Mar 24, 2025 | Employment, General News, Meetings and Conventions
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.
Jul 21, 2021 | Employment, General News, Meetings and Conventions
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.
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May 30, 2018 | Breaking News, Employment, General News, Special Events, Travel & Leisure
Connecticut’s Premier Resort Destination Introduces the Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun and Prepares for the Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction Coming up in June
Uncasville, CT. (May 30, 2018) – Mohegan Sun celebrated today the grand opening of the Earth Expo & Convention Center, the property’s $80 million-dollar expansion with a ribbon cutting ceremony held on Wednesday, May 30th. The state-of-the-art Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun is already making a name for itself as it makes Mohegan Sun home to one of the largest and most attractive exposition sites in the Northeast, with over 275,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. It is located next to the property’s Winter Parking Garage, adjacent to the Earth Tower guest rooms. The first major event held in Mohegan Sun’s Expo & Convention Center will be the third annual Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction of collector cars from June 20th-23rd, 2018.
“We are honored to have you all with us and are excited to be here today to celebrate the grand opening of the new Earth Expo & Convention Center. While we have hosted many openings in our 22-year history, today’s is equally, if not more important, as it symbolizes our commitment and dedication to our flagship property, our employees, Southeastern Connecticut and the state as a whole. –Mohegan Tribal Chairman, Kevin Brown “Red Eagle.”
Featuring 15 meeting rooms including an Executive Boardroom and world-class service, technology and amenities, the Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun provides the perfect venue for corporate and association trade shows. The full expansion accounts for 250,000 total square-feet, which includes the 125,000 square foot column free Earth Expo Center and 20,000 square foot Earth Ballroom, both of which feature ample pre-function space right outside their doors.
Starting with Barrett-Jackson on June 20th-23rd, 2018, the Earth Expo & Convention Center has established future long-term partnerships with United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), the National Association of Postal Supervisors and the Connecticut Marine Trades Association, with plans to expand to more consumer geared shows and niche industry events.
Now boasting as the Northeast’s premiere destination for exposition and meeting facilities, the Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun offers a convenient location between New York City and Boston, with efficient, hassle-free accessibility from anywhere within New England and surrounding metropolitan cities. Easily reachable by toll-free interstate driving, the Earth Expo & Convention Center is just over an hour from both T.F. Green and Bradley airports with transportation by Mohegan Sun’s shuttle service and only 20 minutes from the New London Amtrak station by way of car service, taxi or Uber.
“The Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun delivers our promise to provide guests with exceptional service, immersive entertainment and flawless event execution from start to finish,” added Ray Pineault, President & General Manager of Mohegan Sun. “From gaming and concerts to corporate meetings and massive trade shows, our priority is to enhance guest experiences and add value with every visit, creating a lifetime of memories while solidifying customer retention for years to come.”
Earth Expo at Mohegan Sun is a column-free structure offering flexible programming within a long stretching space that also features natural light. The floor-to-ceiling windows and doors lead visitors to an outdoor patio which provides added gathering space in warm weather. Interior finishes on the Earth Expo & Convention Center offer a nod to the Mohegan Tribe’s cultural history, with custom carpeting and light fixtures that reflect Native American motifs, the nearby Thames River and the color palettes of the Earth and Sky Towers. In addition to being nearby Mohegan Sun’s hotel towers, Earth Expo & Convention Center is a short distance from Mohegan Sun’s Sky Convention Center, which is home to the 38,000 square-foot Uncas Ballroom.
Additional highlights of the new Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun include:
- 20,000 square-foot Ballroom, divisible into two and featuring over 3,000 square feet of pre-function space
- Free parking, eight bay loading dock from an open parking field and additional drive in access from two, grade-level drive-in doors
- 15 meeting rooms total, ranging from 360 square-feet to 675 square feet
- A 1,263 square-foot Executive Boardroom with 230 square feet of pre-function space and a private outdoor terrace
- 3,500 square feet of outdoor space including a large wrap-around terrace
- A 5,360 square foot kitchen
- State-of-the-art technology with cutting edge audio & visual capabilities, digital and free wi-fi
As part of the opening of the Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun, prospective clients can visit MoheganSun.com/Meetings for more information on the expo and meeting facilities and exceptional resort surroundings. In addition to details on new Earth Expo & Convention Center and the existing Sky Convention Center & Meeting Spaces, the renewed online convention sales website features fact sheets, property videos and floor plans, testimonials and awards, an overview of the resort and convenient travel recommendations.
