Webinar: Shake, Rattle, and Roll - Updates on the Government Market

Brett Sterenson is a twenty-seven year veteran of the industry, spending the last eighteen years as the proprietor of Hotel Lobbyists, a site selection firm based in the metro DC area.  Prior to that Brett worked for both Kimpton Hotels and Millennium Hotels.  Each year, his firm places nearly 500 meetings and events around the nation and around the globe.  He is a frequent contributor to SGMP having served on the local NATCAP chapter board, the Gilmer Institute of Learning and the National Board of Directors.  He’s most recently served as the Voice of God at the last four NECs.  Brett lives outside Washington, DC, is married and has a 12yr old son and 10yr old daughter.

Chris McLaughlin has over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is currently the Senior Director of National Sales for Aimbridge Hospitality, the largest third-party hotel management company in North America.  In this role, he is responsible for the strategic vision, growth, and management of the national sales team.

Currently, McLaughlin is the Chair of the NDTA’s (National Defense Transportation Association) National Lodging Committee and is an Education & Programming Trustee on SGMP’s (Society of Government Meeting Professionals) Sam Gilmer Institute of Learning.  Notably, McLaughlin recently served for eight (8) years as an officer on SGMP’s National Board of Directors from July 2017 – June of 2025, in the capacities of National Treasurer (2017-2021) and Vice President (2021-2025).

Mike is a 35-year veteran of the hotel industry.  After graduating from Michigan State University’s Hospitality Business Program, he began his career in Chicago opening the Stouffer Riviere Hotel.  He then moved to new positions with IHG and Marriott including restaurant manager, sales manager, front office, and Director of Housekeeping.  Returning to Michigan, Mike held the General Manager position at a hotel that was awarded 4 Federal Lodging Contracts encompassing, rooms, food and beverage, and transportation. 

Mike then moved into Federal Contracting specializing in Lodging Contracts.  For the past 9 years, Mike has worked to secure over 40 multi-year contracts for our hotel partners by negotiating competitive room rates, writing proposals, and preparing properties for Federal operational inspections.