Lisa Lang-Storms joined the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues in 2017 as a Sales Manager and is currently managing all bookings for the department’s theatrical venues, along with the Arizona Association and City of Phoenix vertical markets. Lisa fielded over 300 event inquiries and secured over 200 contracts during the last fiscal year. Lang-Storms previously worked as the director of sales at the Convention and Visitors Bureau in Rapid City, South Dakota.
In her free time, you can find her with her dog Bentley or out on the ranch with horses.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role at the Phoenix Convention Center?
I really enjoy having the opportunity to sell really one of the most unique convention spaces I’ve ever worked in. Having over one million square feet, that’s huge. It’s also incredible to sell the Orpheum Theatre, who wouldn’t want to sell that space. If I could put more days in a month, we could sell them at Orpheum. Last year we booked more events than ever before, and this year I expect us to do the same. And next year, I fully anticipate us beating this year’s record. I love the fast pace of this job and that every day is different, and every client is different.
Q: What is a strong memory you have of your time at the Phoenix Convention Center?
You know, working through the COVID-19 pandemic was such an interesting time. No one ever thought we would experience that. We were working so closely with clients we had already booked and had to figure out how to alleviate their fears and concerns and move their events all while maintaining those strong relationships. Everyone was working so diligently to save what business we could and continue to keep those opportunities close to us.
Q: What is a skill you’ve had to sharpen in your role at the Phoenix Convention Center?
As I've gotten older patience, tolerance those are the two things for me. I think I'm a team player, I'm always on the positive side of things and I'm always smiling. I'm a hugger. In today’s society, the need of a client wanting a response immediately and to be in constant contact, I’ve had to learn to take a breath and slow down a little bit.
Q: Do you have any restaurant or coffee shop recommendations near the PCC?
Marjele’s is my favorite and it’s right next to the Convention Center. But honestly, I’d put our food and beverage provider, Aventura, up against any local restaurant. Everything they make is amazing. I didn’t like brussels sprouts before I came here, and they made me love them. The creativity they have, they come up with such great ideas that leave such an impression for our clients.
Q: What’s your favorite feature of the PCC?
The people that I work with on a daily basis. I love coming in every morning and seeing the people I work with. I love saying hi to people on the street, and you know that might be the thing that changes someone’s entire day. In hospitality, you have to have a good positive attitude.