AEG Commences Management of Los Angeles Convention Center

AEG Facilities has officially taken over as the private-sector operator of the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LA Tourism) announced yesterday.

“We’re excited for this next chapter at the Convention Center and hope this will bring more conventions and visitors to improve Los Angeles’ economy,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

AEG Facilities — the facilities management arm of sports, entertainment and venue operator AEG — has chosen Regional Vice President of Convention Centers Brad Gessner to be LACC’s new general manager. Gessner, who joined AEG Facilities in 2012, previously was general manager of the San Diego Convention Center.

As part of the management change, AEG Facilities already has made a number of upgrades and improvements at LACC. Beginning Jan. 1, for instance, it will launch “Taste of LA,” a new food and beverage experience featuring upgraded menus in both concession fare and catering. Meanwhile, AEG also has named a new in-house A/V provider — Encore Events Technologies, the hospitality division of Freeman Co. — and has instituted an “approved vendor model” for trade shows that will allow show managers to select utility services from preferred provider lists vetted and compiled by LACC staff.

“Operational excellence is critical to our ability to deliver the best possible service and solutions to our convention partners, and now L.A. has the best in the business,” said Ernest Wooden Jr., president and CEO of LA Tourism. “Not only is AEG a trusted partner, but is one of the world’s leading owner-operators of sports and entertainment facilities, including L.A. LIVE, which shares LACC’s campus. We’re thrilled to embark on this new collaboration. Brad and the AEG Facilities team share our passion for L.A. and the endless meetings opportunities in the City of Angels.”