submitted by Mary Klida, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager, Huntington Place
DETROIT — Feb. 20, 2024 – Today, Becky Bixby, interim general manager for Huntington Place/ASM Global, is pleased to announce that Huntington Place has hired Heather Anderson as marketing and communications director for the venue. Anderson will be taking over the position from Mary Klida who headed marketing and communications efforts for Detroit’s convention center since 2010. Klida is retiring March 31.
“We are incredibly grateful for all the work that Mary has produced over the past 14 years. Huntington Place’s name has been in the spotlight for much of that time thanks to her,” said Bixby. “The marketing department is at an amazing place that will continue to grow for years to come due to Mary’s efforts.”
Anderson will be leading a team that includes the Huntington Place Social Media Manager, who coordinates efforts on all Huntington Place social media platforms. The team also includes the facility’s Senior Digital Graphic Designer, who manages design work and operation of the Huntington Place digital signage system that includes the massive exterior 4,000 square-foot marquee sign and 3,000 square-foot sign that wraps around the building on the corner of Washington Boulevard and Congress Street in downtown Detroit.
“We’re so excited to bring Heather Anderson to the Huntington Place team,” said Bixby. “She is an award winning ASM Global marketer who knows convention center operations and is ready to take the Huntington Place team to the next level.”
Coming from the ASM Global operated Cox Business Convention Center, Tulsa Oklahoma’s convention facility, Anderson brings a wealth of knowledge on convention center operations and creative endeavors that keep venue marketing programs on the cutting edge of the industry. She will be working closely with the Huntington Place Sales and Guest Experience departments to map the customer journey from beginning to end and enhance the venue service offering.
Anderson will also become an integral part of the award-winning Huntington Place sustainability program, heading the marketing and communications to all customers and stakeholders to encourage zero waste practices and coordinate local Detroit green efforts with the convention center. The program was first formed in 2011 with the creation of the center’s Green Committee that is comprised of members from every department and vendor company in the facility. Huntington Place is currently the largest LEED certified facility in the state of Michigan.
“Heather’s ability to think outside the box will shape not only the future of our venue but our customer’s experience as we welcome them here whether for the first time or the 20th time,” said Bixby.
About Huntington Place
With 723,000 square feet of exhibit space, Huntington Place, Detroit’s convention center, boasts one of the largest contiguous exhibit floor spaces in North America and has the largest ballroom in Michigan with 40,000 square feet. It is a LEED Gold certified venue and has received numerous industry awards for excellence including the 2020 USGBC Leadership Award for Building Performance, making it the only convention center in the history of the award to receive it. It is the 16th largest convention center in the United States. Visit online at huntingtonplacedetroit.com
About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management—delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, performing arts venues, and convention and exhibition centers. Visit online at asmglobal.com
