JUNO Continues Expansion as New Era of Events Emerge

May 14, 2021
JUNO Continues Expansion as New Era of Events Emerge

JUNO, a leading software company distinguishing itself in the virtual/hybrid era, has brought LaDonna Whitaker on board as vice president of sales. The hire is the latest in a series of moves Juno is making to bolster its leadership as the events industry moves past the COVID-19 lockdown and into a new frontier of engagement.

Whitaker arrives at JUNO from Virgin America, a company that rose in prominence under the guidance of her team. Among Whitmaker’s many impressive firsts in a career leading travel’s intersection with technology, Whitaker was the first sales associate hired for Experdia’s corporate start-up division.

With each step, Whitaker has left a positive mark for the company and the involved industries as well. Juno expects her arrival to be a catalyst for even further growth as events reinvent themselves through a blend of innovative tech and experiential in-person gatherings.

“LaDonna’s experience in technology and with events means she can help clients over the barriers they face in confusion over technology, cost of implementation and confidence in making the right choice,” said Josh Hotsenpiller, CEO of JUNO. “She is an ideal leader for the team on a mission to share our brand and how JUNO supports events and associations.”

At its center, JUNO is working toward a solution uniting attendees without borders, geographic or otherwise. It envisions becoming the all-in-one platform for education, networking, events and more.

There is not a moment to lose, Whitaker said.

“I chose JUNO because I believe firmly this company exemplifies values I share and because we have the technology that transforms live events into living ecosystems that connect communities year-round,” she said. “JUNO is the game changer that will disrupt the industry. My ultimate goal is to show the world how JUNO will rock their world!”

Indeed, JUNO has been collecting a veritable all-star team of industry leaders to pave its way forward, Steve Abramson was recently tapped as chief financial officer, a position that will utilize his 15 years of experience in large, global private equity-backed companies, as well as start-ups and fast-growing tech companies.

“JUNO is staying true to its mission while expanding the number of client partners we serve,” said Hotsenpiller. “Steve’s close collaboration with sales and operations teams will allow us to continue accelerating our market share and to continue winning investment dollars to scale smartly.”

Said Abramson, who was most recently vice president of commercial finance at Indigo Ag, a technology startup: “I believe in the people and the culture we are building here at JUNO. We are moving to a future state where virtual events will become more of the norm, and I think it’s super exciting to have the opportunity to help shape what those experiences will look like.”

JUNOMeanwhile, Joel Guthrie was named JUNO’s director of demand generation. He said, "I joined JUNO because of their ruthless desire to innovate. This team does the impossible while still maintaining an incredible culture. I've had the opportunity in my career to be a part of some of the fastest-growing SaaS companies and none of them compare to the rate of growth here at JUNO. JUNO is going to the moon, and I couldn't miss out on that opportunity."

 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.