Luxury Hospitality Veteran Joins Legends Global-Managed Venue
(CLEVELAND, OH ) – The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, a premier destination for conventions, trade shows, meetings and special events, and Legends Global announced the appointment of Michelle Thomas as the new assistant general manager.
Michelle brings more than 20 years of progressive hospitality leadership experience built entirely within the Cleveland market, most recently serving as Director of Hotel Operations at The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland. Over the course of her career at the landmark luxury property, Michelle advanced through every level of hotel operations, from Front Office Agent to Rooms Executive Manager and, most recently, Director of Hotel Operations, developing deep expertise in guest services, financial stewardship, team development and large-scale operational planning.
She has overseen multidisciplinary teams across rooms, food and beverage and front-of-house operations, managed complex budgets and guided the property through various multi-million-dollar renovations. Recognized as a Marriott task force expert, Michelle has assisted in opening and stabilizing multiple luxury properties, including the St. Regis Chicago and The Ritz-Carlton Portland, and was selected in 2024 for the Western Region Rooms Advisory Council Board for Luxury.
In her new role, Michelle will support operational strategy and performance within the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland’s premier event spaces, partnering closely with the venue’s leadership and operational teams on event execution and strategic planning for the conventions, trade shows, meetings and major events that draw hundreds of thousands of guests to downtown Cleveland each year.
“Michelle is deeply rooted in Cleveland’s hospitality community, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland team,” said Mike Campo, General Manager of the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “Her record of operational excellence, her ability to develop high-performing teams and her commitment to this city make her exactly the right leader to help us raise the bar for every client, guest and partner we are proud to serve.”
“I am honored to join the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and the Legends Global team,” said Michelle. “This venue is a cornerstone of Cleveland’s convention and events landscape, with tremendous opportunity ahead. Through collaborative, people-centered leadership, I look forward to working alongside our talented team to deliver best-in-class experiences for every client, guest and partner while deepening the Center’s connection to the greater Cleveland community.”
The appointment reflects the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland’s continued commitment to assembling a world-class leadership team as the venue strengthens its position as a premier destination for conventions, corporate events and large-scale gatherings in northeast Ohio.
About the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
Located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, Ohio, the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland is a premier destination for conventions, trade shows, meetings, and special events. Following a $50 million renovation completed in 2024, the center offers flexible, premier event space, with two ballrooms including a 32,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, 50 state-of-the-art meeting rooms, and expansive exhibit halls designed to accommodate events of every scale. Managed by Legends Global, the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland serves as a vital hub for business, commerce, and community engagement throughout Northeast Ohio, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. For more information, visit www.clevelandconventions.com.
About Legends Global
Legends Global is the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services, including feasibility & consulting, owner’s rep, sales, partnerships, venue management, hospitality, merchandise, and content & booking. Through our white-label approach, we keep our partners front and center while leveraging the power of our global network: over 450 venues, 20,000 events, and 165 million guests annually. To learn more, visit us at www.LegendsGlobal.com and follow us onLinkedIn and Instagram.
