Accomplished Sales Executive to Drive Mohegan Sun’s Comprehensive MICE Operations and Marketing Strategy
Kimberly Simone has been named by Mohegan Sun as the new VP of Sales & Marketing. Simone, who joined Mohegan Sun in 2023 as Director of Sales, brings nearly two decades of expertise in marketing and comprehensive sales within the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. In her new role, Simone will spearhead and oversee strategic initiatives for the expansive Earth Expo & Convention Center, the Sky Convention Center, and various other venues across Mohegan Sun and the nearby Mohegan Sun Golf Club.
“Kim Simone has demonstrated exceptional insight into market trends, and will now have a well-deserved promotion to VP as she oversees the impressive, large-scale and diverse sales and marketing strategy for Mohegan Sun’s Meetings & Conventions,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the Executive team. Her leadership, expertise and dedication in delivering exceptional experiences for our meeting planners, major groups, and guests is a tremendous asset to Mohegan Sun.”
Since joining Mohegan Sun in September 2023, Simone has played a key role in driving growth to Mohegan Sun’s convention sales and property-wide hospitality. In her new role, Kim will continue to lead Mohegan Sun’s Convention Sales team, focusing on booking the world-class venues like the Earth Expo & Convention Center. This venue is home to the 125,000 square foot Earth Expo Center, which is set to host big-time shows this spring & summer such as the Wicked Gluten Free Expo on March 29th; the New England Tattoo Expo from April 11th – 13th; the New England Spring Craft Festival on May 10th – 11th; the CT Pickle Festival on July 25th and the return of TerrifiCon from August 8th-10th.
Simone is also a graduate of Bryant College in Smithfield, RI, and the Walt Disney World College Program in Orlando, Florda. She sat on the board for the CT River Valley chapter of MPI (Meeting Professionals International) as the Vice President of Membership and the Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Simone was also a member of the New York and New England chapters of PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association) and served as a member of the Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International). Simone also sits on the Executive Committee of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau Board of Directors. Previous conventions & sales experience include the Director of Sales at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina in Old Saybrook, CT as well as the Director of Resort Sales at Foxwoods Casino Resort from 2019 to 2021. Prior to this role, Simone was the National Sales Manager for the resort, strategically managing sales operations while tracking and analyzing data to strengthen forward-looking strategy.
In addition to Mohegan Sun’s two large-scale convention centers, various venues across the 5.5 million square-foot entertainment destination can host major conferences, private parties, meetings and conventions and that includes Mohegan Sun Arena, Comix Roadhouse, the Cabaret Theatre, TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge, novelle, Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook, Vista Lounge at Wombi Rock and unique outdoor event spaces like the new and improved Sun Patio at Mohegan Sun. For more information on all things Meetings & Conventions at Mohegan Sun, visit meetings.mohegansun.com
Kimberly Simone currently resides in Mystic, CT.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
From August 16th to 18th comics and their creators, actors from superhero, sci-fi, horror shows and films will be at Mohegan Sun!
TerrifiCON, Connecticut’s #1 comic book convention, returns on Friday August 16th, taking place once again at Mohegan Sun. This popular Comic-Con event is action-packed for three full days of super- powered awesomeness. Tickets are available at mohegansun.com and TerrifiCON is being held inside the 125,000 square-foot Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun.
Star-Studded Lineup
TerrifiCON 2024 is bringing no shortage of special guests and TV stars. Kicking off at 1:30pm on Friday, August 16th, guests will have the special opportunity to meet stars from classic superhero TV shows and films, including Michael Rooker– best known for his role as Merle Dixon from the AMC hit series The Walking Dead and Yondu Udonta from Marvels Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. Keeping with the theme of stars from renowned television shows, TerrifiCON will also feature Joe Pantoliano who portrayed soldier and eventual capo Ralph Cifarettofrom HBO’s Sopranos, Martin Kove who played the main antagonist, Jonh Kreese from the Karate Kid trilogy and series sequel Cobra Kai, Cobie Smulders who played the beloved Robin Scherbatsky from the CBS sitcom How I met Your mother, Eduardo Franco who played the role of Argyle from Netflix hit series Stranger Things, and Erik Estrada with partner Larry Wilcox from the 80’s crime television series, Chips. A conglomerate of actors across a widespread range of Star Trek films and series, consisting of Star Trek; Films 1-7, Deep Space Nine, Strange New Threads, New Worlds, Discovery, and Picard will be joining the event including: Nana Visitor,Armin Shimerman, Andrew Robinson, Ethan Peck, Celia Rose Gooding, and Stephanie Czajkowski. Finishing off on August 18th, Marvels own Daredevil star Charlie Cox will make his Sunday only appearance.
