June 25, 2008. Austin, Texas. - Paul S. Barnes has been named Convention Facility Manager of the Austin Convention Center. His responsibilities include overseeing three Convention Center departments: sales and booking; event coordination; and PR/marketing. In making the announcement, Mark Tester, Director of the Austin Convention Center Department, indicated that Barnes will also work closely with the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Barnes hails from New Orleans where he has over 20 years experience as a sales and marketing and operations leader within the hotel community. He was previously the Director of Sales with the Royal Sonesta Hotel, then Director of Sales and Marketing with the Chateau Sonesta Hotel before joining the Renaissance Hotels of New Orleans.
Barnes was active in the convention and meeting business industry in New Orleans, serving on both the Convention and Tourism Committees for the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention Visitors Bureau. He also was on the Board of Directors of the French Quarter Business Association, the North Rampart Main Street Association and Skal International.
“We’re excited to welcome Paul to our team,” said Mark Tester. “His extensive experience and strong credentials will help insure that we retain and capture convention and trade show business that will enable us to be the economic engine for the City of Austin.”
Barnes received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. He is a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). A native of Louisiana with two children, Barnes’ first job in the hospitality industry was in Texas, and he is thrilled to be back in the Lonestar state.
Since the Austin Convention Center opened in 1992, nearly six million people have attended over 2,500 events, including about 600 conventions. The facility, which doubled in size in 2002, features nearly 250,000 square feet of column-free exhibit hall space, seven ballrooms and 54 meeting rooms. It hosts an average of 175 events and 45 conventions each year. In addition to the Austin Convention Center, the Austin Convention Center Department manages the Palmer Events Center and three parking garages.
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For more information, contact:
Terri McBride, Public Information Officer/P.R. Manager, Austin Convention Center Department
512.404.4020 or terri.mcbride@ci.austin.tx.us