New convention center GM sees big opportunity
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Photo: Feinknopf Photography / Brad Feinknopf
The new head of the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) says he's ready to capitalize on decisions that have positioned Columbus for a "really bright future" in the national events landscape.
Why it matters: Columbus has spent years and millions of dollars to become a major convention destination, angling for the reputational and economic impact that comes with that status.
Driving the news: The convention center announced earlier this month that Dean Dennis would be its new general manager.
- Dennis previously ran Memphis' convention center.
- He succeeds John Page, who had helmed the GCCC for more than a decade.
The big picture: Conventions in the U.S. are a $100+ billion industry and have boosted the global profile of cities like Las Vegas, Orlando and Atlanta.
Zoom in: Columbus leaders know it, with Mayor Andrew Ginther making the economic impact of major events a focal point of his 2023 State of the City address.
- That emphasis has helped Columbus attract the 2027 NCAA Women's Final Four and national conferences for the Future Business Leaders of America, National Recreation and Park Association and American Society of Association Executives.
What they're saying: Dennis says he feels that momentum, and is excited to be in "a really cool city" with amenities he didn't have in Memphis.
- "I want to be somewhere where you can really sell something and have pride in your product, and Columbus has that," he tells Axios.
- He says Columbus leaders have been making the right decisions for decades, putting the city on its current trajectory.
Case in point: Our Indiana neighbors provide some inspiration for that trajectory.
- "Indianapolis is kind of a nondescript city that, all of a sudden, now is this big convention destination," Dennis says.
What we're watching: How will Dennis leave his mark on the GCCC? He's not sure just yet, but he's learning the city and his new building.
- "I got lost this weekend," he says with a laugh. "I'm sure the people in the security command center were like, 'Who is this guy? He's wandering around pulling on doors.'"