
David Graves, President, will assume the role of CEO, effective immediately. Thompson will continue to serve metroConnections in a part-time capacity to assist with the transition through the rest of the 2013 calendar year as well as serve as an ongoing member of the board of directors. Thompson is leaving metroConnections after 30 years to spend more time with his family and pursue other business endeavors.
“It is time to pass the baton to the next generation of leaders,” Thompson said, “The strategy is in place and the momentum is strong which will carry metroConnections into its next chapter.”

“Thompson exemplifies strong leadership characteristics and encourages metroConnections employees to serve on councils, committees, and boards just as he has for numerous years, further supporting the growth of the industry,” said Graves. “We look forward to his ongoing advisory role as a member of our board as we continue to carry on his vision of being the premier conference, event, stage production and transportation services provider in the industry.”
Having joined metroConnections in 1988, Graves led the growth in event management and team building services and quickly became Thompson’s business partner. As president, Graves is currently responsible for ensuring that the company is operating efficiently and he directly leads the award-winning Event Services and Production Services divisions. Prior to joining metroConnections, Graves spent six years with the Marriott Corporation in Conference Management and Sales. In 2006, Graves was named Meetings and Events Magazine "Hall of Fame - Event Planner of The Year."
Renee Splittgerber, Director of Transportation Services who has served under Sam Thompson for more than 23 years, will oversee the Transportation Services division.

About metroConnections
Recognized since 2006 by Special Events Magazine as a Top 25 DMC worldwide, metroConnections provides complete conference, event, production and transportation services for meeting and event planners nationwide. Since 1984, metroConnections has utilized its expertise and resources to specialize in the design and implementation of themed events, activities, transportation, tours and conference program logistics and meetings. The company, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., also offers audio/visual and production services and is the creator of Attende-Source®, a web-based solution that includes elements such as online registration and custom-built event websites. For information on planning conferences, events, productions, transportation logistics or group/companion tours, contact metroConnections at 612-333-8687 or visitwww.metroconnections.com.