Hotel guru works to attract conventions.

Byline: Paul W. Sullivan

Apr. 2--Convincing meeting planners to associate Montgomery with conventions like they would Coke and soft drinks is the daunting challenge facing Ray Ezelle, sales and marketing director for the city's new hotel and convention center.

"We are trying to brand Montgomery as a convention destination," Ezelle said. "We are trying to change the perception of Montgomery."

At stake are millions of dollars in tax revenue and income for hotels, restaurants and businesses small and large. And Ezelle, the veteran of many a conventi