As President and CEO of Convention Data Services (CDS), John Kimball is focused on building long term value for the company’s clients by offering distinctive products and services that will compliment a well established foundation of strong customer service and innovative technology. John began his career with CDS as a financial consultant in 1996. He became a member of the CDS staff in the year 2000 and was rapidly promoted through the ranks to the position of Chief Financial Officer. As CFO, John played an integral role in establishing and improving the company’s structure, which allowed the company to grow and earn national recognition for four consecutive years as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the country.

Prior to CDS, John was with Parent, McLaughlin and Nangle, one of the largest accounting and business advisory firms in New England. While there, he gained extensive experience in management and financial consulting and was highly respected for his ability to lead, direct and manage client engagements.

Becky Hansen, Convention Data Services’ Vice President of Event Services has close to 30 years of experience in the convention housing and IT industry. Becky’s philosophy is teamwork within the organization, and teamwork with clients. She believes her staff is most productive when team members’ talents and strengths are being used to their full advantage. When the going gets tough, Becky’s style of encouragement and hands-on approach helps her create a positive atmosphere and a staff that is unified in purpose.

In her current role at CDS, Becky oversees and is responsible for all areas related to registration, including: the call center, onsite event staff, data processing, IT and network infrastructure. Becky’s knowledge of technology, combined with her sales background, provides her with a unique perspective in client relations and implementation. Her approach to technology development and implementation is customer-centric.

Becky began her relationship with CDS six years ago. As Director of IT and Client Implementation for Travel Planners in New York City, she led a team that was responsible for new client’s events. She and her team worked closely with Convention Data Services as a registration partner, to ensure a seamless integration for events. Becky also acted as a liaison between sales and IT for web and system customizations and enhancements, where she utilized her extensive hardware and software project management experience.

David Lawton’s exceptional communication skills are the secret to his success as a sales executive. He believes that developing a rapport with clients, vendors and employees is key to being an effective leader and he is recognized for his lead-by-example style.

David joined Convention Data Services in June 2001 as Product Manager and was promoted through the ranks to his current position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Charged with managing the Sales, Marketing, New Business and Exhibitor Services departments since November 2004, David has led the effort in growing the company’s sales to significant levels each year.

Prior to joining Convention Data Services, David was the Customer Support Manager for Infinium Software Inc. where he managed a diversified professional customer support team of in-house and remote employees.

David is a member of the International Association of Exhibition and Events (IAEE), the Meetings Professional International (MPI), and a regular sponsor and attendee of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE).