The Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau has named Michael Van Parys acting president while it searches for a permanent replacement.
The bureau will honor its former president, H. Scott Phelps, at its annual awards event following its annual meeting Thursday.
Van Parys has been the bureau’s executive vice president of sales for the past five years.
He is a former general manager of the Goodwin Hotel and has led sales for other area hotels, including the Simsbury Inn and the former Hastings Hotel & Conference Center and Sheraton Hotel in Hartford.
During the 5 p.m. awards reception at 100 Pearl St. downtown, Phelps will receive a special “Bring It Home” award at the 5 p.m. event for his more than 30 years of service to the bureau and the region’s convention and hospitality industries.
His last day with the bureau was May 27. In addition to Phelps, the GHCVB will present awards to: Steven Silvia, New England Regional Volleyball Association Mizuno Winterfest 2010; Robin Fillmore Deary and John Deary of the Visa Championships 2010; and Paul Mayer, former Executive Director of the Central Regional Tourism District.
