(WACO, Texas – Nov. 7, 2024) — ASM Global [1], the world’s No. 1
development full-service venue and live events company, has named Kathy
Bart, as the new general manager of the Waco Convention Center [2] in Waco,
Texas. Bart is a former executive at DeVos Place Convention Center in
Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is a regional director of sales for ASM
Global.
Leveraging ASM Global’s unmatched expertise and comprehensive service,
Bart will lead the company’s efforts in elevating the Waco Convention
Center guest experience and operations, unlocking new opportunities to
attract innovative programming and new events, and foster connections
to the Waco community.
In making the announcement, Dan Hoffend, executive vice president,
convention centers, ASM Global said, “Kathy is 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 the Waco Convention Center to
a new level, as well as positioning Waco as a premier event
destination.”
In her role as director of sales and event services for DeVos Place
Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Bart was 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.
“We are excited to welcome Kathy Bart to Waco and look forward to the
positive impact ASM Global will bring to our convention center,” said
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 the 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.”
Bart is an active member of the Michigan Society of Association
Executives and is a current board president of the Convention Sales
Professionals International, where she has been a longtime member. Bart
shares her expertise with the next generation of event leaders in the
Hospitality Program at Grand Valley State University and has facilitated
on-site student learning opportunities at DeVos Place Convention Center.
She was the CSPI Shawn Corwin Myland Award nominee in 2020 and was named
“Best Supplier” in Michigan Meetings + Events magazine’s 2020 Hall
of Fame.
“I’m thrilled to join the talented team at the Waco Convention
Center,” Bart said. “Building on the center’s commitment to
excellence and community engagement, I look forward to working together
to elevate this venue to new heights and drive meaningful economic
impact for the City of Waco and the region.”
About ASM Global
Award-winning ASM Global [3] is the world’s No. 1 development and
full-service venue company focused on client-first approaches for
driving significant financial success. The company’s elite network
spans five continents, featuring a portfolio of more than 400 of the
world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention/exhibition
centers, and performing arts venues.
ASM Global translates its unique visionary ownership experience into
innovative project development, planning, and execution; content
programming; curated guest-immersive experiences; locally tailored
solutions, and optimized revenue streams for our client’s properties
and surrounding communities. Focused on value creation and economic
growth, ASM Global realizes venue business potential to elevate the
profitability and profile of our clients and partners. We cultivate
strong, inclusive relationships with the communities we work and live in
while championing the welfare and development of our employees and
small-business partners, resulting in a more cohesive, resilient, and
vibrant community.
ASM Global’s expertise and commitment extends across existing venue
management, new venue development, and transformative renovation
projects across the most exciting properties in the industry, including
Kai Tak Sports Park (Hong Kong), Caesars Superdome (New Orleans,
Louisiana), The Moscone Center (San Francisco, California), AO Arena
(Manchester, U.K.), The Greek Theatre (Los Angeles, California), Desert
Diamond Arena (Glendale, Arizona) and Fishers Event Center (Fishers,
Indiana).
Follow us on Facebook [4], Instagram [5], LinkedIn [6] and Twitter [7].
asmglobal.com [3]
