Vice President of Destination Experience and Advocacy are available to share insights and narratives that underscore the immense benefits of the visitor industry.

Their vast experience and expertise cover a myriad of compelling topics, including the economic impact of tourism in Mesa, our transformative journey towards becoming one of the most accessible cities in the U.S., and the groundbreaking accomplishment of Mesa being recognized as the first Autism Certified city in the nation.

Whether you're planning a lunch and learn session, seeking a dynamic keynote speaker, or organizing a panel discussion, Marc and Alison are available both virtually and in-person.

Marc J. Garcia is President and CEO of Visit Mesa, the destination marketing organization for the City of Mesa, Arizona and the surrounding region, creating the City Limitless brand promise in early 2013. His experience includes 25 years of community building while working with neighboring communities and DMOs; visitor industry partners and stakeholders; municipal, county and state governments; lobbying support for brand protection and tourism funding; and serving on various industry and local boards.

In 2019, Garcia led Visit Mesa to become the nation’s first Autism Certified City, according to the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) through which over 5,000 people who either live or work in Mesa have received autism awareness training. More recently, and with partnerships with Aira, Hidden Disability Sunflower, Threshold360, Able Eyes, the Mesa Regional Foundation for Accessibility, Diversity & Inclusion, among others, Garcia is leading Mesa to become the nation’s most accessible city.

Visit Mesa’s branding and marketing efforts have garnered several industry awards during Garcia’s 11+ year tenure, including most recently:

  • 2023 Global Vision Award – Travel + Leisure
  • 2023 TravelAbility “Superstar” Award
  • 2022 DMA West “Best Idea” Award
  • 2022 Silver Adrian Award – HSMAI
  • 2022 Silver Telly Award
  • 2022 Best Marketing Campaign (Urban category) – Arizona Office of Tourism
  • 2021 Best Idea Award – Destination Marketing Association of the West
  • 2021 ESTO Destiny Award (Special Projects) – U.S. Travel Association
  • 2021 Urban Innovations Award – Arizona Office of Tourism
  • 2021 and 2020, Silver Telly, Zuill Bailey Video – Partnership with Mesa Arts Center, timed to re-opening travel in 2021.
  • 2020, Silver ADDY Award - Video Production, Adventure Explorer Brand, American Advertising Agency

Individual recognitions:

  • The Great 48 by Phoenix Magazine - 2023
  • Titan 100 CEO -2023
  • “Trailblazer Award” by Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association - 2022
  • Destination Organization Leadership Award by Destinations International - 2022
  • “Valley’s Most Influential Tourism Professional” by AZ Foothills Magazine - 2021 and 2020
  • “Tourism Manager of the Year” for 2019 by Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association
  • “Top 40 Most Influential Phoenicians” for 2019 by AZ Foothills Magazine

Current Board Service: · U.S. Travel Association · Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association · Executive Advisory Board, International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) · Travel Ability · Mesa Regional Foundation for Accessibility, Diversity & inclusion · Valley LifeGarcia earned his B.A. in Political Studies from Pitzer College in Claremont, CA, where he also played varsity soccer and three years named to the Regional All-America Team. He is married to Jennifer, and together, they have three children – Gavin (26); Jackson (22), and Mason (10).

Alison Brooks is the Vice President of Destination Experience and Advocacy for Visit Mesa. Her priority is advancing Visit Mesa’s position as a critical economic development agency for Mesa and the East Valley, with a strong focus on industry research and advocacy. Brooks oversees group services and the partnership program to elevate the overall experience of Mesa. In addition, Visit Mesa’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion falls under Brooks, who spearheads these initiatives within the hospitality community.

Brooks serves as the President of the Mesa Regional Foundation for Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion with the vision of the Mesa region being universally regarded as one of the most accessible, inclusive and welcoming communities in the nation.

Brooks is a graduate of Arizona State University. She has a dynamic tourism and hospitality background, serving in marketing, training, sales, and account management roles for Two Roads Hospitality, Airbnb,& Brinker International. She also owned and operated her own coffee shop. She grew up in Mesa and now lives in Gilbert, Arizona, with her husband and two sons.

Presentation Topics

Visitors Mean Business

The Visitor Industry in Mesa (60 minutes)

  • The Visitor Economy and Impact
  • Demographics
  • Everyone is in the Visitor Industry
  • Resident & Employer Benefits


Why We Love Visitors, and You Should Too (30-60 minutes)

  • The Visitor Economy and Impact
  • Everyone is in the Visitor Industry
  • Tourism Elevates the Brand of Mesa

Autism/Accessibility

The Journey of Becoming one of the Nation’s Most Accessible Cities (60 minutes)

  • Autism Certification history & process
  • Other Accessibility Initiatives
  • Tracking the ROI

Inclusion through the Accessibility Lens (30 – 60 minutes)

  • Autism and Accessibility from the Inclusion Perspective
  • Tracking the ROI
  • Sports &/or foundation

***Proceeds from any speaker fees collected benefit the Mesa Regional Foundation for Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion.

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