2:00pm | The Queen Mary announced today that Steve Sheldon has been appointed as Director of Entertainment Events, a position that will focus on “further developing the Long Beach icon’s reputation as an entertainment destination.”
 
Sheldon’s background includes more than 10 years in marketing and events. He joins the Queen Mary most recently from the Downtown Long Beach Associates where he served as the Marketing and Special Events Manager since 2007. In partnership with the City and other civic partners, Sheldon was charged with overseeing the marketing, promotions, advertising and special events initiatives of the organization, which manages the business and property-based improvements districts in Downtown Long Beach and represents more than 1,700 stakeholders. He increased the number of major annual events in Downtown Long Beach from three to 15 a year, bringing a direct and positive economic impact to the City of Long Beach’s revitalization efforts.
 
Aboard the Queen Mary, Sheldon looks forward to applying a creative and focused approach to increasing ticket sales and attendance for the ship’s popular annual events such as Dark Harbor, Scottish Festival and Shoreline Jam. He will also develop new events that take full advantage of its historic and nautical setting as well as its onsite accommodations and catering amenities.
 
“From its historic backdrop, panoramic views and Art Deco setting, to its restaurants, tours and ghost stories, the Queen Mary has so much to offer visitors of every age,” said Sheldon. “I’m looking forward to working with the team to grow the ship’s signature events while creating new events that will continue to boost its position as a one-of-a-kind venue and regional entertainment destination.”
 
Previously, Sheldon managed marketing, publicity and event production for Talk Radio 790 KABC and publicity and media relations for the L.A.’s ABC radio properties. He also co-founded ExhibitQ Traveling Exhibitions, a firm that creates and develops traveling exhibitions for museums, science centers, zoos and aquariums nationwide that secured more than $1.5 million in sales in its first year of operations and secured bookings in the top 20 U.S. markets.
 
In addition to his numerous community involvements, Sheldon co-founded the LGB2Network, a local networking group for young professionals, and serves on the business advisory committee for the Center Long Beach. He also recently received the Go Long Beach Award at the State of the 1st District from City Councilman, Dr. Robert Garcia.
 
The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach. For more information, visit http://queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934.