About Bob Lander
President and CEO - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

Bob Lander is the President and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Prior to coming to the Austin CVB in 2001, Bob served as Executive Vice President of the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau and spent more than 20 years in the hotel industry with experience in sales, marketing and management for such companies  as Renaissance Hotels and Stouffer Hotels and Resorts.

Bob is active in the Austin Hotel & Lodging Association, and is also a member of Professional Conference Management Association and the American Society of Association Executives.

Which of your personal traits is most important in making you a good leader?
Commitment and determination. Without these, you can lose track of your ultimate objectives. It's important in a leadership position to be able to see the long-term goal and implement the strategies that get you there.
What are the key things you would counsel someone coming into the workforce?
Talk to people - don't just text and email. Learn to carry on informed conversations with many different kinds of people about many different topics. These days, it's easy to rely on technology - but technology doesn't usually build the kinds of relationships that last in the long run. Also, don’t be afraid to fail. The most successful people have failed - and failed big - a few times, too.
What is the one thing that you would like to tell the Austin community about your organization?
Promoting Austin worldwide, the Austin CVB is an economic engine for the city, driving visitor spending and generating tax dollars that fund our education systems, social services and government.
When you were 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A baseball player. Specifically, a pitcher.
What gadget can't you live without?
I've got all the gadgets. iPhone, iPad, universal remote - you name it. And the truth is, I could do without them all. I don't think I'd miss them for a second.
What's your favorite Austin dining, entertainment, or outdoor experience?
Best Austin experience? Easy. Bike to the ACL Festival. Eat, drink and be merry for an hour or so. See some great bands then, around 6 p.m., hit Barton Springs Pool to cool off. It's a perfect day.