New England’s Largest Comic Creator Guest List Taking full advantage of the spacious Earth Expo Center, TerrifiCON producer Mitch Hallock has assembled a massive gathering of comic book creators of today’s hottest titles to epic tales of yesteryear. The guest list of comic book artists and writers will be the largest In New England and includes current DC Comics CFO, Jim Lee, where fans will have the chance to pre order an exclusive autograph session during the event.
Other highlighted comic book luminaries in attendance at TerrifiCON include;
TerrifiCON will feature a live Q&A panel with your favorite comic book creators, artists, and television actors, followed by their annual Costume Contest taking place at 3:30pm, Sunday, August 18th.Categories include: “Best in Show”, “Most Original”, and “Fan’s Choice”, with participants earning the chance to win prizes ranging from cash, Mohegan Sun Hotel stays, show passes, and more!
TerrifiCON, produced by BIG FEDORA MARKETING, will be August 16th – 18th, at Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun and features comic book creators, actors, vendors of comics, toys and collectibles, costume contests and more.
Children seven and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Tickets are starting at $26.00 and can be purchased at TerrifiCON.com or the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office seven days a week, or online at Ticketmaster. Comic book shops throughout the Connecticut area are also selling tickets for TerrifiCON. See locations and more information on the website terrificon.com
About Big Fedora Marketing, LLC: Started in 2012, the Connecticut based firm has been producing and organizing comic conventions throughout the Nutmeg State. Owned by Mitch Hallock, a lifelong comic book fan, with a long career in advertising, marketing and event planning since 1990. Hallock’s goal is to deliver the excitement that fans get from comics and games and deliver that tenfold into several days of pure fun at his conventions. Since 2015, Big Fedora’s conventions have been held at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. “TerrifiCon, CT’s Terrific Comic Con” and “CTGamerCon” have been praised by actors, comic book professionals and fans.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN: Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
The three-day competition takes place at Mohegan Sun December 12th – December 15th
The Miss America Organization, the nation’s oldest women’s competition and a leading provider of scholarships for women in the United States, is returning to Mohegan Sun. The 51 outstanding young women vying for the job of Miss America will begin their competition week on Monday, December 12th with the first evening of preliminary competition, followed by round two of preliminary competition on Tuesday, December 13th. The next Miss America will be crowned on Thursday, December 15th with a pre-show at 7:00pm and the competition kicking off at 8:00pm. The full competition will take place inside Mohegan Sun’s Earth Expo & Convention Center.
Tickets for the preliminaries are $150, $100 and $50. Tickets to the finals are $200, $150 and $85. Three-night packages are also available for $450, $325 and $165. The three-night package grants access to both nights of the preliminaries and the finals. All tickets and packages are on sale now via Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability.
“We’re delighted to be returning to our home at Mohegan Sun as we prepare to crown our next Miss America,” said Shantel Krebs, Miss America Organization Board Chair. “For over 100 years, we have been committed to empowering the advocates and leaders of tomorrow. Our program provides young women the opportunity to earn scholarships, grow their networks, learn valuable life and career skills, and make a difference in their communities.”
Reinforcing the motto of “top scholarship provider for women,” the organization is proud to announce it will award over $500,000 in scholarships during its Miss America competition week December 12th – December 15th. The Miss America Organization awards more than $5 million in cash scholarships each year and millions more in-kind per year to the thousands of participants through national, state and local programs. In December 2021 alone, the total cash bestowed to the 51 candidates at the Miss America competition reached a historic high, totaling $435,500.
“With nearly two-thirds of student loan debt in the United States carried by women, the Miss America Organization is proud to continue its long-standing tradition of providing scholarships for young women to further their education.” continued Krebs.
For more information on the Miss America Organization, visit missamerica.org. For more information on candidate registration, visit missamerica.org/signup.
ABOUT THE MISS AMERICA ORGANIZATION: Since its founding in 1921, The Miss America Organization continues to be one of the most recognizable household names in America empowering young women through education, professional development, advocacy, and community service. The Organization awards more than five million dollars in cash scholarships and millions more in-kind per year through its Teen and College divisions at the local, state, and national levels. The Organization is made up of over 1,200 licensed local programs under its 50 state organizations and the District of Columbia.
Follow “The Miss America Organization” on social media:
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN: Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
UNCASVILLE, CT (July 21, 2021) – Mohegan Sun is excited to announce that business development expert, Stephanie Zapata, will join its meetings & conventions sales team, led by VP of Exhibitions and Sales, John Washko. Zapata will be based in and dedicated to the Northeast market, and driving business opportunities from this key area to Mohegan Sun. Zapata was recently the National Sales Manager for New Business Development for Tarrytown House Estate in New York.
As the new Director of Business Development, a newly created role at Mohegan Sun, Zapata will lead the outbound sales effort through a combination of digital, phone, and face to face engagement.
