The Tulsa Regional Chamber and Tulsa Regional Tourism have selected Sarah Inboden (Kirchberg) as the vice president of experience and events. She will assume her role and duties effective May 20.
Inboden arrives in the Tulsa market from Las Vegas, most recently serving as director of global sales with MGM Resorts International since April 2019. Her five years in Vegas have rounded out a 16-year career in the events and hospitality industries.
“As I continued to look to Tulsa as a potential next chapter and home, the more I engaged and got to know the Chamber and Regional Tourism teams, it was apparent this isn’t just a city making a name for itself in the event and hospitality spaces; it is a great community,” Inboden said. “Couple that with some stunning outdoor and recreational landscape, a great food scene, and the ease of just getting around, I cannot wait to take a seat at this table and contribute to Tulsa’s further success.”
Inboden’s events and hospitality career began with the Florida Sports Foundation as she managed the planning and implementation of programs and events for 24 sports within Florida’s Sunshine State Games and Florida Senior Games. Her next role kept her in state for two more years as she entered the destination marketing organization space with Visit St. Petersburg Clearwater from 2017–2019.
Inboden’s first weeks will align with some key events in Tulsa, including the Breeder’s Invitational, the Pinto Horse Association of America’s World Championships, the Teqball World Series Tulsa, and the United Taekwondo Alliance Grand Nationals.
“Tulsa is absolutely loaded with award-winning tourism draws and is primed for taking the visitor experience to the next level,” said Greg Gallant, Tulsa Regional Tourism Chair. “Choosing the right people to lead this effective organization and its initiatives is of the utmost importance. I could not be more enthusiastic about Sarah joining our community and bringing with her additional perspective and knowledge, a deep bench of industry contacts, and hands-on experience.”
Tulsa Regional Tourism’s experience and events team provides marketing for the contracted events and productions brought to the region by the Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tulsa Sports Commission, and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts, and Culture.
“Our diligent search led us to Sarah as the right person for the job and fit for our team, our organization and our community,” said Renee McKenney, senior vice president of tourism for the Tulsa Regional Chamber and president of Tulsa Regional Tourism. “I couldn’t be more pleased and excited about what Sarah’s professional experience across meeting services, sports and the hospitality industry will bring when coupled with the Tulsa region’s current momentum in visitation and event attraction.”