Dusty Rhodes

President & CEO · Conventures Inc · company speakers →

The year was 1977 and Dusty Rhodes had a new idea – to use special events as a marketing medium. As a result of her ability to execute big picture strategies with critical small detail planning, she was able to establish clientele and create one of the first special events companies of its kind in the country - Conventures. Now over 40 years and 5,000 events later, Conventures has earned its reputation as New England’s leading special events company through innovation, creativity, knowledge of the community, and total commitment to producing events in a “first class” manner. Among her many high-profile achievements, Dusty has had a significant impact on the maritime industry since the late 1980s. When presented with the idea of bringing the Tall Ships back to Boston as part of the 500th Anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ historic journey to Boston, Dusty took it on with vigor. After much hard work, Dusty successfully produced Sail Boston 1992. Through her efforts, the Tall Ships returned in 2000, 2009, and 2017. Over the years, Dusty was able to make the events even more robust through her engagement with multiple event stakeholders, the general public and businesses. Additionally, with her “All boats rise” mantra, Dusty sought partner organizations that would benefit from the Tall Ships’ visit. She quickly developed marketing partner programs that connected local hotels, restaurants, and attractions to the event through sharing intellectual property rights and promotional activities. In additional to Sail Boston, upon the Bicentennial of the US Navy’s ship “CONSTITUTION”, Dusty planned the city’s celebration of the US Navy’s ship Old Ironsides by welcoming the ship into Boston Harbor on July 23, 1998. A Bicentennial Salute Committee, chaired by William O. Taylor, chairman and publisher of The Boston Globe, was formed to oversee the 1998 activities. The committee then retained Dusty and Conventures to produce all the Bicentennial activities. Boston’s inaugural International Naval Review was a stirring opening to the planned festivities. Fifteen naval vessels and tall ships from around the world paraded into the port to formally salute Old Ironsides, the world’s oldest commissioned fighting ship afloat. Throughout the week, the public was able to board the international vessels berthed at the Charlestown Navy Yard, the Black Falcon Terminal, The United States Coast Guard Station, and the World Trade Center. Other activities that took place included a crew parade through downtown Boston, seamanship competitions, and liberty parties for the international visitors. It was estimated that the event generated $25 million in economic impact, as well as a lot of enjoyment. Not only has Dusty planned maritime centered events, but has also spearheaded sporting events, galas, non-profit events, First Night Boston, Boston Harborfest’s Parade of Lights, and Reebok’s Boston 10K for Women, just to name a few. All of the events she has created and managed have successfully targeted the in-bound international visitors and have been a major reason why our region’s international visitors have more than doubled in the last 20 years. Dusty has been awarded multiple times, featured in many renowned magazines and news networks, serves on many non-profit and corporate boards, and is a proud mother of six children.

Is this you? Claim this profile →