Our Staff is at Your Service

Working with Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism’s sales team is completely free! That’s right – F-R-E-E. Our complimentary services include matching your group with the ideal location and sourcing proposals on your behalf; recommending local services and providers for team-building, off-site activities and transportation to name a few; and free marketing and promotional tools to help you build attendance without lifting a finger.

Contact our Sales Team: [email protected] | 251-974-1510 | 800-982-8562

MICHELLE RUSS, STS
Vice President of Sales

251-974-4631
[email protected]

Markets:

Sports & Events
International

Georgia

About Michelle:

Michelle joined the CVB in 2007 and has many years of prior hospitality experience, including opening Hilton properties in Orange Beach. This lifelong local loves spending time with her husband and kids, restoring furniture and being actively involved in the community.

Contact Michelle

CHRISTY BARANOVICS
Senior Sales Manager

251-974-4621
[email protected]

Markets:

Alabama (Association, Corporate, Government & SMERF)
Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi

About Christy:

Christy joined Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism in 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience in hotel sales and event management. She loves spending time on the water with family and friends, exploring local boutiques, and discovering new and unique dining spots.

JENNA JOHNSON
Meeting Sales Coordinator

251-484-2470
[email protected]

Supports:

All Markets

About Jenna:

Jenna joined Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism in 2026 after graduating from Auburn University. She assists Michelle and Christy with site visits, client communication, and event coordination, helping planners bring their meetings to Alabama's Beaches. Jenna loves to soak up the sun, spend time at local coffee shops, playing pickleball, and baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Alabama's Beaches services cost our group anything?

Absolutely not! Our team lives and breathes Alabama's Gulf breeze and is happy to assist groups find suitable venues, off-sites, family activities and more - for free.

I'm working with a National Sales Office or third-party planner. Do I still need to work with Alabama's Beaches sales team?

Yes! We are well-versed in all things within the area and can help take your event to the next level.

Can't my host venue provide me with all the needed destination information and resources?

Venue contacts along Alabama's Beaches are certainly a great resource, but our sales team can give you the full scope of planning insight across the destination from vendor referrals and off-suggestions to team-building activities and catering options.

What can attendees and/or guests do during down time?

The list is virtually endless of things to do on Alabama's Beaches. From exploring the area's flora and fauna within Gulf State Park or Bon Secour National Wildlife to soft adventure like dolphin cruises and paddle boarding, there is something for any ability level in coastal Alabama. And, of course, the beach is an excellent option to sit back and soak up the sun.

attendees taking a photo after the meeting

Meet at the Beach!

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