“Our striking new Earth Expo & Convention Center cements Mohegan Sun as New England’s premier destination for conventions, meetings and corporate events, and further solidifies ourselves as the leading, most all-encompassing resort in the region,” said John Washko, Vice President of Exposition and Convention Sales at Mohegan Sun, “The large size and scope of the new exposition center expands Mohegan Sun’s trade show offerings with increased capacity for guests and with that, we look forward to welcoming thousands of guests during the four-day Barrett-Jackson car auction this month.”
Experiences Beyond the Earth Expo & Convention Center
For conferences and events of epic proportions, Mohegan Sun is also home to the Sky Convention Center featuring a 38,000 square-foot Uncas Ballroom, 14,000 square feet of pre-function space and 30 flexible and strikingly-designed individual meeting rooms, accommodating up to 5,300 people. The convention space includes an impressive Executive Boardroom, which offers 10-foot-ceilings, drop-down LCD projectors and screens with high-speed Internet access and individual lighting controls – perfect for satisfying the meeting needs on virtually any scale.
In total, Mohegan Sun’s meetings & conventions space now encompasses Earth Expo, two ballrooms and 45 meeting & breakout rooms, all accounting for 275,000 square-feet.
In addition to featuring the premier convention destination in the Northeast, Mohegan Sun’s commitment to continuously provide new and exciting offerings that exceed guests’ expectations has translated into 1,600 hotel rooms in the Sky and Earth Towers, 45 diverse culinary options, more than 35 retail shops, three night clubs, two Mandara Spa locations, the award-winning 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena, a 400-seat Cabaret Theater, the 350-seat Wolf Den music venue, the 260-seat COMIX Comedy Club, a 18-hole championship Mohegan Sun Golf Club, and of course, world-class gaming with three casinos under one roof. To learn more and plan a visit to Mohegan Sun, visit MoheganSun.com or follow the brand on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
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Dec 21, 2017 | Breaking News, Employment, Food & Beverage, General News
Set to open in mid-2018, The Mohegan Sun Expo Center Signs On A Multi-Year Boat Show
UNCASVILLE, CT (December 21, 2017) – It was announced today from The Cabaret Theatre inside Mohegan Sun, that the Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA) signed the first year’s contract of a three year agreement with Mohegan Sun, to host their annual boat show in the all-new Expo Center, which is approaching its final stages of construction at the resort located in scenic, Mystic Country CT. CMTA’s first show at Mohegan Sun will be January of 2019.
With Mohegan Sun’s major convention space expansion, totaling 250,000 square-feet and to include within that, a 125,000 square-foot Expo Center, 20,000 square-foot Earth Ballroom, 15 meeting rooms and 20,000 square-feet earmarked for new dining or entertainment space, CMTA joins Barrett-Jackson & United Natural Foods as partners already planning shows in The Mohegan Sun Expo Center. The expansion is on schedule, with an open date expected for summer 2018.
The Connecticut Marine Trades Association’s trade show is set to begin in January of 2019, and this event will be CMTA’s 50th annual boat show. CMTA Chairman, Ron Helbig, CMTA Executive Director, Kathleen Burns and CMTA Dir. & Show Committee Chair, Phil Gaudreau, among many others, all celebrated the signing along with Mohegan Sun leaders on the morning of December 21st, which included Mohegan Tribal Chairman, Kevin “Red Eagle” Brown, Assistant General Manager of Mohegan Sun, Jeff Hamilton, VP of Expo & Convention Sales of Mohegan Sun, John Washko.
For more information on Mohegan Sun’s meetings & conventions and the new Expo Center, visit: mohegansun.com/meetings
About Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA): The CMTA is a not-for-profit trade association representing boating and related marine industries throughout Connecticut, from the Long Island Sound to the state’s rivers and lakes. Founded in 1954, the CMTA has over 330 member businesses and is dedicated to the well-being of the industry by promoting the interests of recreational boating, improving industry condition, monitoring legislative and regulatory issues, and advancing boating education throughout the state. In 2018, the 49th CMTA produced Hartford Boat Show will be held February 8-11, 2018 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT. www.ctmarinetrades.org or www.hartfordboatshow.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 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, 2 world-class spas, a golf course, over 90 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.
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