Ramon Alvarez, founder and president of Convenco Group, conformed by Convenco Incentive Solutions and GSAR Marketing, has passed away in Madrid, Spain this past July 11th.
In the last 17 years he was dedicated to the execution of quality oriented trade shows: MITM Euromed, MITM Americas and CULTOURFAIR, being a pioneer in Europe for these types of trade shows, which are a great reference in the tourism sector.
His team said:” . It is today that we have the enough strength to inform you of this sad event.
We can only say that Ramon will remain in our hearts forever. We shared unforgettable moments and wonderful experiences with him and we feel very lucky for having a great master, who was a pioneer in the tourism industry in Spain and who contributed so much to it. We will continue with his legacy and will follow in his steps, working with passion and effort.”
Ramon Alvarez had a vast experience in tourism. He started his carrier at American Express, Madrid, where he was then transferred to the Los Angeles office. Later, he was District Sales Manager for National Airlines (later Pan Am) and Regional Director of Peruvian Airlines, both in Los Angeles, California. At this time he founded and presided the first Regional Chapter of SATO (South America Travel Organization) in the USA. Based in San Francisco, he was appointed the first Sales Director of Club Med for the USA, assisting to introduce the club into the US market.
Ramon Alvarez returned to American Express as a staff member of the company’s Travel Division President and was responsible for the Special Markets of North and South America, based in the American Express Headquarters in Wall Street. Hired by Iberia Airlines to open and direct its Incentive and Convention Sales Department for the USA in New York, he was the founder of SITE (Society of Incentive Travel Executives), becoming the first Steering Committee President.
From New York he returned to Spain and founded Convenco in 1974, a pioneering company in the field of incentive travel and meeting and event planning. In 1982 he founded GSAR Marketing, global sales/marketing and communication company specialized in travel and tourism.
Ramon Alvarez was Past-President of the first SITE Spain Chapter (Society of Incentives and Travel Executives). He has been a member of IMA (Incentive Marketing Association), MPI (Meeting Professionals International), ASAE and ACTE, and “Past President” of the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Spain Chapter.
Ramon Alvarez passed away impromptu due to a heart attack, leaving a great legacy of business and tourism experience. His family, friends and coworkers remember him with love and admiration.
