Austin Convention Center Expansion

David Merritt, President & Owner, Merritt Development Group

Merritt is a 35-year veteran of the hospitality industry. Merritt formed Austin based Merritt Development Group (MDG) in 2013 to develop urban infill Marriott and Hilton affiliated hotels in Uptown Dallas, Downtown Austin and along the River Walk and the Pearl District of Downtown San Antonio. Since formation, MDG has developed 10 hotels with 9 additional hotel projects in the development pipeline with an aggregate market cap in excess of $1B. In most of these hotels MDG selects strong third-party restaurant operators to occupy portions of the first floor of the hotels to enhance guest experience.

In Downtown Austin MDG expects to begin construction on a $220MM 480 room Embassy Suites/Tempo dual branded hotel and Ocean Prime Steakhouse in October with construction completion 26 months later. MDG also is planning to develop an AC/Element Hotel in SE Austin across from the Tesla Gigafactory as part of the massive Velocity lifestyle center project with the Presidium Group.

Tom Noonan, President and CEO, Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tom Noonan joined Visit Austin in 2016 as President and CEO. Under Noonan’s leadership, Austin has seen year over year increases in total number of visitors, visitor spend and record convention bookings.

In 2019, he oversaw the launch of the Visit Austin Foundation with a mission to develop and promote education, job training and career opportunities within the hospitality, music and tourism community in the greater Austin area. Tom has been committed to building, attracting and maintaining a diverse team and over the years has transformed the organization’s robust Board of Directors, which includes the addition of several influential community leaders from the hospitality industry, private sector and the City of Austin. Read More.

Dewitt Peart, President & CEO, Downtown Austin Alliance

Dewitt “De” Peart became the President and CEO of the Downtown Austin Alliance in February 2015. The Downtown Alliance is engaged in dozens of projects and issues that contribute to the quality development, mobility, safety, cleanliness, and attractiveness of downtown Austin for investors, businesses, employees, residents, and visitors. He guides the Downtown Alliance’s vision and strategy, ensures the organization’s fiscal health, and represents a board of directors focused on the creating, preserving and enhancing the vibe, value and vitality of downtown Austin. Prior to taking the helm at the Downtown Alliance, De served as executive vice president for economic development and public affairs at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, president of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, and president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce. Read More.