Las Vegas’ Premier Meetings Team
Where Excellence Meets Execution
Driven by a relentless desire to execute everything with excellence, our unparalleled Meetings & Events team is formed by a unique breed of proven hospitality experts who bring decades of experience in the city, as well as a focused vision for its future. Collaborate with confidence, as we bring the same energy, excellence, and execution from the shores of Miami Beach to the star-studded Strip at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Meet the Team
Kurt Wuebbenhorst Senior Vice President of Sales, Catering, and Convention Services
Kurt Wuebbenhorst previously opened a luxury resort on the Strip as a member of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas sales team. As the property's Vice President of Sales, he was credited with driving more than $100 million in top line revenues annually, while executing more than 200 meetings and events annually for The Cosmopolitan. Mr. Wuebbenhorst has also served in sales leadership roles for Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas, and Hyatt Regency Indianapolis.
Carmen Rubino, JR. Vice President of Sales
Carmen M. Rubino, Jr. is Vice President of Sales for Fontainebleau Las Vegas. A veteran leader with over 20 years of luxury hospitality sales experience and unmatched knowledge and perspective. Carmen began his career with Marriott International and he has held multiple roles within the company and at Marriott-affiliated properties. He had previously served as Senior Director of Sales and Marketing for Marriott's Autograph Collection property, opening The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. He has also held the titles of Director of Sales and Marketing for Marriott International Convention and Resort Hotel Network, Vice President of Hotel Operations and Director of Sales and Marketing for JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa, Director of Hotel Sales and Director of National Accounts for Marriott International, and Director of Sales for JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa.
carmen.rubino@fblasvegas.com
Nicole Schmitz Director of Sales
With a focus on the Midwest region, Nicole Schmitz collaborates with clients to create completely custom solutions tailored to each specific meeting and event need. Since her arrival in Las Vegas from Rochester, New York in 2013, Nicole has continually expanded her expertise over the last 12 years, holding positions at various recognizable destinations before joining the Fontainebleau team in 2022.
Nicole Francis Director of National Accounts
Over the last 25 years, Nicole Francis has built a reputation as a leader, innovator, and relationship builder within the hospitality industry. Nicole’s professional journey has taken her from San Diego to Phoenix to Orlando to Maui, but her deepest roots are on the Las Vegas Strip, where she has served nine years as Senior Account Executive for JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa and more than two years as Senior Sales Account Executive for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. She also served as Senior Sales Executive for the five-diamond Ritz-Carlton Maui before joining Fontainebleau Las Vegas in 2022.
Tanya Kolganov Director of National Accounts
A respected and award-winning veteran of the meetings and hospitality industries, Tanya Kolganov is Director of National Accounts for Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Tanya was previously Senior Sales Executive for the San Francisco Marriott Marquis serving as the West Coast, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, and International liaison for group sales. She has also served in multiple sales roles for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa, where she was nominated for Manager of the Quarter and received the Western Region Franchisee Sales Team of the Year award.
Ben Gamble Director of National Accounts
Having grown up in the resort industry, Ben Gamble developed his passion for luxury hospitality at an early age. With over 11 years of experience working in luxury resorts, Ben's approach to sales is rooted in integrity, transparency, and exceptional customer service. He believes in fostering long-term partnerships based on trust and mutual success. Ben has had the privilege of working for various luxury resorts in the western states, including Scottsdale, AZ, Scotts Valley, CA, and Las Vegas, NV. He has helped clients grow their events and exceed their expectations.
Amara Poeung Senior Sales Manager
With nearly a decade of luxury hotel sales experience, Amara has held various roles at Terranea Resort, ranging from Executive Meetings Manager to National Sales Manager. She has specialized in the Southwest and Southern California markets, building strong relationships with clients and contributing to the growth and success of their events. Amara also brings her firsthand experience in Front Office Operations from Shutters on the Beach and Food & Beverage from the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach to ensure an unforgettable stay for every guest. These experiences have given her a well-rounded understanding of the hospitality industry, allowing her to provide exceptional service to her clients and customers.
Amy Daniele Senior Sales Manager
As a second generation southern Nevada native, Amy has a rich connection to the Las Vegas valley. With over 15 years of hospitality experience, she learned the meetings and events industry from the ground up, starting as an administrative assistant and working her way up to her most recent role as Sales Account Executive at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Her specialty is working with clients to understand what they are looking to accomplish with their events and making it a reality. Amy is passionate about creating meaningful and memorable experiences.
Yalda Ayoub Destination Sales Executive
Yalda is an experienced Destination Sales Executive who previously worked at Caesars Entertainment, where she held the positions of Property Sales Manager and Client Experience Manager for almost 7 years and was considered a property expert for all 9 properties. During her time with Caesars, she was responsible for representing all Las Vegas Properties, including Caesars Palace, Paris, Planet Hollywood, Horseshoe, Flamingo, LINQ, Harrah’s, Cromwell, and Caesars Forum. With her extensive background and skills in sales and customer experience, Yalda is well-equipped to contribute to the success of Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Yalda will collaborate with our group sales team to plan and coordinate customer engagement opportunities, including site visits and events, to create unique and memorable experiences for our customers, building strong relationships and ensuring satisfaction. She has also served in sales roles for Wyndham Hotel Irvine, Garden City Hotel, and Marriott.