State hospitality, tourism group honors M&M Productions worker as employee of year

Barry Dunford, audiovisual manager for M&M Productions USA, which is based in Oak Ridge, has been named Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association employee of the year in the small business category. The award recognizes Dunford’s work for the Knoxville Convention Center, a press release said.

Dunford manages operations and sales for audiovisual services within the Knoxville Convention Center. That’s one of M&M Productions’ venue-based service clients. The company provides a full-time, on-site employee to cover audiovisual needs for every event, the press release said.

“Having Barry and M&M Productions on-site makes our events more successful,” said Mary Bogert, general manager of the Knoxville Convention Center. “His expertise and the company’s turnkey approach in audiovisual technology, lighting, staging, special effects, and overall production enhance all of our clients’ events.”

The release said Dunford has coordinated hundreds of events at the Convention Center for clients such as the Knoxville News Sentinel, Knoxville Area Urban League, Regal Entertainment Group, Scripps Networks Interactive, and multiple government organizations. Clients refer to him as the “hospitality guru,” and he consistently earns the highest customer satisfaction ratings within the company.

“Barry is key to our company and its success,” said Jonathan Letson, director of audiovisual services for M&M Productions. “His work ethic, technical ability, and dedication to the success of his events help the Convention Center exceed client expectations.”

Dunford started with M&M Productions USA as a contract employee in 2011 and joined the company full-time in 2013 after he excelled at managing several broadcasting events. The release said his passion for audiovisual events began as a youngster when he handled video production at his church. Dunford volunteered his time throughout his teenage years before he was hired to handle promotions and production as the live production director at Faith Promise Church. He continues to volunteer his time and talents with churches and civic organizations.

Dunford lives in Anderson County with his wife, Ashley, and infant son, Barry Williams Dunford III.

The Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association represents the hospitality and tourism industry in the Volunteer State.

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