BALTIMORE — Visit Baltimore announced that Kireem Swinton will serve as the organization’s permanent President and CEO, following his brief stint as interim CEO from July 2025 to April 2026.
Swinton is stepping into the role with a clear focus on fostering collaboration, building meaningful relationships and infusing every event visitor’s stay with the full experience of the city.
Trade Show Executive connected with Swinton to find out what priorities he has as he steps into the role, what event organizers can expect when they bring their events to Baltimore and the lessons he’s learned that have helped prepare him for this next step.
MADDY: How have the roles you’ve held previously in the organization helped prepare you for this moment and position?
KIREEM: My journey with Visit Baltimore has always centered on building relationships and telling the story of this city in a way that resonates. Starting on the sales side gave me a deep understanding of what our hotel and events community needs to succeed, while also reinforcing how critical trust and collaboration are in this industry. Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to work across teams and alongside partners throughout the city, which has given me a well-rounded perspective on how we drive impact together.
Serving as interim CEO allowed me to take that a step further by strengthening relationships across Baltimore and aligning stakeholders around a shared vision. Every role I’ve held has reinforced that our work is about more than attracting visitors; it’s about creating economic impact, supporting local businesses and elevating the people and neighborhoods that make Baltimore special.
MADDY: What strategies or initiatives do you see as most critical for attracting new event business to Baltimore, and how do you plan to differentiate the city in a competitive market?
KIREEM: We’re going to lean into what makes Baltimore special. Our location gives us a strong advantage, and we offer real value, but what people remember is how the city makes them feel. It’s the energy of our neighborhoods, the creativity of our people and the sense of welcome that comes through in every experience.
A big part of our strategy is making that tangible for planners. We bring Baltimore to them by showcasing our chefs, our artists and our culture in ways that feel real and engaging. That approach, combined with the momentum we’re building through waterfront redevelopment and convention center improvements, allows us to stand out in a very competitive space.
MADDY: As you transition from interim CEO to the organization’s permanent President and CEO, what are your top priorities for strengthening Baltimore’s position as a destination for conventions, trade shows and major business events?
KIREEM: My top priority is making sure people truly understand what Baltimore brings to the table. We have an incredible story to tell, and I want to make sure we’re telling it in a way that reflects the full experience of this city. That means continuing to strengthen our relationships with planners, investing in the visitor experience and advocating for the infrastructure that will support our long-term growth.
It also means creating moments that stay with people. When attendees come here, they’re not just attending an event, they’re connecting with our neighborhoods, our small businesses and our people. The more we can bring that to life, by bringing our community directly to the meeting planner, the stronger our position becomes.
MADDY: Every destination faces challenges, whether related to perception, infrastructure, workforce or community partnerships. What do you perceive as the key obstacles you’ll have to navigate, and how are you preparing to address them head on?
KIREEM: Every city has its challenges, and Baltimore is no different. One of the biggest is perception, and we’re very intentional about how we address that. We’re focused on showing people the Baltimore we know, a city full of creativity, resilience and opportunity, and making sure that message is backed up by real experiences when visitors arrive.
We’re also continuing to advocate for investments that keep us competitive and support our hospitality community. At the same time, we’re working closely with our partners across the city to ensure we’re delivering a welcoming, high-quality experience. Programs like Warm Welcome, which requires hospitality partners to pledge to commit to building a welcoming environment, are a great example of how we’re aligning around that goal.
MADDY: Given your time as interim CEO, what early insights or lessons have shaped your vision for Visit Baltimore moving forward?
KIREEM: One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken away is that collaboration drives everything. Baltimore’s strength is in its people, and when our team, our partners and our community are aligned, we can create real momentum for the city.
I’ve also seen how much people respond when we show up authentically. When we highlight our neighborhoods, our culture and the people behind the experience, it resonates and makes people talk about Baltimore. That’s why we’ve been intentional about bringing Baltimore directly to decision-makers and creating opportunities for them to connect with the city in a meaningful way.
MADDY: What’s on the horizon for Visit Baltimore under your leadership that the industry should pay attention to?
KIREEM: At Visit Baltimore, we’re focused on igniting innovation and leaning into where the industry is going. We’re seeing a shift toward what I’d call “vibe-driven” travel, where people are choosing destinations based on how a place feels and how it shows up across digital platforms. That plays to Baltimore’s strengths. We are a vibe — to me, that means we have a culture, a creativity and an authenticity that people are actively looking for, and we’re finding new ways to bring that to life through content, storytelling and partnerships with people who can share those experiences in a real way.
We’re also embracing innovation through data and technology to enhance how we support both visitors and our partners. From integrating AI into our operations to launching tools that help travelers personalize their experience, we’re focused on making Baltimore more accessible, connected and easy to explore.
At the same time, we’re tapping into the city’s intellectual capital by connecting planners and visitors with leaders across industries like healthcare, technology and the arts. When you combine that level of expertise with a strong sense of place, it creates a destination that feels dynamic, forward-thinking and ready for what’s next.
MADDY: What new or enhanced forms of collaboration can event producers expect as you work to grow the city’s business-events footprint?
KIREEM: We’re all about partnership and collaboration. Event producers can expect a team that’s ready to roll up our sleeves and work alongside them to bring their vision to life. We take a hands-on approach and focus on making the process as seamless and collaborative as possible, from early planning through execution.
What makes that collaboration unique in Baltimore is the access to our community and the depth of expertise within it. We’re able to connect planners not only with local businesses, creatives and cultural leaders, but also with the intellectual capital that exists across our city, from leaders in healthcare and technology to educators and innovators. That level of connection adds meaning and relevance to events, creating experiences that are both memorable and impactful for attendees.
MADDY: As you step into this role permanently, how would you describe your leadership philosophy, and how do you intend to build a culture within Visit Baltimore that enables innovation, accountability and world-class service to event clients?
KIREEM: My leadership philosophy is rooted in teamwork and empowerment. I come from a sports background, so I believe in creating an environment where people feel supported, valued and motivated to bring their best ideas forward. That’s how you build a culture that drives both innovation and accountability.
At Visit Baltimore, we’re focused on delivering for our clients and for our community. That means setting a high standard, staying collaborative and continuing to push ourselves to find new ways to elevate the work we do and the city we represent.
MADDY: TSE’s Fastest 50 Awards & Summit is coming to Baltimore later this month. What do you hope attendees walk away from that experience feeling in regard to the city’s offerings?
KIREEM: We’re thrilled to welcome the Fastest 50 Awards & Summit to Baltimore at such an exciting time for our city. There’s a real sense of momentum here right now, and I hope attendees feel that from the moment they arrive. More than anything, I want people to feel genuinely welcomed. That’s something Baltimore does exceptionally well, and it’s a reflection of the pride and care our community brings to every experience.
I also hope they take the time to explore and connect with what makes Baltimore special. From our neighborhoods and waterfront to our food, culture and local businesses, there’s so much to discover. When people experience that firsthand and connect with the spirit of the city, it leaves a lasting impression. That’s what turns a great event into a reason to come back.
Featured Photo Credit: Visit Baltimore
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