Los Angeles-based AEG Facilities (AEG) has expanded its Convention Center Management & Services Division by bringing on board Brad Gessner as vice president of convention centres. Gessner, who has more than 30 years of events industry experience, arrived from his post of general manager at the 240,000 sqm San Diego Convention Centre, which he also helped open in 1989, and will, according to AEG: “Focus on implementing AEG’s industry-acclaimed resources network-wide and further augment the company’s existing infrastructure.”

Other roles Gessner has performed include convention services manager for the Sheraton on Harbor Island, also in San Diego, and facilities manager for the San Antonio Convention Centre, Texas. He is also adjunct faculty professor and visiting lecturer at San Diego State University’s Hospitality & Tourism Management Department.

Bob Newman, president of AEG, said: “We recognise there is demand in the industry to change the model of success for great convention centres and destinations. As operators of some of the world’s most successful convention centres, we are in a position to utilise our unique resources to bring together community and hospitality industry stakeholders in a new and collaborative manner that will increase occupancy levels and bottom line performance at world-class facilities.”

Gessner added: “I’m thrilled to work with a highly talented team that has helped AEG grow its successful convention centre business practice. The resources in place and entrepreneurial approach that AEG is known for will revolutionise, in a very positive way, the convention centre industry.”

AEG Facilities, a stand-alone affiliate of AEG, owns, operates or provides services to more than 100 venues worldwide, including the O2 Arena in London, STAPLES Centre in Los Angeles, Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, O2 World in Berlin, Allphones Arena in Sydney and Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha.

Pictured: Brad Gessner