Introducing Chris Klauda
Meet Chris Klauda, Senior Consultant at Blue Room Research and member of the SETTRA Board since 2019, currently serving as Past President after completing two terms as Chapter President.
What is your current role with your organization?
As part of the team at Blue Room Research, I work to help our clients get the data they need, analyze the data they already have, make better strategic decisions, and bridge the gap between data and action.
What is your current role as a board member of SETTRA?
I’ve been on the SETTRA board since 2019 and have been involved with TTRA for over 30 years. I am also a board member on the international TTRA board. Being part of the SETTRA board has allowed me to connect with industry colleagues in a unique and meaningful way. While we come from a variety of perspectives – vendors, clients, academics and even competitors, we are united in the goal of promoting travel and tourism research in the Southeast region and connecting professionals who share a passion for this industry.
My personal goal is to support the mission of SETTRA in tangible and collaborative ways. I believe it is important to continually welcome new people to the SETTRA community who are willing to share their insights and expertise.
Where It All Started
The common thread across my career has been data analysis and research – conducting B2C and B2B market research and interpreting and integrating all types of data including economic, government and especially lodging. Over the years I have worked in various industries, including CPG, political polling, but most of my career has been in hospitality and tourism.
Prior to Blue Room Research I spent over ten years with STR/CoStar on the Product Analytics and Insights team.
I hold a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.
Advice & Outlook
- Be curious.
- Seek advice from a variety of people – people LOVE to give their advice.
- Look for a position that you can connect with and that gives you joy – maybe not all the time but at least most of the time.
- Make genuine connections with as many people as possible. You never know when someone you meet will become your boss or your employee.
- Take the opportunity to travel as much as possible.
Fun & Personality
What’s one surprising fact about you?
I serve on the Germantown Public Arts Committee in Nashville TN. Our group supports public art initiatives throughout the neighborhood. My recent accomplishment was leading an initiative in which we “wrapped” traffic signal boxes with locally themed artwork created by Nashville artists.
Outside of research and data, what’s your favorite way to recharge?
I am a big reader. My latest book recommendation is The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez, and any book by Ann Patchett. I am a huge fan.
What destination is currently at the top of your must-visit list?
Internationally, I would love to visit the Galapagos Islands. Domestically, my next trip is to a beach. I’ve been to many beaches around the U.S. One beach area I have not visited is the Pacific Northwest.
Get In Touch
TTRA is a highly respected and established organization dedicated to advancing the standards of travel and tourism research and analysis. With its focus on excellence, professionalism, quality, and inclusivity, TTRA is the go-to source for professionals in the industry seeking to stay ahead in their field.