Teneo Welcomes 2 Dynamic New Hires to the Team

Exciting New Talent Joins Teneo

Teneo Hospitality Group is proud to announce two exciting additions to our team: Julia Chovanec as Vice President of Events and Tiana Vélez as Manager, Email and Content. Both bring extensive expertise, fresh perspectives, and unmatched passion to their roles, positioning Teneo for continued growth and success.

Julia Chovanec: Vice President of Events

With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Julia Chovanec joins Teneo as Vice President of Events. Her career spans hotel sales, catering, conference and convention services, and corporate event management. Julia’s unique dual perspective—having worked on both the client and hotel sides—equips her to deliver exceptional experiences for Teneo and its partners.

Julia’s background includes leadership roles at prestigious hotels on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and the past seven years planning corporate events for executives in the consulting and energy sectors. She has produced events at luxury properties across the globe and actively engaged with IMEX, Connect Meetings, and Northstar Meetings.

Julia holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism and an MBA from Roosevelt University. Outside of work, she enjoys visiting National Parks, skiing, and supporting her community as a substitute teacher and caregiver.

“Julia’s extensive experience and client-focused approach make her an invaluable asset to Teneo,” said Mike Schugt, President of Teneo Hospitality Group. “Her passion, professionalism, and caring nature perfectly align with our values, and we’re excited to see her impact on our events and partnerships.”

Tiana Vélez: Email & Content Manager

Tiana Vélez joins Teneo as Email & Content Manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications. Over the past six years, Tiana has honed her expertise in the travel industry, working with organizations such as the Arizona Office of Tourism and Atlas Obscura.

Tiana’s role at Teneo will focus on driving strategic email campaigns, content creation, and engagement across digital platforms. Her passion for storytelling and innovation will also play a key role in Teneo’s new communication initiatives, including blogs, press outreach, and a future podcast.

An Arizona native now living in Portland, OR, Tiana combines her creative talents with a love for exploration. When she’s not crafting content, you’ll find her wandering the wooded trails, hunting for treasures in antique shops, or browsing bookstores.

“Tiana’s creativity and digital expertise will elevate how we connect with our audience,” said Mike Schugt. “Her collaborative spirit and knack for engaging storytelling make her an excellent addition to our team.”

Strengthening Our Mission

The addition of Julia and Tiana reflects Teneo’s commitment to being an extended partner to our meeting professional clients and delivering greater value to our hotel and member partners. Julia’s expertise in event management and Tiana’s innovative approach to content and engagement will enhance our ability to showcase the unique meeting offerings of our partners while fostering strong, meaningful connections with our clients. Together, they will play pivotal roles in advancing Teneo’s mission to deliver exceptional results for all stakeholders.