Michael's dedication, experience and vast industry knowledge runs deep in the Hospitality and Events Industry.  At S3, his responsibilities are as diverse as his leadership.  He leads business development, client relations, skilled contract negotiation and best-practices cost savings calculations.

Book time to speak with him below to find out more about the S3 difference for your next global conference meeting or event.

A thirty-five-year veteran of the hospitality and meetings industries with numerous accolades under his belt, Michael is dedicated and approaches his professional life with the idea of perfecting partnerships with global venues and local service providers that will elevate and creatively propel his client partners events beyond their expectations.  

After graduating with a bachelor of science degree from Florida International University’s esteemed School of Hospitality Management, Michael moved to New York, beginning his career in sales and marketing positions within the hospitality industry. He spent ten years in national sales positions for global deluxe hotel companies.  Following that invaluable training, he was one of the original pioneers to branch out and develop his own global venue sourcing and contract negotiations firm — Site Search & Select. 

The key to growth and success from the beginning was his knowledge and experience with international and off shore markets.  Another key personal and professional benchmark occurred when Michael became President of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Greater New York Chapter and Executive Committee for the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – New York (NGLCC NY).

Bill Finklea is the rock star of global sourcing and vendor relations at S3. He is legendary within the hospitality community.  He collaborated with a New York woman-owned business to create our stand-alone RFP and Availability Tool which has been considered one of the most comprehensive in the industry.

If you are a valued vendor partner and have received an RFP from him, book time below to speak with him on how to best position your property or service to our clients.   

A native Texan, Bill graduated with a bachelor of business administration degree from University of Texas – Austin in 1978. After starting out in the ranching and banking industries, he launched his own real estate development firm. Bill’s passion for art history eventually took him to London, where he studied at Christie’s Education London, the notable auction house. He brought his knowledge with him to New York, spending time in SoHo and enjoying the prominent art scene. He joined Site Search & Select as partner in 1994, enabling him to blend his passion for travel with his business acumen. A true globe-trotter, Bill has visited every continent. That time spent absorbing other cultures and networking with all sorts of people has made him not just a savant of international culture, but also a seasoned sourcing and international business protocol expert.