Immersion Tour #5: Transformational Tourism Stewardship: Where M.I.C.E Meets Economic Development
Site: Oneida Indian Nation's Turning Stone Casino & Resort
Participants will visit Turning Stone Resort Casino to learn about the Turning Stone Evolution, a $370 million expansion project that will add a 258-room hotel and more than double the resort’s meetings and event space to 225,000 square feet, creating the largest meetings and convention resort space in New York State. During the visit, attendees will hear about the vision behind the project and how investments like this support tourism growth and economic development, followed by a panel discussion with tourism and industry leaders who will share insights on how destinations across the state are evolving to compete in the meetings, conventions, and events market.
M.I.C.E. = Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions
About the Presenters:
Listed alphabetically by last name:
Kelly Hsieh
Turning Stone Enterprises
As Director of Strategic Initiatives, Kelly has been instrumental in the planning and execution of the Turning Stone Evolution. During her time with the organization, she has also overseen the launch of Verona Collective, the Oneida Indian Nation’s seed-to-sale cannabis enterprise, and its 50,000 sq. ft. cultivation facility, the development of the $50 million expansion of Point Place Casino Hotel and the creation of a new guest feedback system. Kelly is also the Turning Stone Enterprises representative to the Oneida County Tourism Board of Directors. Before joining the Turning Stone Enterprises team in 2022, Kelly worked in a variety of industries for organizations that include Pepsico, Education Pioneers, S&P Global and J.D. Power.
Monica Kurzejeski
Albany Convention Center Authority
Monica Kurzejeski is a visionary leader in urban revitalization and public service, with dedicated passion to people and places. As former Deputy Mayor of Troy, she concentrated on critical infrastructure and cultural projects, including the Troy Riverwalk, Marina reconstruction, and the South Troy Pool renovation. She also championed impactful public art installations like Breathing Lights and Dividing Line.
Monica notably scaled the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market into a regional powerhouse and beloved community gathering space. Now with the Albany Convention Center Authority, she continues to blend expertise in real estate and government to create thriving, people-centric spaces in downtown Albany.
Jerry Marrello
Turning Stone Enterprises
As the Senior Vice President for Hospitality, Jerry oversees hospitality operations across Turning Stone Enterprises, including Turning Stone Resort Casino and its 3 hotels, more than 20 restaurants and dining venues, 12 bars/lounges, nightlife destination Exit 33, two spas, golf operations and, when complete, The Crescent Hotel, Salt and The Grand Expo. Jerry also manages grounds, facilities, and EVS at Turning Stone, and hospitality operations for Point Place Casino Hotel and The Cove at Sylvan Beach. Jerry joined the organization in 2004 as a server at Emerald and soon earned promotions to Restaurant Manager, Director of Nightlife and the General Manager of Point Place Casino Hotel. Most recently, he served as Vice President for Regional Casinos, a role in which he provided executive leadership and day-to-day management for YBR Casino & Sports Book, Point Place Casino Hotel and The Lake House at Sylvan Beach, and the new Play On slot parlor.
John Percy
Destination Niagara USA
John Percy is the President and CEO of Destination Niagara USA, the official tourism promotion agency and destination marketing organization for Niagara Falls USA and Niagara County, New York. He previously served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the organization, as well as Vice President of Tourism for the Niagara Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau. Earlier in his career, he spent 15 years in shopping center marketing and management in Western New York and Detroit. Percy serves on several boards, including the Destinations International Foundation Board of Trustees, American Bus Association, ABA Foundation, Niagara USA Chamber, Community Missions of the Niagara Frontier, and the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area.