ASM Global’s Waco Convention Center in Texas has a new general manager. Her name is Kathy Bart, and she comes from ASM’s DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she was director of sales and event services and, as such, responsible for growing and managing local, regional, and national business at the convention center, as well as collaborating with the local entities and stakeholders to execute events ranging from public shows to large annual association conventions. Her mission at the Waco location? Primarily to elevate the facility’s total guest experience and operations and unlock new opportunities to attract innovative programming and new events while fostering connections to the Waco community.
In making the announcement, Dan Hoffend, executive vice president/of convention centers at ASM Global, called Bart a talented leader with extensive experience in convention center management, event services, and hospitality. “I’m confident that her dedication and passion for our industry will be invaluable assets in bringing Waco Convention Center to a new level and positioning Waco as a premier event destination,” he said.
Currently an active member of the Michigan Society of Association Executives and board president of Convention Sales Professionals International, where she has been a longtime member, she shares her expertise with the next generation of event leaders in the Hospitality Program at Grand Valley State University. She has also facilitated on-site student learning opportunities at DeVos Place Convention Center.
“We are excited to welcome Kathy Bart to Waco and look forward to the positive impact ASM Global will bring to our convention center,” added Lisa Blackmon, assistant city manager for the City of Waco. “Kathy’s leadership and expertise, along with the world-class capabilities of ASM Global, will elevate Waco Convention Center and ensure it remains a premier venue. We look forward to seeing how her leadership and the experience ASM Global brings will drive even greater success for Waco as a key destination in Texas.”
Her response to all this? “I’m thrilled to join the talented team at Waco Convention Center. Building on the center’s commitment to excellence and community engagement, I look forward to working together to elevate this venue and drive meaningful economic impact for the City of Waco and the region.”
As an aside, award-winning ASM Global’s elite network spans five continents and features a portfolio of more than 400 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention/exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. One of its missions is to develop strong, inclusive relationships while championing the welfare and development of its employees and small business partners, resulting in a more cohesive, resilient, and vibrant community. Kathy Bart fits right in!
