The Greater Columbus Convention Center and Legends Global have announced the appointment of Dean Dennis, CVE, as general manager of the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC).
Dennis succeeds John Page as GM, who has stepped into a new position of regional vice-president of venue operations for Legends Global.
Dennis has more than 30 years of experience leading convention centres and public assembly venues across North America. He comes to Columbus from Memphis, Tennessee, where he most recently served as president and general manager of the Renasant Convention Center and Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. There he oversaw venue and fiscal operations throughout and following a comprehensive $230m venue renovation. His career also includes senior leadership roles with Global Spectrum/Spectra, where he led venue expansion and renovation projects and managed the opening of new convention centres and arenas. He also brings valuable Destination Marketing Organisation (DMO) experience to the general manager position, having served in a senior leadership role with the Pueblo Convention & Visitors Bureau.
As general manager, Dennis will work closely with the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority.
Ken Paul, executive director of the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, which owns and operates the Greater Columbus Convention Center, said: “The GCCC is a vital public asset that drives the region’s visitor economy. Under Dean’s leadership, we will build on our strong foundation, expand our reach, and position Columbus to continue winning on the national stage.”
