Linda Gelfin,  Market and Strategic Research

Ms. Gelfin is president and owner of Integrated Research and Communications, LLC. She has 20 years of experience in strategic research, specializing in the leisure, hospitality, and tourism industries. She first assisted LBA's managing director when he was with Berkshire Ridefilm in 1991. At that time, she provided key research for a proposed new theme park attraction at Universal Studios. 

She began her professional career in Washington, D.C. in 1989 as a sole proprietor. The firm became known as L. Gelfin Associates in 1997. In 2001, she founded Integrated Research and Communications, LLC (IR&C) in Bethesda, Maryland. In 2002, Ms. Gelfin relocated the company to Florida. 

As a reliable and dedicated team member, Ms. Gelfin has consulted on a wide range of leisure, hospitality, and tourism projects that have included numerous high-profile studies. She has performed research and analysis for comprehensive master plans, market and financial feasibility studies, business development initiatives, and public policy programs. Independently, she has also developed content for marketing materials and media projects.  Additionally, Ms. Gelfin has served as liaison to various businesses and government agencies on behalf of her clients and their specific needs and interests.  

While attracting new business, Ms. Gelfin has maintained long-term relationships for IR&C with a variety of clients from her sole proprietorship that include: Economics Research Associates; Cipher Systems, LLC; and a Fortune 500 company.  Included among Ms. Gelfin’s previous clients are: Washington Information Group, Ltd.; The Jack Morton Company; National Football League; International Theme Park Services, Inc.; Funworld (a publication of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions); and National Geographic Traveler (a publication of the National Geographic Society). She has also provided services to Hollywood special effects wizard Douglas Trumbull’s companies; including Berkshire Ridefilm, Ridefilm Corporation (a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation), and The Trumbull Company, Inc. Other clients consist of publicly traded telecommunications, health care, consumer products, and information technology companies.  

On an honorary note, Ms. Gelfin was named a member of the Super Bowl XXXIX 2005 Super Celebration Subcommittee and the Host Committee Special Events Subcommittee.  She is currently a member of the Travel and Tourism Research Association.

Educated in the social sciences, Ms. Gelfin holds a master’s degree from The George Washington University, where she earned a number of awards for her work on specialized research and marketing projects.  She also holds a bachelor’s degree from Temple University, where she received awards for outstanding service and dedication.  Ms. Gelfin participated in several international tourism programs and has visited numerous regions throughout the globe to include: Western Europe, Southeast Asia, Polynesia, and the Caribbean. She has also traveled extensively throughout North America. She continued her postgraduate education at The George Washington University and Florida Atlantic University, and has completed professional development and executive education courses in business and communications.  

Ms. Gelfin has established a reputation among her clients for her dependability, personalized attention, and outstanding service. She can be directly reached at lindagelfin@leisure-business.com.