Stephanie Zapata is a graduate of Dominican College in Orangeburg, NY and soon after became the National Sales Manager for Tarrytown House Estate in New York, where she led business development across a portfolio of 35 properties. In 2011, Zapata would go on to a National Sales Manager role with Flik Hotels & Conference Center in New York, where she oversaw all Flik conference centers and mentored sales managers on brand values, customer experience, policies and sales techniques. Her career in hotel sales and business development also took her to Denver Colorado, where she became National Sales Manager for the Hilton Denver Inverness. Zapata then returned to Tarrytown House Estate in 2017 to become the National Sales Manager, New Business Development.
Zapata, who is an iPEC Certified Coach, has also served as a Lifestyle Health Coach in the United States since 2013, helping clients create better habits and techniques that guide long term goal setting and successes. Her accolades also include 2018-2019 Starz Awards, a 2010 President’s Club Recipient award for having achieved an exceptional sales goal and a 2005 SPOTY (Sales Professional of the Year). Zapata is a member of Meeting Planners International (MPI) and Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA,) among others.
Stephanie can be contacted at 860-908-3036 or via email at [email protected]
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN: Owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 80 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
MADD is also set to host their 12th annual charity event on October 23rd & 24th
Vets Rock, Mohegan Sun’s annual celebration and career fair dedicated to active duty military, veterans and reserves, returns to the Earth Expo & Convention Center on Friday, November 6th. Kicking off at Noon with extra safety and distancing measures, special services will be provided from over 50 veteran service organizations, including Vets Rock staples like Save-A-Suit and virtual career fair resources hosted by Hiring Our Heroes. Additionally, guests can access a free flu shot clinic administered by Yale New Haven Health. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) also returns to Mohegan Sun to host a silent auction later this month, with a touch-free experience.
Save-A-Suit, an organization who provides professional business attire and other resources to help support the transition from military life to a civilian career, will be at Vets Rock outfitting veterans, active military members and reserves on-site until 6:00pm. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a new ship-to-home experience. After an in-person “style appointment” at Vets Rock, Save-A-Suit will curate an outfit and ship it straight to the guest’s home at a later date. Save-A-Suit will also be offering virtual workshop opportunities focused on professional and personal development. Donations are appreciated and will be accepted at the event, as Save-A-Suit has seen a fourfold increase in need due to the pandemic.
Vets Rock guests can also partake in incredible virtual career fair resources hosted by Hiring Our Heroes, an organization dedicated to connecting veterans, active duty military members, reserves and military spouses with meaningful employment opportunities. Hiring Our Heroes will have a booth where guests can receive information about virtual services, including job fairs and workshops. Pre-registration is encouraged to participate in the career fair and required to guarantee participation in Save-A-Suit. Walk-ins will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit mohegansun.com/vets-rock-2020.html
Veterans, active military members and reserves can enjoy 15% off at Godiva and 10% off at Galina’s the day of the Vets Rock event and on Veterans Day (Wednesday, November 11th). As a thank you to our troops, both past and present, Mohegan Sun regularly offers a military discount at more than 40 shops and dining locations across property to anyone with a non-expired military ID, including active duty, veterans and military dependents. For a list of open locations and amenities, as well as Mohegan Sun’s comprehensive health and safety plan, visit mohegansun.com/updates.
*Please note that this year’s Vets Rock will not feature an opening ceremony or evening concert. The total number of vendors in Earth Expo & Convention Center will also be slightly limited. Booths and breakouts like Save-a-Suit will feature appropriate spacing as well.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will host their 12th annual charity event via a silent auction on Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th in The Shops at Mohegan Sun near the Box Office. This year’s touch-free auction experience will allow guests to view items in-person and bid on their favorites online from Noon to 10:00pm on both days. Auction items feature sports memorabilia and include a commemorative plaque containing a photo of professional football player Tom Brady and replicas of his championship rings. Autographed items will also be offered – including commemorative photos of the late Eddie Van Halen and the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and a Squier Bullet Stratocaster guitar signed by Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine. For more information about the MADD auction, visit mohegansun.com.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN:
Owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 80 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
and a leading provider of scholarships for women in the United States, is returning to Mohegan Sun. The 51 outstanding young women vying for the job of Miss America will begin their competition week on Monday, December 12th with the first evening of preliminary competition, followed by round two of preliminary competition on Tuesday, December 13th. The next Miss America will be crowned on Thursday, December 15th with a pre-show at 7:00pm and the competition kicking off at 8:00pm. The full competition will take place inside Mohegan Sun’s Earth Expo & Convention Center.
is excited to announce that business development expert, Stephanie Zapata, will join its 
to active duty military, veterans and reserves, returns to the Earth Expo & Convention Center on Friday, November 6th. Kicking off at Noon with extra safety and distancing measures, special services will be provided from over 50 veteran service organizations, including Vets Rock staples like Save-A-Suit and virtual career fair resources hosted by Hiring Our Heroes. Additionally, guests can access a free flu shot clinic administered by Yale New Haven Health. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) also returns to Mohegan Sun to host a silent auction later this month, with a touch-free experience.