Brad Gessner,
Assistant General
Manager
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Brad Gessner, a 30-year meeting industry professional, is the new General Manager of the award-winning San Diego Convention Center. He was named interim General Manager last July and promoted to his current post in October.
As General Manager, Mr. Gessner is responsible for all day-to-day operations at our 2.6 million square-foot facility, including building services, maintenance and capital improvements. He oversees a staff of approximately 350 people and an annual budget of approximately $15 million.
Actively involved in the Convention Center’s sales and marketing efforts, Mr. Gessner also directs our service departments, including event management, convention services, convention staffing, operations, administrative services, housing services and restaurant and concierge services. These departments are key to our ability to deliver a high level of service to clients and guests.
Mr. Gessner also directs and manages the Convention Center’s contracted vendor services as they pertain to event activity in our building.
Prior to 1996, Mr. Gessner was the Convention Center’s Event Services Director. He later served as the Deputy General Manager of the 360-acre Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack and most recently was the General Manager at WestWorld of Scottsdale, an equestrian and special events complex.
Mr. Gessner returned to the San Diego Convention Center in February 2006 as the Director of Convention and Event Services.
“It’s an honor to be given this responsibility to build on our Center’s record of excellence in providing a world-class facility and outstanding client services,” Mr. Gessner said. “And to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible team of professionals.”
Ron King,
Director of
Event Services
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Ron King recently joined the San Diego Convention Center as our new Director of Event Services.
Mr. King, who has more than 20 years experience in the convention, hospitality and entertainment industry, manages and oversees our Event Management team. Additionally, he is responsible for contracted services as they pertain to event activity, including audio visual production, business services, specialty concessions and labor.
Before relocating to San Diego, Mr. King was employed by SMG, a facility management, marketing, and development company. He was the General Manager of the Puerto Rico Convention and prior to that, General Manager, Director of Operations, for the Salt Place Convention Center and South Towne Exposition Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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