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The CEO Dinner series is one of the organizations longest standing institutions. Professional Members have the opportunity to join a local company's CEO and courageous Community leaders for a private dinner. These events are intentionally limited to 15 to 20 people, so everyone has a chance to listen, learn, share and grow together through honest discussion. The speakers represent a wide range of companies and industries, both big and small. Members costs $35, which includes dinner and  a beverage at the Union Club.

With a passion for all things Cleveland, David Gilbert joined Destination Cleveland in 2011, adding to his role as president and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. From 2015 through 2017, he led the Cleveland Host Committee for the 2016 Republican National Convention.
 
David’s focus includes identifying new ways for the organization to contribute to the economic growth of the industry and region through its visitor attraction and destination management efforts. He also works collaboratively with civic and public partners to design innovative initiatives that advance the region. Under his leadership, efforts to promote Cleveland as an exciting, vibrant destination have contributed to 20% visitation growth and a 40% increase in visitor-generated direct sales since 2011. Additionally, Cuyahoga County’s annual visitation growth rate has consistently outpaced the domestic visitation growth rate during his tenure, including over nine consecutive years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
David also dedicates his time to several organizations. He serves as Chair of the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation Board and as a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, and many other local, national and international organization Boards of Directors. During his career, he has been recognized as one of Cleveland’s “30 Influencers of the Past 30 Years” by Crain’s Cleveland Business, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and the 2016 SME Cleveland Business Executive of the Year Award.
 
David holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Cleveland State University. He holds an honorary doctorate from Baldwin-Wallace University. When not busy enjoying Cleveland’s Metroparks on his bike, David travels, trains for marathons and hangs out with his family.