Global Spectrum, manager of more than 115 other public assembly facilities around the world, announced its general manager of the Owensboro Convention Center as the recipient of the 2014 Facilities and Destinations ELITE Award.
Dean Dennis was recognized for “Spearheading New Initiatives.” Facilities and Destinations Magazine created the award to recognize leading professionals making a difference and being high-achievers in the meetings, events and convention center industry. From around the country were 15 convention center executives given the award and are a featured section in the March issue of the Magazine.
Before leaving to open the Pueblo Convention Center on behalf of Globe Facility Services, the predecessor company of Global Spectrum, Dennis served as vice president of the Convention and Visitors Council for the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce from 1992 to 1997. In 2001, he was promoted to vice president within the Global Spectrum family to develop new business in North America and oversee regional accounts.
Dennis returned to the general manager position and the Pueblo community in 2008 before transferring to Owensboro this past April to manage the Convention Center, which opened in January 2014.
“This award is well deserved and comes as no surprise to the City of Owensboro. Dean came to Owensboro during the planning phase for our new convention center and has surpassed all expectations with his work,” said Bill Parrish, city manager, City of Owensboro. “Having delivered on his promise for the potential of this convention center, Dean has demonstrated a tremendous ability to pack the house with new events for our community.”
With over 20 years in the industry, Dennis’ experience includes service as a board member of the Colorado Travel & Tourism Authority and as president of the Tourism Industry Association of Colorado. As a graduate of the Public Assembly Management School at Oglebay, Dennis currently serves on the board of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.
“Dean has done an outstanding job in creating exciting opportunities in Owensboro,” said Global Spectrum President John Page. “His energy and enthusiasm is contagious. This recognition is a true testament to Dean’s hard-work ethic and his ability to rally everyone to come together for the benefit of the cause. He is an incredible leader who can get everyone to work together and make great things happen.”
