GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2019) – The Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville-Downtown (101 SE 1st Avenue, Gainesville, Florida) proudly announces the appointment of industry veteran and former resident Wayne Childs as Director of Sales of the 124-room hotel. Childs will be responsible for overseeing and managing the small meetings market and group travel to the property. Managed by LBA Hospitality and owned by Key International, the Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville-Downtown offers nearly 1,875 square feet of meeting space and beautifully appointed guest rooms and studio suites recently renovated in 2017.
“Wayne’s extensive knowledge of the Gainesville area, strong business relationships within the community and well-rounded experience in all aspects of hotel sales and marketing make him a natural choice and a huge asset to the property,” said hotel General Manager Brad McCreedy.
With more than three decades of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, Childs has spent the last 20 years in the hotel sales arena, providing sales expertise to more than 120 properties, specializing in corporate group and business travel. He was most recently the Sales Manager at The Plantation on Crystal River, but prior to that he served in both sales and operational roles with Hilton University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center, the former Paramount Plaza and University Centre Hotels—all in Gainesville, Florida.
“This is a wonderful homecoming for me,” said Childs. “I’ve spent a majority of my life living and working in Gainesville, and it’s thrilling to be back in a community I love and know so well.”
Located in the heart of downtown Gainesville, the property is within walking distance to more than 40 restaurant and entertainment venues, as well as Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, home of the University of Florida Gators. The property is ideal for business travelers, groups and those traveling to the area for business and leisure events with the University of Florida. Room amenities include free Wi-Fi, in-room refrigerators, microwave ovens, and large flat screen TVs. Guests also enjoy starting each day with Hampton’s free hotel breakfast or signature On the Run Breakfast Bags, available Monday through Friday.
For more information, visit Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville-Downtown or call 352-240-9300.
