Catherine joined DePrez Travel Bureau, Inc. in 1995. After graduating from the Wilma Boyd Career College, she worked for the Automobile Club of Rochester for 10 years where she worked through the ranks learning all aspects of travel planning from airline reservations, vacation travel , group travel and touring. As the Director of Incentive, Groups and Events, she oversees the division which arranges all types of group travel including group airline reservations, motorcoach tours, family reunions, corporate incentive & recognition events, association meetings & conferences and custom specialty tours. She takes a very hands-on roll and continues to actively plan and coordinate many events for clients in addition to leading her skilled team. Catherine has traveled extensively during her career throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Europe.

Area of Expertise: Incentive travel, custom tours, special events, all aspects of transportation

Fun Fact: Catherine was the first travel planner in the world to approach Ironman Worldwide to develop a custom spectator program centered around the Ironman Championships in Kona, Hawaii as part of a corporate incentive event. The VIP program has been a huge success creating a very memorable and motivational experience for the participants.

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Karen Hein
Director of Event Services

Karen Hein is a 31 year veteran of the housing industry with 21 years at DePrez Travel. She holds a degree in Hotel Management from Paul Smith’s College and worked for 12 years in the hotel industry with Holiday Inn, Marriott and Hilton Properties. From Reservations Manager and front office management in the hotel industry to Director of Housing Services at DePrez, Karen has trained on all operating systems and aspects of customer service.

Area of Expertise: Conference registration, customer service, site building, room block management, block procurement

Fun Fact: Karen was on a crew that rebuilt a cottage and can do plumbing, electrical, drywall, etc. She’s also an expert on a compound miter saw!

Gwen Brennick
Group Specialist

Gwen is a graduate Fredonia State University with a Bachelors Degree in Art and attended Monroe Community College for their Tourism and Travel program. She lived and worked in Hawaii as a teacher for 17 years before moving back to New York. For the past 16 years, Gwen has worked at DePrez Travel Bureau as a group and incentive travel coordinator, traveling with groups to Germany, France, Ireland, Mexico, Canada and many destinations throughout the Caribbean and across the United States. Along with corporate groups she has worked with special interest groups, goodwill ambassadorial groups, student study groups, family and church groups. Gwen has also traveled to England, Scotland (including the Outer Hebrides), Italy, Denmark, Amsterdam, and to all 50 states in the U.S.

Area of Expertise: With her years in the Hawaiian Islands and her many return visits, she is our Hawaii expert. New Orleans is a second home to her; she has lead a group there yearly to the annual French Quarter Festival for the past 10 years. Through work and travel, Gwen also has extensive knowledge of France and Ireland.

Fun Fact: Gwen loves zip lining and stand-up paddle boarding.

Tammie Vandermeulen
Senior Meeting Planner

Tammie graduated from Oklahoma Wesleyan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts. After teaching for 3 yrs., and managing a florist for 10, she moved into the hospitality industry, working as front desk clerk and a night auditor. Wishing to further her eduaction, Tammie graduated with honors from a Travel and Tourism Program earning a Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) Certificate. She came to DePrez about 19 years ago as a Groups and Incentives Planner. Tammie developed and managed all company websites for over 10 years. She currently manages convention housing and registration, incentive and group travel, and corporate meeting planning. Tammie also specializes in working with events brought into the Rochester area.

Area of Expertise: Knowledge on all facets of the group industry - including registration management, incentive trips, group events, meetings, and convention management.

Fun Fact: Tammie is a Master Judge for Kansas City BBQ Society and a Certified Steak Judge for SCA.