November 21, 2007. Austin, Texas -- The City of Austin has named Mark Tester as the new director for the Austin Convention Center Department. Tester is currently the senior director of convention sales at Chicago’s McCormick Place, the largest convention center in the Western hemisphere. Tester, who will be responsible for the management, operations, marketing and usage of the Austin Convention Center and the Palmer Events Center and their parking facilities, will begin on January 7, 2008.
At McCormick Place, the second largest convention center in the world, Tester was instrumental in generating revenue of over $100 million, attracting more than three million visitors annually, and opening the new West Building at McCormick, that added an additional 470,000 gross square feet of exhibit space and 250,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. ”
Tester, a seasoned veteran in the meeting business industry for 20 years, brings an impressive resume to his new position. He was with the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB) for ten years, holding several high-level positions, including vice president of convention sales and senior director of new business development. Before joining CCTB, Tester was regional sales manager for Sonesta International Hotels Corporation in Atlanta, and national sales manager with Sonesta Villa Resort Orlando. “Mark brings with him more than a decade of management and sales experience at the largest convention center in the country,” said Rudy Garza, Assistant City Manager. “His professional experience and his desire to contribute to a vibrant and accomplished team will make him an asset as we move forward to make Austin a national convention destination.” “I am thrilled to be part of the Austin Convention Center Department team,” added Tester. “Austin is an exciting and emerging destination in the convention and tradeshow industry. I’m looking forward to working with this premier facility and a great staff, and maintaining and building upon its leadership position in this highly competitive industry.”Tester was selected from a national search process which produced about 100 candidates. The Austin interview panel, which consisted of community and industry leaders who work closely with the Austin Convention Center, unanimously recommended Mark Tester from a field of six finalists. The panel’s review pointed out Mark Tester’s strongest assets to include:
Tester received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Purdue University. He is an active member of Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), and American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). He will be residing in Austin with his wife, Sherie, and two children.
Department’s website, www.austinconventioncenter.com.
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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